We’ve had a Sub-Zero refrigerator for about 8 years and never had any problems with it. Until recently. I kept finding water drips on the floor and it looked as if it was leaking from the bottom freezer compartment. Thought an ice cube or two had fallen out because it was intermittent. It would be dry for a few days, then leak like crazy, and then stop again. Strange. We cleared out the freezer (needed to do that anyway) and made sure the door seals were clean and tight.

The leaks continued so it was time to call in the professionals. Turns out there’s a condensation drain hose in the fridge behind the vegetable drawer. When he pulled the drawer out, there was the drain and, sure enough, it was clogged with ice. He cleaned it out and poured boiling water to clear the tube all the way through. When the drain was clogged, the condensation had nowhere to go but move out toward the front of the fridge, down the left side door and onto the floor. Once that drain hose was cleared, no more leaks. The tech suggested a periodic cleaning of the drain hose with boiling water to prevent further clogs. The Sub-Zero care manual doesn’t even mention the existence of this drain, much less instruct you to keep it clear.

The tech mentioned that he has seen this problem recur in many Sub-Zeros because, after time, the insulation between the fridge on top and the bottom freezer can disintegrate, allowing the cold air to penetrate the fridge and freeze the condensation in the drain tube. Apparently there’s a heater kit Sub-Zero will sell you to compensate for its crummy insulation but it’s expensive to buy and install. So, for now, I’m sticking with boiling water.

Has anyone out there had this problem too? How have you dealt with it?