The best way to clean Sub Zero drain tubes will depend on the specific model you have. The first step is to determine that you need to clean your Sub Zero drain tube. Signs that you need to do so include:
- A clogged, frozen, or dirty drain tube
- Water under or behind the crisper drawers
- Ice behind the crisper drawer near the drain
- Water coming out from the front of the refrigerator door
If the following instructions do not work to drain the tubes then it is time to call in the professionals.
Tips for Cleaning Drains on Sub Zero Models 501, 511, 532, 542, 550, 561, 601, 611, 632, 642, 650, 661, 680, 685, and 695
There are two main issues that may be occurring: It may be that you are dealing with a frozen drain tube or that there are food particles lodged in your drain tube. Before we tell you what to try, note that you should NOT disconnect the drain tube from the drain trough and you should NOT put anything down the tube. Even something like a brush can end up piercing the tube.
Turn off the refrigerator either at the On/Off button or you can turn the control dial down past 1 to OFF. Take out the glass shelf over the crisper and then the crisper. Note whether or not water or ice has collected behind this drawer.
If there is ice then you will want to make sure that the dial is set at 38F or 5 if there is a number dial control. Then get rid of the ice by using a steamer or defrosting the unit. Remove the two screws that are holding the kickplate in place and remove it from the bottom of the unit.
Note: If you have a 601, 501, or 201 model then you will also need to remove the lower grille. You can do this by removing the screws located on the corners and pulling the bottom of the grill out and up.
Now mix one quart of hot water with two caps full of bleach. Add a few drops of dish detergent and mix it up. If there is standing water in the trough across the rear wall, get rid of said water with a towel, sponge, or turkey baster.
You should now be able to see the drain trough that goes across the back of the refrigerator. Use your turkey baster or something similar to squirt the bleach solution you created. Keep doing this until the drain does not overflow into the fridge and instead drains into the pan that’s located under the unit.
Note: If you have a 501, 501, or 201 model you will need to reinstall the kickplate and screws as well.
