Improperly storing food or dirty interior surfaces could result in the condensation drain pipe inside of your refrigerator becoming clogged with food particles or debris. If this occurs, water may leak from both the freezer and refrigerator compartments and an icy buildup could accumulate in the freezer. A commercial refrigeration repair, which involves removing the contents of the unit, waiting for the ice to melt, and cleaning the inside of the appliance will need to be performed.
Assess The Conditions
Before you can unclog the drain, any items that are impeding the pipe's opening will need to be eliminated. If your restaurant utilizes the appliance for the storage of perishable ingredients that are prepared on the premises, come up with a temporary storage solution, which will salvage the food. An ice chest or an alternate refrigerator and freezer combo can be used while you are performing the repair.
Remove all of the food that you will be utilizing to prepare meals immediately and separate these ingredients from the food items that will not be required right away. Let your kitchen staff members know what your intentions are and the location of the ingredients that they will be using during their shifts. Unplug the appliance and move it away from the wall. Plastic sheeting or towels can be used to sop up water that continues to drip from the unit.
Add Baking Soda And Hot Water
Once any ice has melted, use a disinfectant and a sponge to clean the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Locate the drain pipe. It will resemble a round hole that is recessed along one of the interior walls of the unit. In some models, the drain pipe is located near the bottom of the appliance and will possess a lipped edge. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of baking soda into the opening of the drain pipe. Use a baster to add hot water to the pipe, soon afterward.
The combination of the baking soda and water will loosen foreign materials that are stuck to the inside of the pipe. If the water and baking soda backs up and starts to spill out of the drain line's opening, use a plumbing snake to assist with pushing foreign materials through the drain line. Dry the inside of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
Locate the drip pan, which will be located underneath the grate that runs along the bottom of the unit. Empty the pan and replace it, prior to moving the refrigerator against the wall and plugging in the appliance. After the unit has been running for a while, put the food back inside of each compartment.