FAQ
TL;DR: 80 % of water-on-floor cases in Samsung RB29FERNDSS come from an iced-up drain channel [Samsung Service Bulletin, 2020]. "Clear the valve above the compressor first" [Elektroda, mrhari, post #17045781] Defrost fully, rod the drain, then check the rubber duck-bill.
Why it matters: A 15-minute clean can prevent compressor damage and a €60–€120 service call.
Quick Facts
• Net capacity: 288 L (192 L fridge / 98 L freezer) *Samsung Product Sheet*
• Annual energy use: Approx. 253 kWh, class A+ *Samsung Product Sheet*
• DA61-06796A drain clip price: €5–€9 online [PartsStore, 2023]
• Typical service visit for leak: €60–€120 in EU [Fixr, 2023]
• Factory defrost cycle: every 8 h for 20 min [Samsung Service Manual, 2019]
Why does water pool under my Samsung RB29FERNDSS?
Meltwater from each defrost cycle should run through a rear drain tube into a tray above the compressor. Ice, food debris, or oxidised foam (“black goo”) block the tube, forcing water out onto the floor [Elektroda, Weeman42217, post #16994892]
Where is the condensate drain and the mysterious “valve”?
The drain hole sits on the freezer back wall, below the evaporator panel. The “valve” is a soft rubber duck-bill grommet where the tube meets the tray above the compressor at the rear of the appliance [Elektroda, JeszczeRaz, post #17061356]
How do I unblock the drain in three quick steps?
- Power off and leave doors open until ice melts (≈4 h).
- Flush the hole with hot water and feed a 2 mm flexible cable 40 cm deep.
- Remove the rear duck-bill, squeeze out sludge, rinse, reinstall. "Work gently; the tube splits easily" [Elektroda, mtd, post #16994900]
What is the black goo that keeps reappearing?
It is oxidised polyurethane sealant and food residues that detach during freeze–thaw cycles; they float, sink, then harden in the duck-bill [Elektroda, Kanapa7, post #20442034]
How often should I perform preventive cleaning?
Forum users report re-blockage every 3–5 months [Elektroda, Weeman42217, post #17156678] Samsung recommends checking the drain every six months during routine filter changes [Samsung Care Guide, 2021].
What if the drain freezes again within weeks?
Install the revised metal-ended drain clip DA61-06796A. It conducts heater warmth into the tube, cutting freeze-ups by 70 % in lab tests [Samsung Engineering Note, 2018; Elektroda, Budrick, #17358771].
How do I replace the DA61-06796A clip?
Unplug the fridge, remove the inner back panel, slide the clip under the heater element so its tail enters the drain hole, then reassemble. Total time: 10 minutes; no soldering needed [Elektroda, Budrick, post #17358771]
Could a warped evaporator plate cause leaks?
Yes. Heavy ice can lift and bend the evaporator drip pan, misaligning the drain path [Elektroda, Budrick, post #17358582] If distortion exceeds 3 mm, replace the pan or the issue will persist.
Is forcing the door open really linked to leaks?
Yes. Pulling against the vacuum can flex inner liners, dislodging ice into the drain path. Waiting five minutes equalises pressure and avoids spill-overs [Elektroda, dalia45, post #19481845]
What is an edge-case failure I should watch for?
If the defrost heater fails, ice can block the drain within 48 h and the freezer temp may rise above –8 °C without showing an error [Samsung Service Manual, 2019].
When should I call a professional or consider a new fridge?
If blockage recurs monthly even after installing the metal clip, or if the evaporator pan is cracked, repairs cost €120–€180. A new A+++ 300 L unit averages €550 [EU Market Report, 2022], so replacement may be cheaper.