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pyoung47's avatar
pyoung47
Explorer
Aug 15, 2016

Condensate Drain for Dometic Refrigerator

As many are aware the older Dometic refrigerators (mine is a 07 model) use a drain hose that after a few years disintegrates. Most of the postings that I have seen involve either removing the catch basin inside the refrigerator or pulling the entire unit out of the wall.

I found that with a little wiggling, I could reach the barb connector from the catch basin by reaching up through the outside access panel. I used a large butcher knife to cut the zip tie holding the old hose and removed it. I purchased about 3 1/2 feet of 1/2 inch ID, 5/8 OD vinyl at lowes and it pushed easily but securly over the barb. I fastened it with a compression clamp -- although I don't think it was necessary.

16 Replies

  • "I would question the installation if you have room to reach up and replace it- specs call for a maximum of 1" clearance at the back."

    I'm really not sure what you mean by "I would question the installation. . . . "

    This isn't a science of rockets, it just drains water from the inside of the refrigerator.

    Trust me, I did it.
  • I would question the installation if you have room to reach up and replace it- specs call for a maximum of 1" clearance at the back.
  • lawrosa wrote:
    The drain plug is only to keep bugs out... Not needed really IMO


    Apparently Dometic doesn't agree. From Page 23 of this Dometic Diagnostic Service Manual that plug is actually a check valve that serves a very important function ...

    "Another source for an air leaks could be the drain hose.
    When units are installed, there is a check valve at the end
    of the drain. At install the hose might be shortened and
    the check valve must be moved to the end of drain hose.
    Any time lack of performance or excessive frost is experienced, look for the check valve at the end of hose."


    Manual says nothing about looping the drain hose. ;)
  • Plug no - it's lost somewhere between here and the thousands of miles I've traveled. Loop yes. Tested -- good to go. (Wow! I followed the link for the plug. About $12.00 for that little dude.
  • The drain plug is only to keep bugs out... Not needed really IMO


    More important is did you install a loop in the line to act as a trap?

    This should be filled with water. This will keep the hot air out of the fridge from the outside..

    Its also the #1 reason many people cant keep the temps low in the fridge during the summer..