Refrigerator Drain Plug

[Don Lucas]

I leave the drain plug in on my refrigerator to keep the cold in. But that also means that water collects and it is a pain to take everything out to drain and wipe out.

Who leaves theirs out and does it result in a temperature problem?

 

[Michael G]

If you put a vertical loop on the drain line to create a natural water plug within the line that will help to keep hot moist air from entering through the drain line causing condensation.

 

[Benny17441]

Check the seals on your lid or door as there should not be that much water inside a refrigerator. It does make a difference in refrigerator performance and power consumption to plug the drain. We use our drain mostly to let water out after cleaning and washing the fridge.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

My experience differs from Benny's. Every boat we've ever owned had a refrigerator drain and I've never noticed any negative effect on performance or power draw by plugging it. Theoretically there should be a loss of cold air via the drain but it appears insignificant in practical terms.

 

[JamesG161]

I use a Damp face cloth. Water flows through ---Drip Drip--- Air flow it stopped.
At end of cruise, Face cloth cleans inside of frig.
Jim...

 

[Ron20324]

I think the concern is much ado about nothing. I'd think a vertical loop J-trap would collect stuff and get blocked. SO, maybe put a plug in (if you really must) and pull it out once in a while to drain the box. My B323 has a pump to drain the box.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Don, on our boat rather than place the plug into the box drain hole I placed the plug into where the drain hose empties into the sump. That way it helps keep the cold in and warm out, plus what little moisture collects in the hose I empty periodically and replace the plug.