Fridge icing

[elephanto]

I have 2 larder fridges one freestanding and one inbuilt both have quite a build up of ice though they shouldn't have as it should drip down and out to evaporate. Any solutions or do I have 2 wonky fridges? I have defrosted one and put the thermo up to 5 to see if that will help.

[sddsddean]

Have you tried clearing the drain hole at the back in the 'gutter'? You should have been supplied with a plastic probe thing to poke it with.

[Clanad]

Assuming general similarity with U.S. made fridges (where I live) you'll probably find one of two things, although it's unusual for it to happen to two fridges at the same time.
1. Check the drain from the area at the back of the inside of the fridge where the melted ice gathers during the defrost cycle. If it's plugged, it could cause the build up.
2. More likely, though, is the failure of the auto defrost system. Here, the device(s) that defrost the ice are one or more small light bulb looking mechanisms. they are about 1 inch in diameter and probably 6 to 8 inches long. They emit heat to defrost the ice, which then drains to the tray/evaporator under the fridge (be sure to clean this evil smelling collector). It's a reasonably easy job to remove and replace the bulbs, however it could also be a circulating fan, which is also accesible, but difficult to describe, especially not knowing the make of your fridge.

Best of luck!