How to Replace DA61-06796A Drain Clip Evaporator on Samsung Refrigerator — Step-by-Step

You're hearing water dripping inside your Samsung fridge, or worse — finding puddles underneath the crisper drawers. Nine times out of ten, it's that small drain clip that's cracked or popped loose. The DA61-06796A drain clip keeps your evaporator drain tube positioned correctly so condensation flows where it should instead of pooling in your fridge. This clip costs less than ten bucks and takes about fifteen minutes to swap out once you know where to look.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the simpler refrigerator repairs you'll tackle. Here's what to grab:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for panel clips)
• Towel (condensation cleanup)
• Flashlight or phone light
• New DA61-06796A drain clip

Estimated time: 15-20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

You don't need to unplug the refrigerator for this repair, but you'll be working near the evaporator area. Avoid touching any refrigerant lines or electrical connections. If you see frost buildup in the evaporator compartment, let it thaw completely before starting — working around ice makes the job harder and you risk cracking other components.

Step 1: Empty the Freezer and Access the Evaporator Cover

Pull everything out of your freezer compartment so you can work. Look at the back wall — you'll see a rectangular panel held by several Phillips screws, usually 4-6 of them around the perimeter. Remove these screws and set them aside where they won't roll away. Gently pull the cover forward and down to release the clips at the top. You're now looking at the evaporator coils and drain assembly.

Step 2: Locate the Drain Tube and Clip Assembly

At the bottom center of the evaporator, you'll find a small plastic tube angled downward — that's your drain. The DA61-06796A clip wraps around this tube and snaps into the drain pan housing. If your clip is broken, you might see the tube hanging loose or positioned incorrectly. Use your flashlight to inspect the area and note how the clip should sit before you remove the old one.

Step 3: Remove the Old Drain Clip

The clip has two tabs that snap into slots on either side of the drain housing. Press these tabs inward simultaneously while pulling the clip away from the housing. If it's brittle from temperature cycles, it might break as you remove it — that's fine, you're replacing it anyway. Once the clip is off, pull the drain tube out slightly and wipe away any ice or debris from the area with your towel.

Step 4: Install the New DA61-06796A Clip

Position the drain tube at the correct angle (usually about 45 degrees downward into the drain pan). Slide the new clip over the tube, then align the tabs with the slots in the housing. Press firmly until you hear two distinct clicks — that's both tabs engaging. Give the tube a gentle tug to confirm it's secure. The tube shouldn't move more than a millimeter or two when properly clipped.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Line up the evaporator cover with the clips at the top first, then push it into place. Replace all the Phillips screws, tightening them snugly but not overtight — you're working with plastic. Reload your freezer items and close the door. Check under the crisper drawers in 24 hours. If you had water pooling before, it should be gone now that the drain tube is properly positioned.

Testing After Installation

Give your fridge a full defrost cycle to really test the repair. If you're still seeing water after 48 hours, you might have a clogged drain tube — not a failed clip. Pour a tablespoon of warm water down the drain opening to verify flow. You should hear it dripping into the drain pan underneath the fridge within a few seconds. No sound means there's a blockage further down that needs clearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this clip fit my Samsung refrigerator model?

The DA61-06796A fits a wide range of Samsung French door and side-by-side models, including RF217, RF263, RF266, RF28J, RF28R, and RS series refrigerators. It replaces older part numbers DA61-14306A, AP7020625, AP5579885, and PS4145120. Check your model number against the compatibility list on the product page — if your fridge is from 2010 or newer and uses a similar evaporator design, it'll likely work.

Can a broken drain clip really cause water leaks?

Absolutely. When the clip breaks, the drain tube shifts out of position or falls away from the drain pan opening. Condensation from the defrost cycle has nowhere to go except down onto the freezer floor, then under the crisper drawers in the fridge section. You'll see water pooling, and over time it can cause ice buildup in strange places. A ten-dollar clip fixes what looks like a serious leak problem.

Do I need to defrost my freezer before replacing this clip?

Not necessarily, but it makes the job easier. If your evaporator is covered in thick frost, you won't be able to see what you're doing or get the clip seated properly. A quick 30-minute thaw with the door open and a fan blowing in will clear enough ice to work safely. If there's just light frost, you can brush it aside and proceed carefully without a full defrost.