Fridge freezer building up ice
Ice where it should not be is usually warm damp air getting in through a door seal, or a blocked defrost drain — not a failed compressor.
Likely causes, ranked
- Damaged or dirty door gasket Most likely — Warm air leaks in and condenses. Test with a paper sheet — it should grip all round the door.
- Blocked defrost drain Likely — Water backs up and freezes at the back or under the drawer. Hotpoint E3 (defrost sensor fault) is often caused by a blocked drain.
- Failed defrost sensor or heater Likely — The coil behind the back panel ices over until airflow is blocked — codes E4/E5 (Hotpoint, Indesit).
- Door left ajar Less likely — A trapped item or a full appliance stops the door sealing; heavy frost follows within hours.
First checks
- Inspect and wipe the door gaskets; replace if torn or flat.
- Check the drain hole at the back of the fridge compartment is clear.
- Empty the freezer and defrost fully (doors open, unplugged, towels down) if frost is thick.
- Restart and watch for 24 hours.
Safety
Never chip ice with sharp tools — puncturing the refrigerant circuit is dangerous and not repairable.
Call a professional when…
Frost returns quickly after a full defrost — the defrost sensor, heater or gasket needs an engineer.