Refrigerator Drain Pan: To Empty Or Not?

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak in your kitchen. While commonly overlooked, you should clean your drip pan every 3 months to prevent any mould or odours from forming. The drip pan may be located in the front or rear of your fridge, and it may be removable depending on your fridge's model.

In normal operation, you don't need to empty the drip pan as the collected water evaporates into the air. However, if there is too much water in the drip pan, you should look into the cause. This could be due to a large amount of frost in your freezer, a faulty door gasket, or a stuck ice chute door.

How often should I empty the refrigerator drain pan?

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak in your kitchen. The water in the drip pan should ideally evaporate so that you don't have to empty it. However, if there is too much water in the drip pan, you will need to look into the cause.

In most cases, the water in the drip pan comes from the defrost function, which melts away excess frost. If there was a large amount of frost in your freezer and the defrost suddenly started working, this could lead to a higher amount of water in the drip pan.

Another potential cause of a full drip pan is a faulty door gasket, which is causing condensation on the inside of your refrigerator as warm air meets cold air. Usually, there is only a small amount when you open the refrigerator, but a constant stream of warm air from a faulty door seal can produce a lot of moisture that slides down to the drain tube and into the drip pan.

You should also check the ice chute door. If it is stuck, even just a small amount, the influx of warm air will cause melt inside your freezer, which will then drain out normally but will still produce more water than your drip pan can handle.

If you constantly need to empty your drip pan or it overflows, it could be a sign of a problem with your fridge, and it's a good idea to call a professional to diagnose the issue.

If you are manually emptying your drip pan, it is recommended to clean it at the same time. You should clean your drip pan every three months to prevent any mold or odors from forming.

How to clean a removable drain pan

The drip pan in your refrigerator captures defrosted ice from your freezer so that it doesn't leak. It is important to clean your drip pan every three months to prevent any mold or odours from forming. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a removable drain pan:

• Check your refrigerator's manual to locate the drip pan. It is usually found in the front or rear of your fridge, but it may vary depending on the model.
• Disconnect the water and power supply if you need to access the back panel. If your fridge has a water supply control, turn it off to prevent leaking. Unplug the fridge to avoid any electrical accidents.
• Pull your fridge out from the wall and clean the floor underneath.
• Unscrew the back panel if the drip pan is at the rear. Keep the screws in a small bowl or container so you don't lose them.
• Pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge if the drip pan is in the front. Use a putty knife to slide between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off.
• Pull on the drip panel to see if it comes out of the fridge. It will be a small rectangular tray. If it cannot be removed, it is a non-removable drip pan, and you must clean it while it's still inside the fridge.
• If your drip pan is removable and has water, empty the water down the sink.
• Clean the drip pan with a bleach solution. Mix one part bleach with two parts warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any buildup or mold. Work from one side of the pan to the other, and apply firm pressure to break apart any residue.
• Rinse the drip pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
• Dry the drip pan before reinstalling it. Use paper towels or a cleaning cloth to ensure there are no water droplets, as this could lead to mold development.
• Once the drip pan is dry, slide it back into your fridge and replace the panels.

How to clean a non-removable drain pan

How to Clean a Non-Removable Refrigerator Drain Pan

Non-removable refrigerator drain pans are harder to clean than removable ones, but it's important to do so to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning a non-removable drain pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary supplies, including antibacterial cleaning wipes, cleaning fluid, and a flexible claw grabber. You can purchase a flexible claw grabber from a hardware store or online. If you don't have a flexible claw grabber, you can use a wire hanger instead.

Step 2: Locate the Drain Pan

The drain pan is usually located at the bottom of the refrigerator, either at the front or rear. Check your refrigerator's manual to find the exact location. If you can't find the manual, try looking online on the manufacturer's website.

Step 3: Disconnect the Power and Water Supply

If you need to access the back panel of the refrigerator, be sure to disconnect the power and water supply to avoid leaks and accidental shocks.

Step 4: Remove Any Panels Blocking Access to the Drain Pan

If the drain pan is at the rear, unscrew and remove the back panel. If it's at the front, pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge using a putty knife or screwdriver.

Step 5: Clean the Drain Pan

Open the claw grabber and place a cleaning wipe or a cloth soaked in cleaning fluid inside. Securely close the claw to hold the wipe or cloth in place. Carefully manipulate the claw grabber inside the drain pan to wipe up any dirt or residue. Be gentle to avoid damaging nearby components. Check the wipe or cloth regularly and replace it if it gets dirty.

Step 6: Pour in a Bleach and Water Solution

Once you've finished scrubbing, mix one part bleach with one part warm water and slowly pour the solution into the drain pan. This will help prevent mould and odours.

Step 7: Reassemble the Refrigerator

After cleaning, reattach any panels you removed and switch the water and electricity back on. Slide the refrigerator back into its original position.

Alternative Methods:

If you're looking for alternative methods to clean a non-removable drain pan, here are a few suggestions:

• Use a small thin paint roller with a long handle to scrub the pan and soak up water.
• Use a straw attached to a shop vacuum to suck out standing water.
• Pour small amounts of white vinegar into the pan and let it soak to help break up residue.
• Use a long-bristled brush to scrub away scum.

What to do if the drain pan is leaking

If your refrigerator's drain pan is leaking, you will need to clean or replace it. Here's what to do:

Locate the Drain Pan

First, you need to locate the drain pan. It is usually located at the bottom of the appliance, either at the front or rear, and is often concealed behind a kick panel. Check your refrigerator's manual to see if it explains how to locate and remove the drip pan. If you can't find the manual, try searching for it online.

Unplug the Fridge and Remove the Pan

Before accessing the drain pan, unplug the fridge for safety. If the pan is at the rear, you may need to pull the fridge away from the wall and turn off the water supply to prevent leaks. Remove the kick panel by tilting and pulling it out. If the drain pan is at the rear, you may also need to unscrew the back panel.

Inspect the Drain Pan

Once you have located the drain pan, inspect it for cracks or leaks. If the pan is damaged, rusted, or clogged with food and dirt, it will need to be cleaned or replaced.

Clean or Replace the Drain Pan

If the drain pan is intact but dirty, remove it and empty any standing water. You can clean the pan using a household bleach solution (one part bleach to two parts water) or vinegar. Leave the solution on the pan for a few minutes, then scrub away any dirt or mold. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly before replacing it.

If the drain pan is damaged, you will need to contact a professional to replace it.

Prevent Future Issues

To prevent future leaks, ensure that your refrigerator is level and that the door seals properly. Regularly clean and clear out your refrigerator to prevent clogs in the condensation drain.

How to find the drain pan

To find the drain pan of your refrigerator, you must first consult the manual to find where the drip pan is located. The drip pans are usually located at the bottom of the unit, near the floor, and can be at the front or rear of the refrigerator.

If your refrigerator was manufactured in 1986 or before, the drip pan can be found by removing the grill. It will be located in the left front or middle of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator was manufactured in 1987 or after, the drip pan is fixed and not easily accessible.

If your refrigerator's drip pan is at the rear, you will need to pull the refrigerator out from the wall. Find the water supply control and turn it off so that it doesn't leak. Then, unplug the refrigerator. Unscrew the back panel by locating the screws or hex bolts at the bottom of the refrigerator and using a screwdriver or hex wrench to rotate the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Once you have removed all the screws, carefully pull the back panel off and set it aside.

If the drip pan is at the front of the refrigerator, open the doors and access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate at the bottom of the refrigerator. Slide a putty knife between the refrigerator and the kick panel to pop it off. Once one side of the kick panel is loose, pull it off completely and set it aside.

Look inside the back or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If the drip pan has heating coils on top of it, then it is non-removable and must be cleaned while still inside the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions