Cody Casey
Removing the drip pan from an upright fridge freezer is a straightforward process. First, locate the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator, usually near the front or back. If the drip pan is at the front, simply pop off the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge by opening the doors and sliding a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel. If the drip pan is at the back, you will need to disconnect the water and power supply, unscrew the back panel, and then locate and remove the drip pan. Once you have accessed the drip pan, you can pull it out and empty any water or residue. Clean the drip pan with a mild detergent or a bleach solution, rinse it, and dry it thoroughly before sliding it back into place and reattaching any panels or grills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Usually located in the front or rear of the fridge, but varies depending on the model |
| Removability | Depends on the model; some drip pans can be removed by sliding them out, while others cannot be removed easily |
| Maintenance | Should be cleaned every 3 months to prevent mold and odours |
| Cleaning method | For removable drip pans, empty, rinse, and scrub with a bleach or vinegar solution; for non-removable drip pans, use a flexible claw grabber with a wet wipe attached to scrub the pan |
| Other causes of overflowing | Frozen or clogged drain line, cracked drip pan, or burned-out condenser fan |
What You'll Learn
The drip pan fills with water, which cockroaches love
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.
If your drip pan fills with water, you should empty and clean it. First, disconnect the water and power supply if you need to access the back panel. If your fridge's drip pan is in the rear, pull your fridge out from the wall so you can access it. Find the water supply control if your fridge has one and turn it to the off position so it doesn't leak. Then, unplug your fridge so you don't accidentally shock yourself while working on the interior components.
The food in your fridge will stay cold for a short time if you're only cleaning the drip pan. If you're deep-cleaning your fridge, move your food into an insulated storage container or another refrigerator.
Once you have pulled the fridge away from the wall to reach the drip pan, you can vacuum and mop the floor underneath. Make sure the floor is completely dry before placing the fridge back.
Locate the screws or hex bolts that hold the back panel on the bottom of your fridge in place. Use a screwdriver or a hex wrench to rotate the screws counter-clockwise to loosen them. Once you've removed all the screws, carefully pull the back panel off the fridge and set it aside. Keep the screws in a small bowl or container so you don't lose them.
Many drip pans located in the rear of the fridge cannot be removed easily, so you need to clean it without taking it out. Look inside the back panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If your drip pan can be removed, then it will come out of the fridge easily. Otherwise, it cannot be removed.
If there's any water in your drip pan, empty it down the sink or a drain. Then, spray the pan with a solution of 1 part bleach and 2 parts warm water and let it sit. After 2-3 minutes, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to get rid of any dirt. When it's clean, rinse out the pan to remove any leftover cleaner and dry it before returning it to your refrigerator.
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A clogged drain inside the freezer or refrigerator can lead to water overflow
If the drain line is clogged, use a turkey baster to pour a solution of warm water and vinegar down the drain. Alternatively, use a pipe cleaner to clean out the first few inches of the line. If the refrigerator continues to leak, the drain pan may be damaged. Unplug the refrigerator and locate the drain pan at the bottom of the unit, near the floor. Remove the grill on the front of the refrigerator and slide the pan forward. Check the pan for cracks or splits, and replace it if necessary.
Another potential issue is a faulty condenser fan, which is located near the drain pan. If the fan is not running, it may have burned out and will need to be replaced. Additionally, a blocked defrost drain can cause water to leak from the freezer and refrigerator. Try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water using a turkey baster or a small funnel. If this does not work, use a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to remove the clog.
To prevent clogs, it is important to keep the area around the refrigerator clear and ensure that the doors seal properly. Regularly cleaning the refrigerator, including the seal, can also help prevent clogs and water overflow.
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The drain line can become clogged with food debris or freezing water
To prevent clogs, the drain line should be cleaned with a warm solution of water and vinegar. A turkey baster filled with hot water can be used to force water into the drain hole and clear out any blockages. If the clog is due to freezing water, a hairdryer can be used to thaw the drain line, or a drain tube heater can be installed to melt the ice.
In addition to clogs, it is important to check the drain pan for any damage, as a cracked or split drain pan can also lead to water leaks. The drain pan is located at the bottom of the freezer and can usually be accessed by removing the grill or kick panel at the front of the refrigerator. If the drain pan is damaged, it will need to be replaced with a new one purchased from an authorized dealer.
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Check the drain pan for damage
To check the drain pan for damage, first, unplug your refrigerator. The drain pan is located on the bottom of the unit, near the floor. It can usually be accessed by removing the grill or kick panel on the front of the refrigerator and sliding the pan forward. Once you have located the drain pan, clean it thoroughly and check for any cracks or splits. If there are any signs of damage, the pan will need to be replaced with a new one from an authorized dealer of your refrigerator brand.
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Condenser fan issues
If your fridge is not cooling properly, it could be due to an issue with the condenser fan. The condenser fan is located near the drain pan and is responsible for keeping air circulating under the refrigerator. This helps the water in the pan to evaporate. If the fan is not working, the pan may fill with water.
Before attempting any maintenance on the fan, ensure the refrigerator is unplugged. To access the fan, pull the fridge away from the wall and remove the thin panel at the back, near the bottom. Plug the fridge back in and wait for the compressor to come on. If the compressor runs but the fan does not, or if the fan is noisy, you may need to replace the fan.
To replace the condenser fan, first cut the wires close to the old fan. Use a wire stripper to strip the wires and connect the new fan with wire connectors. Screw the new fan to the bracket and reinstall the fan and bracket in the fridge.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fridge is giving off a foul odour, it could be that the drip pan is growing mould.
It is recommended to clean your drip pan every three months to prevent any mould or odours from forming.
If your drip pan has heating coils on top of it, it is non-removable and must be cleaned while still inside the fridge. To do this, wrap a cleaning wet wipe around the end of a flexible claw grabber and push it into the drip pan. Change the wet wipe when it gets dirty.
If your drip pan is leaking, you will need to replace it completely.
