Draining Jenn-Air Fridge: Removing The Drain Pan

If you need to remove the drain pan from your Jenn Air refrigerator, you can access it by removing the front grill. However, for some models, it is better to access the drain pan from the back by removing the back lower panel. The drain pan will be on the left side, facing the back of the refrigerator. You may need to tilt the fridge to remove the drain pan.

Removing the front grill

To remove the front grill of your Jenn Air refrigerator, follow these steps:

Locate the front grill: The front grill is the plastic panel at the bottom of the refrigerator, just below the doors. It may be bolted to the fridge frame or secured by the bottom door hinges.

Prepare the work area: Before beginning any work, ensure you have a clear and well-lit workspace. You may need a flashlight to illuminate the area under the refrigerator. Gather the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver and a rag, and place them within easy reach.

Remove any bolts or screws: If the front grill is secured by bolts or screws, use the appropriate tool to remove them. Place the removed bolts or screws in a safe location so they don't get lost.

Gently pull the front grill: Once the bolts or screws are removed, the front grill should be ready to come off. Grip the grill firmly and pull it directly towards you. It may require a bit of force to detach it from the refrigerator.

Check for additional attachments: In some cases, the front grill may have additional attachments or tabs that need to be released. Carefully inspect the grill and the refrigerator frame to ensure that all connections are released before completely removing the grill.

Access the drain pan: With the front grill removed, you should now have access to the drain pan. Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to remove additional components or panels to reach the drain pan. Refer to your refrigerator's manual or seek further guidance if needed.

Remember to exercise caution throughout the process to avoid damaging any parts of your refrigerator. If you encounter any complications or need further assistance, don't hesitate to consult a professional appliance technician.

Accessing the drain pan from the back

To access the drain pan from the back of your Jenn Air refrigerator, first locate the back lower panel. The drain pan will be on the left side, facing the back of the refrigerator. You may need to tilt the fridge up and remove it from the bottom to access the drain pan. Some refrigerator models also have a screw and a bracket that need to be removed before you can take out the pan. The pan is tightly squeezed in, so it may be difficult to access.

When cleaning the drain pan, it is recommended to use a rag to wipe it down and then blow it out with compressed air.

Tilting the fridge to remove the drain pan

To remove the drain pan from your Jenn Air refrigerator, you will need to tilt the fridge. This is a common approach taken by appliance repair technicians.

First, ensure that the fridge is unplugged from the power supply. You will then need to tilt the fridge up, which may require the help of another person. Once the fridge is tilted, you can slide out the drain pan from underneath.

If your refrigerator model has a screw and bracket attached to the drain pan, you will need to remove these before sliding out the pan. This may involve unscrewing the bracket or detaching it from the fridge frame.

When replacing the drain pan, it is often easier to tilt the fridge and insert the pan from the bottom. This is because the drain pan is usually squeezed into a tight space, and tilting the fridge provides better access.

Tilting a refrigerator can be challenging, so it is important to proceed with caution and have someone assist you if possible. Ensure that you protect your back when lifting and tilting the appliance.

Using a rag to clean the drain pan

To clean the drain pan of your Jenn Air refrigerator, first locate the pan. Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to remove the back lower panel to access the drain pan. It will be on the left side when facing the refrigerator from the back. Alternatively, for some models, you can access the drain pan by removing the front grill.

Once you have located the drain pan, the next step is to clean it using a rag. This process will involve tilting the refrigerator up and removing the pan from the bottom. Some pans might have a screw and a bracket that need to be removed before taking out the pan. After removing any screws or brackets, simply pull the pan out.

Use a rag to thoroughly clean the inside of the drain pan, removing any dirt, debris, or residue. You can also use a mild detergent or cleaning solution to help remove any stubborn buildup. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly with clean water after cleaning and dry it completely before replacing it.

In addition to using a rag, you can also blow out the pan with compressed air to ensure all dirt and debris are removed. This step will help prevent future clogs and ensure the pan functions properly.

Thawing a frozen defrost drain

If your Jenn Air refrigerator's defrost drain is frozen, you can try the following methods to thaw it out:

• Use hot water: This method may take a while, but it can be effective in thawing the drain. You can use a syringe or a turkey baster to suck out any water and then squirt hot water down the drain. Repeat this process for about 30 minutes or until the ice melts.
• Use a wire or pipe cleaner: Insert a fine-strand automotive wire with the insulation still on, or a flexible pipe cleaner, into the drain to try and break up the ice. You can also try using a hair dryer to melt the ice.
• Use compressed air: Cover the drain with your hand or some plastic wrap and then blow compressed air into the drain to clear the blockage.
• Use a steamer: A steamer can help to melt the ice and clear the blockage.
• Use a brush: After thawing the drain, you can use a brush to clean out any remaining debris.
• Use a defrost heater drain strap: This is a small piece of copper or aluminium that attaches to the defrost heater and extends into the defrost drain. It helps to melt any ice that accumulates in the drain.
• Use a syringe: You can use a syringe to suck out any water that is blocking the drain.
• Use a pot of boiled water: Place a pot of just-boiled water in the freezer and close it to warm up the freezer and melt the ice.
• Leave the refrigerator unplugged: Modern fridges are well-insulated, so you may need to leave it unplugged for a day or two to fully defrost.
• Use salt: Pour some salt into the drain hole to help melt the ice.
• Use a hair dryer: Remove the inside panel of the fridge and use a hair dryer to blast hot air into the area for about 5 minutes to melt the ice.
• Use a turkey baster: Fill a turkey baster with hot water and squeeze it to create suction in the drain, which can help to clear the blockage.

Remember to always practice food safety when thawing frozen food. Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter or in hot water, and they must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. It is best to thaw food in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions