Removing Whirlpool Drip Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have a Whirlpool refrigerator, you may need to remove the drip pan to clean it or replace it if it's damaged. The drip pan collects water from the defrost drain, and if your refrigerator is leaking, it may be full or broken. The process of removing the drip pan will differ depending on the model of your Whirlpool refrigerator. For example, for the Whirlpool GD5SHAX Side by Side Refrigerator, you need to remove the decorative vent cover at the bottom of the fridge under the door. For other models, you may need to remove the rear dust cover or the grill underneath the doors to access the drip pan. Once you've located the drip pan, you can usually lift it out or unclip it.

Locating the drip pan

To locate the drip pan, begin by opening the refrigerator door and looking near the bottom of the fridge, in front of the crisper drawer. In some Whirlpool models, the drip tray may be found underneath the refrigerator door, with one or two screws holding it in place.

If you are having difficulty locating the drip pan, you can refer to the refrigerator's owner's manual for more specific instructions. Additionally, if the drip pan is secured with screws, you may need a flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them.

Removing the grill underneath the doors

To remove the grill underneath the doors of your Whirlpool refrigerator, start by locating the kick plate at the bottom of the appliance. The kick plate is usually found on the underside of the refrigerator, allowing airflow to the condenser coils.

Before removing the kick plate, it is important to unplug the appliance to reduce the risk of electric shock. Gather your supplies, such as a long-handled vacuum, a condenser coil brush, damp cleaning cloths, and a bowl of warm, sudsy water. Having these supplies close at hand will reduce the time the appliance needs to be unplugged.

Now, you can proceed to remove the kick plate. Depending on your Whirlpool model, the kick plate or base grille may be attached differently. Some models have a two-piece base grille, while others have a grille that runs along the base of the appliance. Refer to your Whirlpool refrigerator manual to identify how the kick plate is attached and locate any screws or latches holding it in place.

Once you understand the attachment mechanism, follow these steps:

• For side-by-side refrigerator models, open both doors.
• Grab the grille by its sides.
• Simultaneously push in on the top of the grille and pull up the bottom.
• Lift the grille up and out of its nook to access the condenser coils or to clean underneath the appliance.

After removing the grille, you can proceed with cleaning or performing any necessary maintenance. When you're finished, ensure that you dry all the parts thoroughly before replacing the kick plate.

Using a screwdriver to remove screws

To remove the drip pan from a Whirlpool refrigerator, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the drip pan in place. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Locate the drip pan

The drip pan is usually located under the refrigerator, near the back. It is made of plastic and should be easy to remove for cleaning.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary tools

You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws. It is also recommended to place a bucket or bowl under the drip pan to catch any water that may spill out.

Step 3: Remove the screws

Using your Phillips-head screwdriver, carefully remove the screws that are holding the drip pan in place. Set the screws aside in a safe place so you don't lose them.

Step 4: Lift the drip pan

Once all the screws have been removed, carefully lift the drip pan out of the refrigerator. Be careful not to spill any water that may be in the pan.

Step 5: Clean the drip pan

After removing the drip pan, it is important to clean it with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before putting it back in place.

Step 6: Reinstall the drip pan

After cleaning and drying the drip pan, screw it back into place using the screws you set aside earlier. Ensure that the drip pan is securely attached to prevent leaks and water damage.

• Choose the correct type and size of screwdriver for the screws you are removing. Using the wrong type or size can damage the screws and the surrounding material.
• If the screws are tight or difficult to turn, you can try using a rubber band or duct tape over the screw head to improve grip and make it easier to turn.
• Apply steady and consistent pressure when turning the screwdriver to prevent slipping and causing damage to the screw head.
• If the screws are very tight, you can gently tap the base of the screwdriver with a hammer to drive it deeper into the screw head, creating a better grip.
• Always work in a clean, well-lit, and clutter-free area to avoid accidents or damage to your appliances.

Cleaning the drip pan

To clean the drip pan of a Whirlpool refrigerator, first locate the drip pan. It is usually located under the refrigerator, near the back. Place a bucket or bowl under the drip pan to catch any water that may spill out.

Next, unscrew the drip pan from the refrigerator. You may need a Phillips-head screwdriver for this. Once the drip pan is unscrewed, carefully lift it out and empty its contents into the bucket or bowl.

Now, you can begin cleaning the drip pan. Wash the drip pan with soap and warm water. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a clean towel.

Finally, screw the drip pan back into place under your refrigerator.

Reassembling the device

Now that you have successfully removed the drip pan from your Whirlpool refrigerator, it is important to put everything back together correctly to ensure the proper functioning of your appliance. Here is a step-by-step guide to reassemble your device:

• Place the cleaned or new drip pan back into its original position in the refrigerator. Make sure it is securely seated in place.
• If you had to remove the kick panel or back panel to access the drip pan, now is the time to put it back. Reattach the panel by screwing it into place or snapping it back into position.
• If you disconnected the water supply, turn it back on. Also, plug your refrigerator back into the power source if you had unplugged it.
• Move your food back into the refrigerator if you had taken it out during the process.
• Close the refrigerator door(s).
• Turn on your main water supply if you had turned it off before starting the process.
• Your Whirlpool refrigerator should now be fully reassembled and ready to use again.

By following these steps in reverse order, you can ensure that your refrigerator is properly reassembled and functioning correctly.

Frequently asked questions