Removing Whirlpool Refrigerator Drip Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor, you may need to replace the drain pan. The drain pan collects water from the defrost drain that eventually gets evaporated by the condenser. This guide will work for most Whirlpool refrigerators. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing the drip pan from your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Turn off the main water supply

Before you begin to remove the drip pans from your Whirlpool refrigerator, it is important to turn off the main water supply. This is a crucial safety precaution and will prevent any leaks or spills during the removal process. Here is a step-by-step guide to turning off the main water supply to your Whirlpool refrigerator:

Locate the water supply valve: The water supply valve for your refrigerator is usually located near the water source. It can typically be found near the cold water supply at the bottom of your kitchen sink or in a cabinet next to/near the refrigerator. If you are unable to locate it, move your refrigerator and follow the water supply line from the fridge to the source.

Pause and inspect: Before turning off the valve, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. Look for any potential hazards or obstacles that may be affected when you turn the valve. This includes checking if there are any signs of leaks or damage to the water supply line.

Turn off the icemaker: If you have an icemaker, it is important to turn it off before shutting off the water supply. This will prevent it from cycling and potentially damaging the valve.

Shut off the water supply: Once you have located the water supply valve and completed the necessary checks, it is time to turn off the water supply. Turn the valve in a clockwise direction until it stops. This will cut off the water flow to your refrigerator.

Flush the water supply line: After shutting off the water supply, turn on your faucet to allow any remaining water in the line to flush out. This will help ensure that there is no water left in the line that could spill out during the removal process.

Check the water line: Before proceeding with the drip pan removal, check the water line to ensure it is truly off. Try to bend the water line slightly. If it is easy to bend, there is no water flow, but if you feel resistance, there may still be water pressure in the line.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively turn off the main water supply to your Whirlpool refrigerator. This will help ensure a mess-free and convenient process when removing or repairing the drip pans. Remember to always exercise caution when working with water lines and appliances.

Open the refrigerator door(s)

To open the refrigerator door(s) of your Whirlpool refrigerator, you will need to determine whether you need to open one or both doors. This will depend on the type of repair you are making. For example, if you are replacing the drain pan, you will need to open both doors.

Once you have determined this, you can proceed to pull the door(s) open. If your repair requires you to open only one door, make sure to keep the other door closed.

If you notice that your refrigerator doors appear angled or unlevel after opening, you can adjust them by following these steps:

First, pull out the right-hand refrigerated drawer while keeping both refrigerator doors closed. Next, locate the bottom hinge pin of the refrigerator door. You will find the alignment screw inside this bottom hinge pin.

Now, take the hex key (WP1117510) that was provided with your refrigerator, and insert the short end of the 1/8" hex key into the bottom hinge pin. Turn the hex key to the right to raise the door or to the left to lower it. Continue turning the alignment screw until the doors are properly aligned.

Unfasten and remove the front panel

To unfasten and remove the front panel of your Whirlpool refrigerator, start by locating the screw(s) securing the front panel in place. Using the appropriate screwdriver, remove the screw(s). Depending on your refrigerator model, you may need to slightly open the water filter door to completely remove the front panel. Once the screw(s) are removed, carefully pull the front panel straight off the chassis. Set the panel aside in a safe place, ensuring that you do not force or bend it, as this could damage the refrigerator or the panel itself.

If your refrigerator has multiple doors, you may need to open one or both doors to access the front panel. It is important to ensure that you have turned off the main water supply to the refrigerator before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance. This will prevent any potential leaks or water damage during the process.

In some refrigerator models, there may be additional fasteners or clips holding the front panel in place. If you encounter any such fasteners, be sure to carefully unfasten or release them before attempting to remove the panel. It is always recommended to refer to your specific refrigerator's manual for detailed instructions, as there may be minor variations in the disassembly process between different models.

When removing the front panel, be cautious of any wiring harnesses that may be attached to it. Ensure that you carefully disconnect any wiring harnesses and set them aside, taking note of their original positioning for reassembly. Properly handling and securing any wiring components will help prevent accidental damage and ensure a smoother reassembly process.

Unfasten the wiring harness

To unfasten the wiring harness, you will need a 1/4 inch socket wrench. This is because the wiring harness is secured by a 16.7 mm-long screw. Once you have located the screw, use the socket wrench to remove it. After the screw has been removed, pull the wiring harness out of its slot in the chassis to access its connectors. You will then be able to disconnect the two connectors attached to the door wiring harness.

It is important to note that, depending on your repair, you may need to open one or both doors of the refrigerator. Additionally, make sure to turn off your main water supply before beginning any repairs.

Once the wiring harness has been unfastened and disconnected, you can continue with the next steps to remove the drip pans from your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Remember to always exercise caution when performing any repairs or maintenance on your refrigerator, and ensure that you have the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the task safely.

Disconnect the wiring harness

To disconnect the wiring harness of your Whirlpool refrigerator, follow these steps:

First, pull the wiring harness out of its slot in the chassis to access its connectors. You can do this by using a 1/4 inch socket wrench to remove the 16.7 mm-long screw securing the wiring harness. Once you have removed the screw, you should be able to pull the harness out and access the connectors.

Second, disconnect the two connectors attached to the door wiring harness. These connectors are what provide power to the refrigerator, so be careful when handling them. It is recommended to use gloves or other protective equipment to avoid any electrical shocks or damage to the connectors.

Third, gently pull the wiring harness away from the door and towards the front of the refrigerator. This will give you more space to work with and ensure that you can access all the necessary parts.

Finally, inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage. If the harness is bent or broken, it may need to be replaced. Otherwise, you can proceed with removing the drip pans, following the rest of the disassembly instructions specific to your refrigerator model. Remember to keep the wiring harness in a safe place, as you will need to reconnect it when reassembling your refrigerator.

Overall, while disconnecting the wiring harness can be a delicate task, taking your time and following the necessary precautions will ensure a safe and successful refrigerator maintenance experience.

Frequently asked questions