Removing Whirlpool Fridge's Drip Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

The drip pan in a refrigerator captures defrosted ice from the freezer, preventing leaks. It is important to clean the drip pan every three months to prevent mould or odours from forming. The drip pan's location varies depending on the model of the refrigerator. To remove the drip pan from a Whirlpool refrigerator, first, turn off the main water supply. Next, open the doors and remove the front panel by unfastening the screws. Then, unfasten and disconnect the wiring harness. Loosen the screw securing the water hose and remove the rear panel. Finally, unclip the drain pan using a flathead screwdriver and remove it.

Locate the drip pan

To locate the drip pan of a Whirlpool refrigerator, start by consulting the owner's manual. This will help you identify the exact location of the drip pan, as it may vary depending on the model. Typically, the drip pan is located at the bottom of the unit, either at the front or rear, to allow for the easy flow of liquids from the top of the unit to the bottom.

If your refrigerator has a kick panel at the bottom front, remove it by tilting and pulling it out. You can usually access the drip pan from this area. If not, you may need to slide the refrigerator away from the wall and access the pan from the bottom rear.

The drip pan is often made of metal or plastic and sits on top of brackets, allowing it to be easily removed. It is designed to catch condensation flowing from the defrost drain in your freezer, so following the defrost drain line will lead you to the pan. Look for where the drain line empties beneath the unit, as it always empties into the drip pan.

Once you've located the drip pan, place a bucket or bowl underneath it to catch any water that may spill out during the removal process.

Disconnect the power supply

Disconnecting the power supply is an important step when removing the drip pan from a Whirlpool refrigerator. This step ensures your safety and prevents any accidental damage to the refrigerator's components. Here is a detailed guide on how to disconnect the power supply:

Firstly, locate your refrigerator's power source. This could be a power outlet under the sink or a dedicated circuit breaker. If your refrigerator is plugged into an outlet, simply unplug it from the power source. On the other hand, if your refrigerator is directly wired into the electrical system, you will need to locate the circuit breaker and flip it to the "off" position. This will cut off the power supply to the refrigerator.

Once the power is disconnected, it is important to take additional precautions. Even after unplugging or switching off the circuit breaker, there may still be residual electricity in the refrigerator's components. To ensure your safety, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves or use insulated tools when working on any electrical connections or components.

If your refrigerator has a water supply, you should also locate and turn off the water supply control. This will prevent any leaks or spills during the process of removing the drip pan.

Before proceeding with removing the drip pan, verify that the power is indeed disconnected. You can use a voltage detector or tester to check for any remaining electrical current. Only when you are certain that the power is off, you can safely proceed with the next steps of removing the drip pan. Remember to exercise caution and always put your safety first when working with electrical appliances.

By following these steps, you can safely disconnect the power supply to your Whirlpool refrigerator, allowing you to access and remove the drip pan for cleaning or maintenance.

Remove the back panel

To remove the back panel of a Whirlpool refrigerator, you must first disconnect the water and power supply. Turn off the water supply control and unplug the refrigerator from the wall. This will prevent leaks and reduce the risk of electric shock. If you need to move the refrigerator, use furniture sliders or cardboard under the front feet to protect your floor from scratches. You can also use a ""walking" technique by gently rocking the refrigerator back and forth and scooting the feet one side at a time.

Once the refrigerator is accessible, remove all shelves, drawers, and baskets from the freezer. This will give you access to the back panel. Remove the screws securing the shelf supports on the right side of the freezer compartment. There are also two screws at the bottom of the back panel that hold the curved piece to the fridge. Remove these screws and lift the bottom of the cover of the air tower in the centre of the freezer's back panel.

Next, take off the screws on the evaporator fan, which is located on the upper-left side of the back panel. Finally, disconnect the back panel from the appliance. It is recommended to have towels, screwdrivers, and small bowls ready to catch any spills and to keep the screws organised.

Unclip the drain pan

To unclip the drain pan of a Whirlpool refrigerator, you will need to first peel off the tape from the front metal clip attached to the drain pan. Then, use your fingers to release the metal clip at the front of the drain pan. Fold the metal clip so that it lays flat on the floor of the chassis.

The drain pan collects water from the defrost drain, which is eventually evaporated by the condenser. If your refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor, your drain pan might be bent or broken.

Remove the pan

To remove the drip pan from a Whirlpool refrigerator, first locate the drip tray. It is usually located under the refrigerator door, near the back. If you cannot find it, consult your refrigerator’s manual.

Next, remove the screws that are holding the drip tray in place. There may be one or two screws, depending on your model of refrigerator. A flathead screwdriver should do the trick. Once the screws are removed, carefully pull the drip tray out from under the refrigerator door. Be careful not to spill any water that may be in the tray.

If the tray is stuck, try wiggling it back and forth until it comes loose.

If your drip pan has heating coils on top of it, then it is non-removable and you will need to clean it while it’s still inside your fridge.

If you are still having difficulty, consult your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for further instructions.

Frequently asked questions