Furnace Drip Pan: Removing Water And Preventing Issues

Drip pans are used in refrigerators and air conditioners to collect water that results from various processes. In refrigerators, the drip pan captures defrosted ice from the freezer, preventing it from leaking. In air conditioners, the drip pan collects water that leaks from the unit, preventing water damage to the floor or surrounding areas. While it is normal to find water in the drip pan, a clogged or damaged drip pan can lead to water accumulation and potential overflow, causing issues such as foul odours and water damage. To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly clean and maintain the drip pan. This involves locating and accessing the drip pan, emptying any water, cleaning with a suitable solution, rinsing, drying, and then reinstalling the pan.

Locate the drip pan

To locate the drip pan of your furnace, you must first identify whether your furnace is part of an air conditioning unit or is a standalone unit.

If your furnace is part of an air conditioning unit, then it will have a drip pan, also known as a condensate drain pan or an AC drip pan, located beneath the evaporator coils. This is where the condensation that forms on the coils drips and collects. The evaporator coils are usually found inside the indoor unit, on the same side as the air intake.

Most AC units have two drip pans: a primary pan welded to the evaporator coils, and an auxiliary or backup pan below the primary pan, either inside the unit or under the unit on the exterior. The auxiliary pan is easier to replace due to its more accessible location.

If your furnace is a standalone unit, it may still produce condensate, in which case you will need a drip pan to prevent any water damage. In this case, the drip pan would be located underneath the entire unit.

It is important to regularly inspect your drip pan for any leaks or clogs to prevent water damage and ensure the efficient operation of your furnace or AC unit.

Remove the front grill

To remove the front grill of a refrigerator, first locate the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge. This is the slotted grate at the base of the appliance. Use a putty knife to carefully prise the kick panel away from the fridge by sliding the knife between the panel and the fridge. Once you have popped one side of the panel out, the rest should come away easily. Set the kick panel aside.

Now that the kick panel is removed, you should be able to see the drip pan. This is a small, rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If the drip pan is removable, it should come out easily. If it is not removable, it will be fixed in place, perhaps with heating coils on top of it.

Clean the drip pan

To clean the drip pan, you must first locate it. Drip pans are usually located in the front or rear of your fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. If your drip pan is in the rear, pull your fridge away from the wall and locate the screws or hex bolts that hold the back panel in place. Use a screwdriver or hex wrench to remove the screws, then carefully take off the back panel and set it aside. If the drip pan is in the front, open the fridge doors and locate the kick panel (the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge). Use a putty knife to pop off the kick panel, then pull it off completely and set it aside.

Now, look inside the back or kick panel to find the drip pan. It should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan and try pulling it out – if it comes out easily, it's removable. If it can't be removed, you'll have to clean it while it's still inside the fridge.

If your drip pan is removable, empty it of any water and set it in the sink. To clean it, you can use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 2 parts warm water) or a natural alternative such as white vinegar. Spray or shake the solution over the drip pan, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag or paper towels, applying firm pressure to break apart any built-up residue. Rinse the pan under warm water to remove any remaining cleaner, then dry it with a towel or paper towels. Make sure the pan is dry to the touch before sliding it back into the fridge and replacing the panels.

If your drip pan is non-removable, wrap a cleaning wet wipe (or a paper towel soaked in disinfectant) around the end of a flexible claw grabber. You can buy a flexible claw grabber from a hardware store or online. Alternatively, you can unbend a wire hanger and wrap the wet wipe around one end. Push the end of the claw grabber with the wet wipe into the drip pan, carefully moving it around the edges to scrub and remove any buildup. Change the wet wipe every 1-2 minutes, or when it gets dirty. Once you've finished scrubbing, mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water and slowly pour the solution into the drip pan to prevent further mould from growing.

Reinstall the drip pan

Once you have cleaned the drip pan, it is important to reinstall it correctly to ensure it continues to function properly.

If your drip pan is removable, place it back into its original position, ensuring it is dry to the touch. If there was a panel or housing covering the drip pan, reattach it using screws or latches.

Next, reattach the front grille or kick plate by aligning it with the clips or screw holes. Apply gentle pressure to snap the clips back into place, or insert and tighten any screws if necessary.

If your drip pan is non-removable, carefully slide it back into position, ensuring it is secure and will not tip over.

Finally, plug your appliance back into the power outlet. Double-check that everything is securely in place and functioning properly.

Prevent water accumulation

To prevent water from accumulating in your furnace drip pan, you can try the following:

For Newer AC Units:

Mix half a cup of vinegar or Clorox with half a cup of water and pour the solution down the drain line once a month.

For Older AC Units:

• Clean the drain line with a wire brush every few months.
• Flush the drain line with a garden hose, ensuring the unit is not in use.
• Use a solvent cleaner to dissolve any build-up inside the AC drain line.

General Maintenance:

• Regularly clean the drip pan to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Ensure proper insulation on refrigerant lines to prevent condensation issues.
• Change air filters regularly to prevent restricted airflow, which can lead to evaporator coil freezing and subsequent water accumulation.
• Schedule annual professional maintenance to keep your HVAC system in prime condition.

Frequently asked questions