Whirlpool Refrigerator Drain Pan Water Removal: A Step-By-Step Guide

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor, you may need to remove the drain pan to check if it is broken or bent. The drain pan collects water from the defrost drain, which is then evaporated by the condenser. Before you begin, turn off your main water supply and unplug your fridge. Depending on the model, you may need to remove the front or rear panel to access the drain pan. If your fridge has a kick panel, you can use a putty knife to pop it off and access the drip pan. Once you have located the drain pan, pull it towards you to release it from the remaining clips and remove it.

How to remove water from refrigerator drain pan whirlpool

How to identify if your Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan is faulty

A Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan collects water from the defrost drain, which is then evaporated by the condenser. If your refrigerator is leaking water onto the floor, it could be because your drain pan is faulty. Here are some ways to identify if your Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan is faulty:

• If your refrigerator is leaking water, the drain pan might be bent or broken.
• If there is a blockage within the internal anatomy of your fridge, it could lead to water puddling inside the refrigerator compartment. When left to accumulate, water can leak through the bottom seal of the door and onto the floor.
• If the drain tube becomes clogged, it can cause water to build up inside the refrigerator.
• If the water line appears intact but there is an ice blockage, you can try to unplug the fridge for about two hours to allow the ice to melt. If the clog is not translucent, you may need to call a professional to inspect and address the issue.
• If your refrigerator is not sitting at the appropriate level, the angle may cause leakage from the bottom of the fridge if too much water accumulates at the front of the drain pan.

To identify if your Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan is faulty, it is important to consult the owner's manual and rule out any other potential causes of leakage, such as defrost drain blockage, water line issues, or improper installation. If you are unsure, it is recommended to contact a professional technician for further assistance.

Steps to access the Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan

To access the Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan, follow these steps:

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before beginning any work on your Whirlpool refrigerator, it is important to take some safety precautions. Turn off your main water supply to ensure there is no risk of leakage during the process.

Step 2: Open the Doors

Depending on the specific repair you are carrying out, you may need to open one or both doors of the refrigerator. This will give you access to the interior and the relevant components.

Step 3: Unfasten and Remove the Front Panel

Locate the screw(s) securing the front panel of the refrigerator. Use the appropriate tool, such as a screwdriver, to remove these screws. Then, gently pull the front panel straight off the chassis and set it aside. You may need to slightly open the water filter door to completely remove the front panel.

Step 4: Unfasten and Disconnect the Wiring Harness

Use a 1/4 inch socket wrench to remove the screw securing the wiring harness. Once the screw is removed, pull the wiring harness out of its slot in the chassis to access its connectors. Disconnect the two connectors attached to the door wiring harness.

Step 5: Unfasten and Remove the Rear Panel

Remove the screw(s) securing the rear panel of the refrigerator. Also, loosen the screw securing the water hose to allow the rear panel to move freely. After unscrewing, carefully pull the rear panel off the chassis and set it aside.

Step 6: Remove the Condenser Fan

Before proceeding, put on a pair of gloves for protection. The sheet metal and the condenser fan are sharp and can cause injury. To remove the condenser fan, simply pull it straight off its peg.

Step 7: Unclip the Drain Pan

Use a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to pry up the metal clip from the back of the drain pan. This will help release the drain pan from its position.

Step 8: Reposition the Wiring Harness

To gain better access to the drain pan, pull the wiring harness straight out of the chassis. This will give you the necessary space and visibility to work on the drain pan.

Step 9: Peel the Tape

Peel off any tape that may be present on the front metal clip attached to the drain pan. This will expose the clip and allow you to release it in the next step.

Step 10: Unclip the Drain Pan

Use your fingers to carefully release the metal clip on the front of the drain pan. Gently fold the metal clip down so that it lays flat on the floor of the chassis.

Step 11: Remove the Drain Pan

Gently pull the drain pan toward the front of the chassis to release any remaining clips or attachments. Once it is free, carefully remove the drain pan from the refrigerator.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely access the Whirlpool refrigerator drain pan for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement. Remember to always prioritize your safety when working with electrical appliances.

How to remove the drain pan

To remove the drain pan from your Whirlpool refrigerator, you'll first need to locate it. The drip pan is usually found in the bottom of the unit, either at the front or rear, depending on your fridge's model.

If your Whirlpool refrigerator has a kick panel, you can remove it by hand. Simply tilt and pull the panel out until it releases. If your fridge doesn't have a kick panel, you'll need to slide the refrigerator out from the wall to access the pan from the bottom, rear of the unit.

Once you've located the drip pan, follow these steps to remove it:

Step 1: Disconnect the water and power supply. Turn off the water supply control if your fridge has one, and unplug the fridge to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Remove the back panel. If the drip pan is located at the rear of your fridge, you'll need to unscrew the back panel. Use a screwdriver or a hex wrench to loosen the screws or hex bolts and then carefully remove the panel.

Step 3: Locate the drip pan. Look inside the back panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray.

Step 4: Remove the drip pan. Grab the drip pan with both hands and pull it out of the fridge. If it's removable, it should come out easily.

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

How to clean the drain pan

To clean the drain pan of a Whirlpool refrigerator, first locate the drip pan. It is usually located in the front or rear of the fridge, but this may vary depending on the model. If the drip pan is at the rear, pull the fridge away from the wall and clean the floor underneath. Then, disconnect the water and power supply. Find the water supply control and turn it off, then unplug the fridge.

If the drip pan is located at the rear of the fridge, unscrew the back panel. Locate the screws or hex bolts holding the back panel in place and use a screwdriver or hex wrench to rotate the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Once all the screws are removed, carefully pull off the back panel and set it aside.

If the drip pan is in the front, open the fridge doors to access the top of the kick panel, which is the slotted grate at the bottom of the fridge. Slide a putty knife between the fridge and the kick panel to pop it off, 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's removable, it will come out easily. If not, it will need to be cleaned while still inside the fridge.

If the drip pan is removable, empty any water inside it down the sink, then set the pan in the sink to clean it. Mix 1 part bleach with 2 parts warm water in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the solution onto the drip pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to remove any mould or buildup. Rinse the pan under warm water and dry it with a towel before returning it to the fridge.

If the drip pan is non-removable, wrap a cleaning wet wipe with multipurpose cleaner or bleach around the end of a flexible claw grabber. Feed the end of the claw grabber into the drip pan and carefully move the wet wipe 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 pan to prevent mould from growing.

How to dry the drain pan

To dry the drain pan, use a cleaning towel or paper towels to wipe the pan dry. Make sure there are no water droplets left on the pan, as this could cause mould to develop again when you reinstall it. Once the drip pan is dry to the touch, you can slide it back into your fridge and replace the panels. Alternatively, you can let the drip pan air-dry for 30 minutes.

If your drip pan is not removable, you can dry it by using a flexible claw grabber with a cleaning wet wipe wrapped around its end. Push the wet wipe into the drip pan and carefully move it around the edges to absorb any excess water. Change the wet wipe when it gets dirty, and continue until the drip pan is dry.

Frequently asked questions