- Grasp the refrigerator on both sides and carefully slide it out to expose the back.
- Locate the drip pan on the back of the refrigerator, near the compressor.
- Pour any accumulated liquid in the pan down a sink drain.
- Scrub the pan in circular motions with a nonabrasive brush to remove encrusted debris.
What should I do if my Refrigerator drain pan is full?
If the pan is in the back, you will need to pull your refrigerator out unless it’s already out because of the defrost drain location. If it’s full, empty it. Recheck it in a few days. If the pan is overflowing again, your refrigerator might have a problem with the compressor. The drain pan can also be cracked.
How does the water get out of a refrigerator?
In a normally functioning refrigerator, the water collected will funnel down a drain into a pan at the fridge’s bottom, where the water will simply evaporate. This procedure helps to keep your refrigerator cycled and allows the water to evaporate safely.
Where does water go in a refrigerator drain pan?
Water that drips from the condensation coils (or drippings from defrost cycle) will also find their way neatly into a refrigerator drain pan. Some drain pans simply slide right out from underneath a refrigerator.
How do you unclog a whirlpool refrigerator drain?
Unclogging the drain prevents water from building up inside the unit and leaking out onto the floor. Unplug the refrigerator/freezer unit. Remove any food or objects, like a sliding drawer, that are blocking your access to the drain hole. Clear the ice from the drain hole with a screwdriver or a piece of stiff wire.
How do you empty a drip pan on a refrigerator?
You should also unplug your fridge so you don't shock yourself. Once you've disconnected your fridge, unscrew the lower back panel, pop it off with a putty knife or screwdriver, and slide the drip pan out. If there's any water in your drip pan, empty it down the sink or a drain.
Why is my refrigerator drain pan full of water?
Check the drain pan for cracks and clean out any foreign objects that may be inside the drain pan. Excessive frost caused by a leaking door seal can also cause the defrost drain pan to overflow. If you see the refrigerator drain pan full of water and overflowing, check the door gaskets and replace them if damaged.
Should there be water in the pan under my refrigerator?
A drip pan in a refrigerator is meant to catch any water that needs to be drained away from the inside of the refrigerator. Ideally, small amounts of water will enter the drip pan and safely evaporate away instead of becoming standing water.
How do you empty a refrigerator drain tube?
1:513:18Refrigerator Troubleshooting: How to Unclog a Defrost Line - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't need a lot of pressure we suggest that you do that from the external drain outlet. And forceMoreDon't need a lot of pressure we suggest that you do that from the external drain outlet. And force the air in through the tube. So that it will push any restriction.
Where does the water go from my fridge drain hole?
0:211:28How to unblock your fridge drain hole | by Hotpoint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess water droplets run down the wet wall. And through a drain hole at the bottom. And the waterMoreProcess water droplets run down the wet wall. And through a drain hole at the bottom. And the water is removed by evaporation. Now. If you're getting water collecting at the bottom of your fridge.
How does a refrigerator drain pan work?
Condensation forms inside the unit and is drained away from the freezer and refrigerator compartments down to a drain pan situated on the bottom of the appliance. This water evaporates, aided by the waste heat from the condenser, evaporator and fan motor.
Why is there standing water in the bottom of my refrigerator under crisper drawers?
The most common reason for standing water in your refrigerator is because there is something wrong with the defrost drain tube. When the defrost runs, it melts excess frost off the evaporator so it doesn't build up.
How do you unclog the drain on a Frigidaire refrigerator?
1:333:40Fix A Clogged Fridge Defrost Drain WITHOUT Opening Panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you have to unclog it but in most cases you actually don't have to go that far in mostMoreAnd then you have to unclog it but in most cases you actually don't have to go that far in most cases you have a much simpler solution and that is to boil some water this is boiling water right here
How to get a drip pan out of a fridge?
Pull on the drip panel to see if comes out of the fridge. Look inside the back panel or kick panel to find the drip pan, which should look like a small rectangular tray. Grab the drip pan with both hands and try pulling it out without tipping it over. If your drip pan can be removed, then it will come out of the fridge easily. Otherwise, it cannot be removed.
How to clean a drip pan in a refrigerator?
To clean your refrigerator drip pan, start by turning the water supply control to the off position so it doesn’t leak. You should also unplug your fridge so you don’t shock yourself. Once you’ve disconnected your fridge, unscrew the lower back panel, pop it off with a putty knife or screwdriver, and slide the drip pan out. If there’s any water in your drip pan, empty it down the sink or a drain. Then, spray the pan with a solution of 1-part bleach and 2-parts warm water and let it sit. After 2-3 minutes, scrub the pan with a cleaning rag to get rid of any dirt. When it’s clean, rinse out the pan to remove any leftover cleaner and dry it before returning it to your refrigerator. For more tips, including how to sanitize a non-removable refrigerator drip pan, read on!
How to get rid of water in drip pan?
While the heat from inside your fridge should cause the water in the drip pan to evaporate, there still may be standing water inside it. Pour the water down your sink drain to get rid of it. After emptying the drip pan, set it in your sink so you can start cleaning.
How to loosen drip pan on fridge?
Locate the screws or hex bolts that hold the back panel on the bottom of your fridge in place. Use a screwdriver or a hex wrench to rotate the screws counterclockwise to loosen them .
How to get rid of a fridge that is leaking water?
Disconnect the water and power supply if you need to access the back panel. If your fridge’s drip pan is in the rear, then pull your fridge out from the wall so you can access it. Find the water supply control if your fridge has one and turn it to the off position so it doesn’t leak. Then unplug your fridge so you don’t accidentally shock yourself while working on the interior components.
Why does water flow out of my freezer?
It’s possible that there’s a frozen or clogged drain line in your freezer or fridge, or that the condenser fan has burned out. If there’s a crack in your drip pan, water can flow out onto the floor.
What to do if your fridge smells?
If you still have a smell coming from your fridge and you have trouble cleaning it yourself, call an appliance repair service to come help take it apart professionally and clean it for you.
How to unclog a refrigerator drain?
The process involves locating the drain tube, removing any visible debris, then flushing the drain tube to create a clear and open path for defrosted water to follow . With regular drain tube maintenance, it is possible to avoid a clogged drain tube for the life of your refrigerator.
How to get ice out of a defrost pan?
If there are food particles or stubborn ice pieces stuck in the tube, you can gently use a screwdriver or a small piece of 1/4 inch hose to push the debris through the drain. Insert the screwdriver or the flexible hose and gently push the debris until it exits the drain at the defrost pan.
What to do if your refrigerator is leaking?
If you notice that your refrigerator is leaking, check the drain tube first . This is the first place a professional repair person would check in the event of a refrigerator leak.
Why does my refrigerator freeze?
Even if you do not have physical debris entering your drain tube, ice can cause a clog to form. Sometimes, if the refrigerator or freezer is fully stocked, the temperature will drop lower than usual inside the fridge. This lower temperature can cause the drained water in the drain tube line to freeze. When drained water hits the ice blockage, there is no room for the water to drain away, which leads to standing water and potential leaks.
How to tell if your fridge drain tube is clogged?
When your drain tube is clogged and fails to drain water away from the fridge appropriately, you will usually notice water pooling in the fridge. Pay attention to the area below the fruit and vegetable bins and the tray under the freezer. Another sign that your drain tube may be clogged is ice collected in the bottom of the freezer.
What causes a clogged drain tube in a self defrosting refrigerator?
Depending on the location of the drain tube, food debris can quickly enter the drain. This occurrence is especially true for drain tubes that are located under the fruit and vegetable bins. Even the smallest onion peel or spinach leaf can cause a massive clog in your thin drain tube.
Why is there water in my fridge?
Luckily, there’s a good chance that the standing water you see in the fridge is the result of a clogged drain tube. Unclogging a drain tube is a straightforward procedure that many homeowners can accomplish themselves. The process involves locating the drain tube, removing any visible debris, then flushing the drain tube to create a clear ...
Where is the drain pan on a refrigerator?
A refrigerator's drain pan is located on the bottom of the unit, near the floor. It typically can be accessed by removing the grill on the front of the refrigerator and sliding the pan forward. Clean the pan thoroughly and check for cracks or splits.
How to clean a clogged freezer drain?
A clogged drain inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment can lead to water overflow. Empty the contents of the refrigerator and freezer, and wipe out the drain using a solution of warm water and soap. The drains typically are located in the back corners of the food compartments, and can become clogged by food debris or ice.
What is the water condensation in a refrigerator?
Condensation forms inside the unit and is drained away from the freezer and refrigerator compartments down to a drain pan situated on the bottom of the appliance. This water evaporates, aided by the waste heat from the condenser, evaporator and fan motor.
What causes a drain line to freeze?
The drain line, leading from the drain inside the food compartment to the drain pan, can become clogged as well. Food debris can be forced down into the line and cause a blockage, or water draining away from the food compartment can freeze and stop up the line.
Where is the condenser fan located on a refrigerator?
Ensure your refrigerator is unplugged before attempting any maintenance with the fan. The condenser fan is located near the drain pan and keeps air circulating under the refrigerator, allowing the water that accumulates in the pan to evaporate before the pan overflows. If the pan is filled with water, and the fan is not running, it has likely burned out. A replacement fan can be purchased through an authorized service center for your brand, and typically can be installed by the user following the instructions provided.
Where is the condenser fan located?
The condenser fan is located near the drain pan and keeps air circulating under the refrigerator, allowing the water that accumulates in the pan to evaporate before the pan overflows. If the pan is filled with water, and the fan is not running, it has likely burned out.
How to clean drip pans in refrigerator?
Have some old towels handy to wipe up any spills or splashes from the tray that can happen as you remove it. Use a mild abrasive, such as one part each of vinegar and water and a drop of liquid soap to wash out the drip pan. Dry it thoroughly before returning it to its place beneath the fridge.
What is a flat tray in a refrigerator?
The wide and flat tray collects all the condensation created by the working of the cooling appliance on a daily basis. It is also in place in case of any errant leakage from the condensation coils or water tubes that run along the backside of the machine. Water that drips from the condensation coils (or drippings from defrost cycle) will also find their way neatly into a refrigerator drain pan.
Can drain pans be removed from a refrigerator?
Some drain pans simply slide right out from underneath a refrigerator. Others require panels to be removed. If you need to do more than fish a flat pan out from underneath a refrigerator, the appliance should be unplugged before you attack it with long metal screwdrivers or other tools to remove any decorative or vented pieces from the machine.
How to stop water from leaking out of refrigerator?
Unclogging the drain prevents water from building up inside the unit and leaking out onto the floor. Unplug the refrigerator/freezer unit. Remove any food or objects, like a sliding drawer, that are blocking your access to the drain hole. Clear the ice from the drain hole with a screwdriver or a piece of stiff wire.
Where is the drain pan on a refrigerator?
A refrigerator's drain pan is located on the bottom of the unit, near the floor. It typically can be accessed by removing the grill on the front of the refrigerator and sliding the pan forward.
How to open a refrigerator back?
Grasp the refrigerator on both sides and carefully slide it out to expose the back.
How to clear ice from drain hole?
Clear the ice from the drain hole with a screwdriver or a piece of stiff wire.
How to clean a pan with a non-abrasive brush?
Scrub the pan in circular motions with a nonabrasive brush to remove encrusted debris.
What happens if you find standing water in your refrigerator?
If you find standing water in the fridge, the drain line may be blocked. Save money by defrosting the refrigerator regularly. The more frost it develops, the more the motor has to work, thereby increasing your utility bill.
Why is the drain pan invisible?
The pan is located out of sight under the unit, so the process is invisible. Water left in a pan eventually evaporates on its own, and in the case of your refrigerator's drain pan , the warmth and air circulation from the compressor's fan speed up the process. An old or malfunctioning refrigerator may have water buildup in the drain pan, ...
What happens when a refrigerator is defrosted?
During the defrosting process, the fridge's temperature increases, causing frost and any ice to melt. This is the first transformation, from solid -- the frozen state -- to liquid, when it becomes water.
