Customer Questions and Answers for Drip Pan (Refrigerator) by Whirlpool

This refrigerator drip pan, also called an evaporator drain pan, mounts on the base to catch defrost water and allow it to evaporate. Replacing a cracked or warped pan helps prevent puddles and moisture damage around the appliance. What it does:

• Collects water from the defrost cycle and holds it for evaporation using condenser/fan airflow
• Helps keep water off the floor and out of the cabinet base area
• Typical failure symptoms include water under or behind the refrigerator, recurring puddles after a defrost cycle, visible cracks/warping, or musty odors
• Restores proper fit when the original pan is damaged, heat-distorted, or missing

• 1 refrigerator drip pan

• Disconnect power and pull the unit forward to access the rear; wear gloves and use caution around sharp metal edges
• Remove the lower rear access panel; carefully lift and remove the old pan from its supports
• Clean the area; transfer any pads or clips from the old pan if present; seat the new pan fully on the supports/locators so it's level and secure
• Reinstall the rear panel, return the refrigerator to position, restore power, and check for correct placement after the next defrost cycle