How to replace the drip pan on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Are unexpected leaks or unpleasant odors coming from your Whirlpool refrigerator? It might be time to replace a worn-out drip pan—a simple fix that can save you time and trouble. Ready to tackle this repair? Check out our step-by-step guide and watch the how-to video below to get started.

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The drip pan on a Whirlpool refrigerator is responsible for collecting condensation that accumulates on the evaporator coil in the freezer section during the defrost cycle. Over time, the drip pan may become damaged, cracked, or worn out, leading to leaks or odors. The good news is that replacing the drip pan is a relatively easy task that should only take a few minutes of your time. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide, you’ll be able to replace the drip pan and restore your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Drip Pan WPW10655368

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• 1/4″ nut driver 
• Flathead screwdriver
• Towel

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Place a towel on the floor under the inlet tube. This will help catch any remaining water in the tubing when the line is disconnected.
2. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, locate and remove the single screw that holds the tube to the rear access panel.
3. Next, remove the seven screws that secure the panel in place.
4. Lift up and remove the access panel.
5. Slide out the power cord from the access panel.
6. Clean the access panel grill to improve airflow.
7. Pull up and remove the drain tube.
8. Locate the drip pan, which is on the left and middle under the condenser motor shroud.
9. To remove the shroud, gently twist it and slowly pull it out.
10. Push the bottom of the shroud in and lift it up slightly until the two retainers come off the mounts. This will allow you to remove the shroud along with the condenser motor.
11. Carefully lift the copper line out of the retainer clip on the right side to ensure it clears the drip pan.
12. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, free the tabs in front of the old drip pan and lift it out.
13. Install the new drip pan, making sure it locks into place using the tabs.
14. Place the copper tubing back into the clip, being gentle with any bending required.
15. Reinstall the drain tube.
16. Place the bottom of the shroud in position, twist it, and slowly push it back.
17. Make sure to lock the bottom clips on the new drip pan.
18. Reinstall the access panel with the water line positioned outside.
19. Slide the power cord into the cutout and secure the access panel with screws.
20. Secure the water inlet line to the access panel using a single screw.
21. Plug the refrigerator back in and watch for any water puddles on the floor.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the drip pan on your refrigerator. Thank you for following along with the repair process.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drip pan on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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