Detection of a puddle of water under the refrigerator or the appearance of ice on the back wall often indicates problems with the condensate drainage system. In units of the brand Whirlpool, especially in models with the system No Frost, the cause may be clogged drainage or failure of the heating element located in the evaporator area. To carry out diagnostics or replace parts, the owner will inevitably have to face the task of dismantling the lower part of the freezer.
The process of removing the tray (or, as it is often called, the “bath” or “trough” of the evaporator) requires accuracy and understanding of the design of the device. Careless handling of plastic elements can lead to their breakage, and ignoring safety rules can lead to electric shock. Below we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation and direct dismantling so that you can complete the work efficiently and safely.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling refrigeration equipment, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the plug from the socket and let the unit stand for at least 15–20 minutes to discharge the capacitors and equalize the pressure in the system.
The design of refrigerators Whirlpool often involves a hidden location of the evaporator behind the rear panel of the freezer. The tray in which the ice melts during defrost cycles is located at the very bottom of this compartment. This is where the water flows, which then evaporates or goes into the drainage hole. If this container is cracked or displaced, water leaks onto the floor or inside the cabinet, causing corrosion and short circuits.
To successfully complete the task, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. However, therefore, all manipulations should be carried out without sudden jerks and excessive physical effort, relying on the correct sequence of actions.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
The efficiency and speed of work directly depend on how well you prepare for the process. You don't need a complex professional tool, but having certain tools will make the task easier and safer. The main requirement is cleanliness and good lighting of the work area in order to see small fasteners.
To dismantle the tray in refrigerators Whirlpool you will need:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (phillips) - the main tool for removing panel fastening screws.
- 🧤 Protective gloves - the plastic may have sharp edges, and there may be ice inside.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for inspecting hard-to-reach places behind the back wall.
- 🧼 A container for water and a rag - in case there is liquid left in the drainage system.
Free up space in front of the refrigerator. You need to ensure that the rear of the unit can be accessed and the freezer doors can be opened without obstruction. Remove all food, drawers and shelves from the freezer. This will not only facilitate access, but will also prevent damage to food if the repair is delayed.
If a “coat” of ice has formed in the freezer, it is recommended to wait until it melts, or carefully remove the main layer of ice without damaging the evaporator tubes. Working with frozen mechanisms significantly increases the risk of breaking the plastic latches.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects (knives, chisels) to chip the ice inside the chamber. You may accidentally puncture the cooling circuit, which will lead to a freon leak and costly repairs.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Removing the inner lining of the freezer
To get to the tray, you need to remove the back wall, behind which the evaporator is hidden. In refrigerators Whirlpool this process usually begins with dismantling the top duct box and side guides. The design may vary slightly depending on the specific series, but the general principle remains the same.
First of all, pay attention to the top of the freezer compartment. There is often a cold air supply unit located there. It can be secured with latches or screws. Gently press down on the fasteners or remove visible screws. Move the elements smoothly, trying to hear the characteristic click of the plastic being unfastened.
After removing the top air duct, the rear panel becomes accessible. It is usually secured with several screws around the perimeter. Use a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size. It is important not to lose these screws as they may be needed during reassembly. After unscrewing the fasteners, the panel must be carefully pulled towards you.
The rear wall is often connected to temperature sensors and fan wires. Don't jerk it too hard! Disconnect the connectors after first remembering or photographing their location. Now you will have a view of the evaporator (radiator) and the tray located underneath it.
Mounting features in different models
In some Whirlpool models, the back panel can be additionally secured with hidden latches at the bottom. If the screws are unscrewed, but the panel cannot be removed, check the bottom for hidden fasteners and carefully press them out with a flat spatula.
The process of removing the evaporator tray
The tray in refrigerators Whirlpool is a plastic container located directly under the copper or aluminum radiator evaporator. This is where water drips during defrosting. In some models it is part of a single unit with a back wall, in others it is a separate removable element.
If the tray is removable, it can be held on guides or latches. Carefully inspect its side edges. Often, removal requires slightly lifting the front part and pulling the element towards you. If the tray is secured with screws, they must be unscrewed. Be careful not to damage the drain tube, which is often inserted into the pan hole.
When removing the pan, keep an eye on the drain hole. It may be clogged with debris or ice. If the tray is cracked (which often happens due to aging plastic), it must be replaced with a new one. Using sealants to repair cracks in this area is a temporary measure that rarely produces long-term results due to freeze-thaw cycles.
After removing the pan, it is recommended to check the condition of the defrost heating element, which is often located inside or below it. If the reason for removal was ineffective defrosting, perhaps the problem lies in the heating element or sensor.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
By removing the pan, you get a unique opportunity to conduct a complete diagnosis of the defrost system. Often, owners are faced with the fact that water overflows the pan and flows out. This can be caused not only by a crack in the container, but also by a simple blockage of the drainage channel.
Check the integrity of the plastic case. Cracks can be microscopic and visible only when held up to light. Also inspect the entry point of the drainage tube. If an ice plug has formed there, the water will rise above the edges of the pan. To eliminate, use warm water or a special brush.
The table below shows the main symptoms and probable causes of problems associated with the tray area:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Puddle under the refrigerator | Crack in the pan or clogged drainage | Replacing the pan or cleaning the tube |
| Ice on the back wall | Faulty defrost heating element | Replacing the heating element |
| Water inside the chamber | The drainage hose is displaced or pinched | Correct installation of the hose |
| Extraneous noise | The fan is touching frost | Defrosting and checking the fan |
If you find that the defrost heating element has burned out (indicated by the multimeter as a break), its replacement is required. In models Whirlpool it is often integrated into the structure or secured under the pallet. A faulty heating element leads to the fouling of the evaporator with ice, which blocks the air channels.
Assembling and checking the tightness of the system
After all the necessary work on cleaning or replacing parts has been carried out, the assembly stage begins. It requires no less care than disassembly. Make sure all surfaces are dry and clean. Place the tray in place, making sure that it sits tightly on the guides and that the drain tube is correctly inserted into the hole.
When installing the back wall, make sure that the wires are not pinched or cut through. Connect the sensor and fan connectors all the way until you hear a characteristic click. Tighten all the screws, but do not overtighten them so as not to strip the threads in the plastic housing.
Install the upper duct box and shelves. Return food to the freezer only after the refrigerator has been running for several hours and has returned to normal. Plug in the unit and listen to the operation of the compressor and fans. There should be no extraneous sounds.
During the first 24 hours, it is recommended to periodically check the area under the refrigerator and inside the freezer for moisture. This will help ensure that the assembly was completed correctly and the water drainage system is functioning properly.
Prevention and care of the drainage system
In order to avoid a repetition of the situation in the future with removing the pan and eliminating leaks, it is important to follow simple operating rules. Regular maintenance of the refrigerator extends the life of its components and maintains the efficiency of the system No Frost.
Once every six months, it is recommended to conduct a visual inspection of the seals and check whether the ventilation holes are clogged. It is also worth monitoring the quality of defrosted products - large pieces of ice falling from them can damage the tray or clog the drainage.
If you notice that the refrigerator has started to work louder or the cycles have become more frequent, this may be the first sign of a violation of heat transfer due to problems with defrosting. A timely response to such signals will help avoid complex repairs.
⚠️ Attention: The design and location of components may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model of the Whirlpool refrigerator. If in doubt, check the official technical documentation of the manufacturer.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray if it is cracked?
It is absolutely not possible. Working without a tray will result in water from melting ice getting onto the internal mechanisms, insulation and floor. This will cause corrosion, short circuit and damage to the floor covering.
How to replace the pallet if the original is not found?
Original spare parts are preferable. If it is impossible to find, you can try to adapt a universal pan or make a container from food-grade plastic/stainless steel, precisely observing the dimensions and angle of inclination for water drainage, but this requires high qualifications.
Why does water freeze in the pan?
Water in the pan freezes if the heating element for defrosting the pan is faulty (in some models it is) or if the drainage hole is clogged and the water does not have time to drain, turning into ice during the next cooling cycle.
How often should you clean the drainage hole?
Preventive cleaning of the drainage system is recommended every 1-2 years, or when the first signs of difficult water drainage or ice formation in the lower part of the freezer appear.