The drip pan on a Refrigerator catches water from the defrost cycle. Water is carried down a drain tube to the drip pan, where it evaporates.
Refrigerator drip trays sit directly beneath the fridge and prevent water from resting on furniture or carpet. This reduces the chance of mold, bad smelling carpet, and saves time and money in furniture repair.
The drip tray behind the fridge catches the defrosted ice from leaking outside and hence, it is one of the most useful parts in any fridge. It is important to clean the drip tray every now and then, to remove any blockage in the drain and ensure that water does not build-up inside or outside of the appliance.
Several factors contribute to water in the drain pan, such as temperature setting, defrost cycles, food storage, and ambient room temperatures or humidity levels. Some factors that can contribute to an excess amount of water in the drain pan include lack of condenser cleaning, torn gaskets, and sealed system issues.
While the exact location may vary by model, drip pans are typically located under your fridge and collect defrosted ice or condensation from the compartments that store your food. Drip pans prevent water from leaking all over your kitchen floor. However, it's up to you to empty out the pan and make sure it stays clean.
Humidity in the air can mix with the fridge's cold temperatures and form excess condensation, causing the pan to overflow. You should empty the pan regularly during those months or get a dehumidifier for your fridge.
It's worth noting that not all refrigerator models have removable drip pans. Yes, even I was unaware of this. I learned this when I visited a friend who was getting the drip tray removed from his fridge. He also told me that some newer models may have an evaporative system that eliminates the need for a drip pan.
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.
The drain pan and condensate drain line in an AC unit move residual water from the system to outside your home. If you have an AC drain pan full of water, it can lead to leaks, bacteria and algae buildup, and water damage. Leaks can also be a sign of future problems with other AC system components.
Modern refrigerators have a defrost mechanism to prevent ice build-up. During the defrost cycle, the melted water should drain out through a small tube. However, this tube can become clogged with food particles, debris, or ice, causing water to back up and pool at the bottom of the fridge.
For optimal results, we recommend emptying and cleaning your drip tray and coffee grounds container daily to prevent unwanted deposits.
Cleaning Defrost Drain Tube
You can flush out the drain hole with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a meat/turkey (bulb) baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole and flush out the drain tube. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.
Drip trays provide temporary storage for containers and drums. They are useful for preventing drips and small leaks onto the ground, mainly in operational areas where chemicals and small amounts of fuel or oil are needed.
Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge already on its way out.
Compressor
By pumping vapor refrigerant through the fridge, the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the cooling agent. The compressor is often found at the back or bottom of the fridge.
Appliance Drain Pans are containment systems, made most often from metal or plastic materials. These pans are installed under appliances in a residential or commercial setting to prevent leaks within the appliance from damaging building materials or causing mold and mildew development within the structure.
In most cases, the water that ends up in the drip pan is from the defrost function. It melts away excess frost. If there was a large amount of frost in your freezer and the defrost suddenly started working, this can lead to a higher amount of water in the drip pan.
A clogged AC drain pipe is the most common cause of standing water in your AC drain pan. As air passes over the evaporator coils in your air conditioner, it cools down and loses some of its humidity. This humidity is left behind in the form of condensation on the coils.
The purpose of this drain hole is to catch the moisture which collects in a fridge, particularly that which builds up on the back wall of the fridge. If the drain hole becomes blocked, this then causes problems for the rest of your refrigerator.
For the fridge compartment, we recommend maintaining a temperature between 3°C to 5°C to slow bacterial growth and preserve perishable items effectively. Similarly, for the freezer compartment, it is best to set the temperature at -18°C or lower to freeze food solid and maintain its quality over longer periods.
The drip pan at the bottom of the fridge can collect food particles and liquids over time, which can lead to odors.
The clog could be wedged further down the hole. Try pouring warm water and washing up liquid down it to flush out any debris. Once done, you should check and empty the drain tray if needed (you don't want it to overflow). If this doesn't do the trick, another part of your fridge could be faulty.
It Smells Like Dead Animals Or Rotting Meat!
Most likely, the smell is caused by either mold or mildew inside your fridge.
What Is a Refrigerator Drip Pan? As your freezer operates, it produces condensation. The refrigerator drip pan collects water as it comes out of the defrost drain. Usually, this water evaporates into the air.