The appearance of a puddle on the kitchen floor or the accumulation of water on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator often causes panic among owners of household appliances. However, in most cases, especially for owners of high-quality German equipment, this is not a sign of a serious compressor failure or freon leak. Most often, the problem lies in a banal blockage in the condensate drainage system, which is easy to fix on your own. In this article we will look in detail at where drain tube is located in refrigerators Bosch and how to properly maintain it.
Modern models of refrigeration equipment working using technology No Frost or Low Frost, automatically remove excess moisture during defrost cycles. Water flows down a groove into a special hole, from where it enters a container above the compressor through a tube and evaporates. If this path is blocked by crumbs, mold or ice, moisture will begin to accumulate inside the chamber. Understanding the design of the water drainage system will help you quickly solve the problem without calling a technician.
Regularly checking the condition of the drainage system is an important part of caring for your refrigerator. Ignoring minor clogs can result in ice build-up that is much more difficult to remove, or an unpleasant odor. Next, we will look at a step-by-step algorithm for detecting and cleaning the channel, and also answer frequently asked questions from users.
The principle of operation of the moisture removal system
To effectively remove the blockage, you need to understand exactly how the condensate drainage system in the equipment is designed Bosch. In refrigerators with a drip defrosting system (or combined models), moisture settles on the back wall of the main chamber. When the compressor is turned off, the wall heats up, the ice melts, and the water flows down by gravity down the relief grooves.
At the bottom of the rear panel there is an inlet leading to drainage channel. It is through it that water should flow freely into the evaporator tray, located in the technical area above the motor-compressor. There, thanks to the heat from the operating unit, the water evaporates into the atmosphere. If this process is disrupted, the water overflows the groove and flows out.
It is important to note that in the freezer compartment of the system No Frost the principle is similar, but access to the hole is often hidden. There, melt water is removed from the evaporator, which is hidden behind a plastic panel. Therefore, if water appears in the freezer, the problem may be deeper than just a clogged hole in sight.
Localization of the drainage hole in different models
Finding the place where it is located drainage tubedepends on the specific series of your refrigerator. Bosch. In classic weeping wall models, the hole is always located at the bottom of the rear panel of the refrigerator compartment. It is a small round or oval recess, often closed with a plastic plug or mesh.
In more complex modifications with a system Low Frost or complete No Frost, the situation may be different. In the refrigerator compartment, the hole can be offset to the side or hidden under a decorative trim on the shelf. In the freezer, access to the drainage is often blocked by the back wall, which must be carefully removed by unscrewing the fastening screws.
| System type | Position of hole | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Drip (Static) | Center, bottom of the back wall | Open |
| No Frost (Refrigerator) | Bottom, often under the shelf | Partially hidden |
| No Frost (Freezer) | Behind the back panel | Requires disassembly |
| Side-by-Side | Inside the drainage gutter | Hidden |
When searching, be guided by the presence of a plastic gutter converging at one point. Even if you don't see an obvious hole, the water should go to this collection point. In some models Bosch Serie 6 or Serie 8, the input may be disguised to match the color of the plastic, so carefully inspect the bottom of the back wall in good lighting.
Tools and preparation for cleaning
Before you begin to remove the blockage, you must properly prepare the workplace and tools. You don't need complex professional tools, but using unsuitable items can damage thin walls drainage channel. The main task is to mechanically destroy the plug and flush the system.
For work you will need the following items: a soft rubber bulb (enema) for rinsing with water, a thin wire with a bent end or a special brush, as well as a warm soda solution. It is strictly forbidden to use sharp metal objects, such as knitting needles, knives or screwdrivers, as they can easily pierce the tube, after which repairs will become impossible without replacing the entire panel.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning the drainage
Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply before starting any work. This is a safety requirement that cannot be ignored, even if you only plan to wipe down the shelf. In addition, defrosting the chamber (if there is a lot of ice) will make access to the hole easier and make the procedure more effective.
Step-by-step instructions for clearing a blockage
The cleaning process begins with a visual inspection. If you see visible food debris or mold at the opening, carefully remove it with a dry cloth or cotton swab. Don't push debris deeper. After the initial cleaning, proceed to washing.
Fill a rubber bulb with warm (not boiling water!) water. Press the nose of the bulb firmly against the hole and press firmly, but without excessive force. The water should go inside. If the water stands and does not go away, it means that an ice or fat plug has formed in the channel. In this case, the mechanical method is used.
⚠️ Attention: When using wire or a brush, do not use excessive force. The drainage tube in refrigerators Bosch may have bends. By piercing the wall of the channel, you will cause water to leak inside the thermal insulation, which will lead to corrosion and difficult repairs.
Carefully insert a flexible brush or wire with a stopper (for example, a piece of electrical tape wound at the end) into the hole. Movements must be translational and rotational. Your goal is to loosen the cork, not forcefully pierce it all the way through. After mechanical impact, rinse the channel again with water from the bulb.
What to do if the water does not go away after flushing?
If the water remains in the groove and does not go away after several flushing attempts, the lower part of the tube in the freezer area may have frozen. In this case, complete defrosting of the refrigerator is required for 10-12 hours with the doors open.
Features of servicing the freezer
If a problem with water occurs in the freezer, the algorithm of actions becomes more complicated. In No Frost systems, the drain hole is often located behind the rear plastic panel, behind which the evaporator is hidden. It is impossible to get to it without disassembling.
To access it, you need to remove all the drawers, unscrew the screws securing the back wall (usually they are located inside the camera and can be hidden by plugs). Removing the panel, you will see an aluminum evaporator and a gutter at the bottom for water drainage. It is this that needs to be cleaned.
- 🧊 Ice slush: Often the clog in the freezer is a mixture of ice and crumbs. Remove the main ice carefully, without using sharp objects.
- 💧 Warming up: If the channel is clogged with ice, use a hair dryer (with caution, without overheating the plastic) or a rubber bulb with warm water to melt the plug.
- 🧼 Disinfection: After cleaning, wipe accessible surfaces with a food-safe solution to prevent mold.
Assemble in reverse order. Make sure that the panel fits tightly and all the seals are in place, otherwise the air circulation in the chamber will be disrupted, which will lead to the formation of ice.
Prevention and common errors
To prevent the problem of blockage drain tube from returning regularly, you should follow simple operating rules. The main cause of blockages is small crumbs, packaging particles and dirt that get into the food chamber. Regular cleaning of the refrigerator minimizes risks.
One of the common mistakes is the use of aggressive chemicals for cleaning. Do not pour solvents, acetone or strong acids into the drain. They can damage the plastic tubes and seals. For disinfection, a weak solution of soda or citric acid is sufficient.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of elements may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the official instructions Bosch for your model before disassembling the components.
It is also important to check the position of products on the shelves. Do not place packages close to the back wall, especially above the drainage channel. This disrupts the circulation of cold air and contributes to faster growth of ice on the wall, which then blocks the entrance to the drainage.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there water on the floor in the Bosch refrigerator, although the drainage is clean?
If the drainage tube is definitely clean and water flows freely into the tray, but the puddle on the floor remains, check the integrity of the tray itself above the compressor (it could have cracked) or whether the refrigerator is installed correctly. If the device is tilted backwards, water can overflow over the edge of the groove inside without having time to go into the drain.
How often should you clean the drainage hole?
It is recommended to carry out a preventive check every 6 months. However, if you notice a slowdown in water flow or the appearance of an unpleasant odor, cleaning should be carried out immediately, without waiting for the scheduled date.
Can you use a vacuum cleaner to clean the drainage?
You can use a vacuum cleaner, but with great care and only in the blowing mode (if there is such a function) or carefully vacuum the inlet. Drawing water into a regular vacuum cleaner will damage your appliance. It is better to limit yourself to a pear with water.
What to do if after cleaning the water still stands?
Perhaps the plug is located deep in the bend of the tube or at the junction with the tray. Try using a longer, more flexible brush. If this does not help, the tube itself may be pinched or the angle of the refrigerator is broken.