Refrigerators Indesit with a system No Frost are popular due to the absence of the need for manual defrosting. However, even in such models, moisture can accumulate at the bottom of the chamber - this is a signal that the drainage hole is clogged. Unlike drip refrigerators, where the drain is visible to the naked eye, in No Frostsystems the drainage is hidden behind the panels. Improper cleaning or ignoring the problem leads to icing of the evaporator, increased load on the compressor and even breakdown.
This article contains detailed instructions with photos where exactly is the drainage hole located in refrigerators Indesit No Frost (including models C 132 G, DF 4180, ITF 118 and others) as it clean without the risk of damaging the system, and what to do if water continues to flow after cleaning. We will also look at why the drain gets clogged and how to prevent re-clogging.
Why water accumulates in the Indesit No Frost refrigerator
The system No Frost works on the principle of forced circulation of cold air: the fan runs flows through the evaporator, where moisture condenses and flows into the drain hole. Normally, the water goes into a special reservoir above the compressor and evaporates. If the drainage is clogged, the liquid remains inside the chamber, forming a puddle under the vegetable drawers or on the shelf.
The main causes of blockages:
- 🧊 Crumbs and food particles, falling into the hole during careless cleaning or storing open products.
- 🍂 Dust and mold, which accumulate in the drain tube due to infrequent cleaning.
- ❄️ Ice in the drainformed when the evaporator heater malfunctions (the defect is typical for models older than 5 years).
- 🔧 Incorrect installation of the refrigerator (tilt back), due to which the water does not drain by gravity.
If a puddle appears only in the freezer compartment, the problem lies in the separate drainage of the evaporator No Frost - cleaning it requires disassembling the rear panel. In the refrigerator compartment, the drain is usually accessible without dismantling parts.
Where is the drainage hole in the Indesit No Frost refrigerator
In models Indesit No Frost the drainage hole is located behind the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, under evaporator. It is not visible from the outside - it is covered by a plastic panel with ventilation grilles. To gain access:
- Unplug the refrigerator and remove all products.
- Remove the shelves and drawers for vegetables/fruits.
- Carefully pry up the plastic back panel (it is attached to latches) and remove it. In some models (for example Indesit BIAA 13), the panel is fixed with screws - you will need a Phillips screwdriver.
- Under the evaporator (radiator with tubes) you will see a small round or oval hole with a diameter of 5-8 mm - this is drainage.
In the freezer, the drain is hidden deeper: it leads from the evaporator No Frost to the tank on the compressor. To access it, you need to remove the internal rear panel of the freezer (defrosting and removing the fan will be required).
What does the drainage hole look like in Indesit No Frost
It is a plastic tube with an expansion at the inlet, often with a rubber stopper or mesh filter. In some models, there is a drainage tray nearby (a white plastic tray) into which the condensate drains.
| Indesit model | Drain location | Access features |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit DF 4180 | Under the evaporator of the refrigeration chamber | Panel with snaps, hole with mesh |
| Indesit C 132 G | Behind the back wall, on the right | Requires removal of 2 screws |
| Indesit ITF 118 | Bottom under the drawers for vegetables | The hole is covered with a plastic plug |
| Indesit BIAA 13 | Under the freezer evaporator | You need to remove the fan |
⚠️ Attention: If the drainage hole in the freezer is clogged with ice, do not try to clear it with sharp objects - you risk damaging the tube. Use only hot water (60–70°C) or a hairdryer.
How to clean the drainage hole: step-by-step instructions
To clean the drainage in the refrigerator compartment Indesit No Frost you will need:
- 🧹 Cotton swabs or soft wire (3-4 mm in diameter).
- 💦 Syringe (20 ml) or rubber bulb.
- 🧼 Soap solution or refrigerator cleaner.
- 🔧 Screwdriver (if the panel is screwed).
Sequence of actions:
Turn off the refrigerator and defrost (if there is ice)|Remove the back panel of the refrigerator|Clean the hole with a cotton swab or wire|Rinse the drainage with warm water from a syringe|Check the drain and fill 50 ml of water into the hole|Place the panel in place and wipe the chamber-->
- Remove visible dirt. Use a cotton swab dipped in a soapy solution to clean the entrance to the drainage. Do not press too hard - the plastic may crack.
- Clean the tube. Insert a soft wire into the hole to a depth of 5–7 cm and carefully twist. If resistance is felt, do not pull - it is better to repeat the procedure with a soda solution (1 tbsp per 200 ml of water).
- Rinse the drainage. Fill the syringe with warm water and sharply inject it into the hole. Repeat 3-4 times. Water should flow freely into the container above the compressor.
- Check the result. Pour 50–100 ml of water into the drainage - if it leaves without delay, the blockage has been removed.
For cleaning drainage in freezer compartment the algorithm is more complicated:
- Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- Remove the back panel of the freezer (unscrew the screws and disconnect the clips).
- Disconnect the fan connector and remove it.
- Look for the drain tube under the evaporator - it may be icy. Pour hot water over it (not boiling water!) or direct a stream of warm air from a hairdryer.
- Clean the tube with a wire and rinse with a solution of citric acid (1 teaspoon per glass of water).
How to clean the drainage hole: permitted and prohibited means
To remove blockages in the drain Indesit No Frost suitable:
- 🧼 Soap solution (laundry soap or dish soap).
- 🍋 Lemon acid (10 g per 100 ml of water) - dissolves limescale.
- 🧂 Soda (1 tbsp per glass of water) - removes odors and organic deposits.
- 🧴 Special products for cleaning refrigerators (for example, Top House, Sano Fridge Cleaner).
Strictly prohibited use:
- 🧨 Vinegar essence - corrodes plastic and rubber seals.
- 🧪 Abrasive powders (type Pemolux) - scratch the tube.
- 🔥 Boiling water —can deform the drainage system.
- 🔪 Metal brushes or knitting needles —pierce the tube.
If the blockage is caused by mold, after cleaning, treat the drainage hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) or chlorhexidine. This will prevent the fungus from reproducing.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit with a system Total No Frost (for example, Indesit EWD 81052) drainage tubes are thinner and longer. To clean them, use only a flexible silicone cable or a compressor (pump air under low pressure).
What to do if, after cleaning the drainage, water continues to flow
If cleaning did not help, the problem lies deeper. Possible reasons:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water flows, but the drainage is clear | Drain tube is clogged behind the back wall refrigerator | Remove the back cover and clean the tube with a wire with a hook |
| Puddle only in the freezer | Does not work evaporator heater (TEN) | Replace the heater (a technician is required) |
| Water with an unpleasant odor | Mold in the drainage bath above the compressor | Remove the bath, rinse bleach and dry |
| Condensation on the back wall | Faulty thermostat or defrost sensor | Diagnostics with a multimeter, replacement sensor |
The most common problem is clog in the drain pipe behind the refrigerator. To get to it:
- Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
- Remove the lower rear panel (it is secured with 3-4 screws).
- Under the compressor you will see a plastic one tube running from the drainage hole to the container. Disconnect it.
- Clean the tube with wire and rinse under running water.
If the tube is cracked or has lost its seal, it must be replaced. A silicone hose with a diameter of 6–8 mm (sold in plumbing stores) is suitable for this.
How to prevent clogging of the drainage hole in the future
To prevent the drainage in the refrigerator Indesit No Frost from becoming clogged, follow simple rules:
- 🧤 Regular cleaning. Once every Wipe the back wall of the refrigerator compartment with soapy water for 2–3 months.
- 🥬 Proper storage of food. Pack liquid foods in airtight containers to prevent drops from getting into the drain.
- 🌡️ Temperature control. Do not put hot dishes in the refrigerator - steam condenses on the evaporator and increases the load on the drain.
- 🔄 Defrost. Even No Frostrefrigerators need defrosting 1-2 times a year (for 10-12 hours).
To prevent mold, you can use odor absorbers with an antibacterial effect (for example, Bork K701 or Polair). Place them near the drainage hole, but do not cover it.
If you have hard water in your region, wash the drainage with a solution of citric acid every six months - this will prevent the formation of limescale.
When to call a professional: signs of serious malfunctions
Not all problems with drainage in the refrigerator Indesit No Frost can be solved independently. Contact the service center if:
- 🔌 After cleaning the drainage, the refrigerator does not cool or works without stopping.
- ❄️ In the freezer compartment ice builds up despite regular defrosting.
- 💧 Water flows from under the refrigerator (damaged drainage bath or tube).
- 🔊 Appeared unusual noise (grinding, knocking) - perhaps the fan blades are touching the ice.
Average cost of repairing the drainage system in Indesit:
| View work | Cost (rub.) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning the drainage (without disassembly) | 1 200–1 800 |
| Replacement of the drain tube | 2 500–3 500 |
| Repair of the evaporator heater (TEN) | 3 000–4 500 |
| Diagnostics electronics | 1 500–2 000 |
⚠️ Attention: Prices do not include the cost of spare parts. In some models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13) the drainage system is integrated with the evaporator - its replacement will cost 5,000–7,000 rubles.
When choosing a specialist, check whether he works with the original spare parts Indesit. Counterfeits (for example, Chinese drainage tubes) often crack at low temperatures.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the drainage hole in Indesit No Frost
Is it possible to clean the drainage without turning off the refrigerator?
No. Cleaning the drain hole requires removing the back panel, which is dangerous to do while the power is on. In addition, without defrosting, the ice in the tube will not melt, and you will not be able to clean it.
What is the difference between the drainage in the Indesit No Frost refrigerator and the drip system?
In drip refrigerators, the drainage hole is visible on the back wall and leads directly into the container above the compressor. In No Frost the drain is hidden under the panel, and the tube is longer and thinner, since moisture first condenses on the evaporator and then flows into the drain.
How often do you need to clean the drainage in Indesit No Frost?
When active use - once every 3-4 months. If the refrigerator is in a room with high humidity (for example, in a kitchen without a hood), cleaning should be done more often: once every 2 months.
Is it possible to use a pipe cleaner (for example, “Mole”) to clean the drainage?
No! Harsh chemicals corrode the plastic of the drainage system and can damage the seals. Use only mild detergents or specialized compounds for refrigerators.
Why did a smell appear in the refrigerator after cleaning the drainage?
Most likely, organic deposits remained in the drainage tube or bath above the compressor. Rinse the system with a soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and dry with a hairdryer. If the smell remains, replace the drainage tray.