When faced with the appearance of water on the kitchen floor, many owners of household appliances panic, believing that there has been a serious breakthrough in the system or failure of the compressor. However, in most cases the reason is trivial: a special reservoir for collecting moisture generated during operation of the unit is overfilled or clogged. Understanding where the tray is located in the refrigeratoris the first and most important step to solving this common problem yourself without calling a technician.
This structural element, often called the evaporator (although technically it is a collection tray), plays a critical role in the self-defrosting system of modern models. The water flowing down the back wall of the chamber should get exactly where it safely evaporates from the heat of the running motor. If you find a puddle, it means that the moisture removal chain is broken, and you have to find this hidden container.
The location of this unit can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, model and year of manufacture of your refrigeration equipment. In some cases, access to it is immediately available, in others it is necessary to dismantle the protective panels or even pull the entire unit out of the niche. Let's look at all possible location options so that you can quickly identify the problem area.
The principle of operation of the condensate drainage system
Before you begin a physical search, you need to understand how exactly moisture ends up in the tank. In refrigerators with a No Frost or drip defrosting system, water is formed naturally when frost on the evaporator thaws. This process is regulated by a timer or an electronic control module, which periodically starts the heating element.
The melt water flows through the grooves into the drainage hole located on the back wall inside the chamber. Then, through a special tube, it moves by gravity to the lower part of the housing. It is there, in the high temperature zone created by the worker compressor, that the pan is located. The heat of the engine promotes the rapid evaporation of moisture, so in a working refrigerator, water does not linger in it.
However, if the drainage tube is clogged with food crumbs, ice or mold, the water does not have time to leave and overflows over the edge of the internal gutter, ending up on shelves or in vegetable drawers. If the problem is in the pan itself (crack, displacement), then the water will end up right on the kitchen floor. Understanding this hydraulic circuit helps to localize the malfunction.
Classic location: compressor zone
The most common option, typical for the vast majority of brand models Indesit, Atlant, Beko and many others, involves placing the pan in the lower rear part of the housing. It is located directly above the compressor motor, which serves as a heat source for evaporating moisture.
To see it, you do not have to disassemble the refrigerator from the inside. Simply move the unit away from the wall and look into the lower part of the rear wall. There you will see a black metal or plastic box, often with a ribbed structure to increase the evaporation area. This is the element you are looking for.
In some models, this tray may be hidden behind a decorative cover or metal panel attached to the back wall. If you see a compressor, but there is no tray above it, it may have been dismantled by previous owners or installed in a non-standard place (for example, built into a shelf above the motor in older models).
⚠️ Attention: The back wall of the refrigerator and the compressor itself can be very hot during operation. Before touching parts in this area, be sure to unplug the device from the power supply and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
It is in this area that dust and pet hair most often accumulate, which impairs heat transfer and can lead to overheating of the motor. Regular visual inspection of this area will help prevent more serious damage.
Hidden location inside the chamber
There is a category of refrigerators, mainly built-in or compact models, where the design has been changed. In such devices, the condensate collection tray may be located inside the lower part of the refrigerator compartment, often under the vegetable drawer (freshness zone).
To access it in this case, it is necessary to completely empty the lower part of the chamber and remove all shelves and containers. At the bottom of the chamber, under a plastic sheet or directly in a recess, there may be a removable tray. It must be periodically removed, washed and returned to its place.
Also, some models Liebherr or Bosch use a system where water evaporates on a special heat exchanger located on the side of the compressor, and the “pan” itself is a complex system of gutters that do not require direct user access. However, if the instructions indicate the presence of a removable tray inside, its maintenance is your responsibility.
If you find water inside the chamber under the drawers, but it is dry outside, most likely the problem is the overflow or displacement of this internal reservoir, or the freezing of the drainage hole leading to it.
Algorithm for finding and accessing the tray
To find the pallet in your specific model, follow the logical sequence of actions. Don't immediately grab the tools; start with a visual inspection and study of documentation.
The first step should always be diagnostics. Open the door and inspect the insides. If there is water inside, check the drainage hole. If the water is outside, we go back. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network, this is safety rule number one.
☑️ Algorithm for searching for a pallet
Next, carefully move the refrigerator away from the wall. You will need room to maneuver. Sit down and use a flashlight, as the lower part of the back wall is usually dark. Look for a black plastic or metal element above the motor.
If there is no tray at the back, go back inside the chamber. Remove the bottom vegetable drawer. See if there is a plastic panel that can be removed or a recess where water drains. In rare cases, the tray may be located in the plinth at the front, covered with a decorative grille.
Location table by brand
Different manufacturers prefer different engineering solutions. Below is a table that will help you figure out where to look for a tray depending on the brand of your refrigerator.
| Refrigerator brand | Typical location of the tray | Access features |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit, Ariston | Above the compressor at the rear | Often requires removal of the rear metal panel |
| Atlant | Above the compressor at the back | Open access, often without a cover |
| Liebherr | Inside the chamber (under the drawer) or behind | Depends on the series, often hidden by plastic casing |
| Beko, Candy | Above the compressor at the back | Attached with latches or screws |
| LG, Samsung | Rear (built into the system) | Often does not require cleaning, forced evaporation |
It is worth noting that even within the same brand, the location may vary from model to model. Therefore, having an instruction manual (user manual) is always an advantage. If the documentation is lost, the device model can be found on the nameplate inside the chamber.
In modern models with an advanced system No Frost the tray can be combined with the body or have such a shape that water physically cannot spill out of it under normal operating conditions, (if) the installation geometry of the refrigerator is not violated (for example, a strong bend back).
Cleaning and maintaining the drainage system
Having found the pan, you will most likely find mucus, mold or hard deposits there. This is normal, as a humid and warm environment is ideal for bacteria to grow. Regular hygiene this zone will prolong the life of the refrigerator and get rid of unpleasant odors.
To clean, remove the tray (if it is removable) or wipe it in place. Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals or abrasive powders so as not to damage the protective coating of the metal or the structure of the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to clean the pan or drainage hole. Puncture of the tube or damage to the bottom of the tray will lead to expensive repairs or replacement of the unit.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole that leads to the tray. It can be cleaned using a special brush or soft wire. Rinsing with warm water through a syringe without a needle is also effective.
How to disinfect the tray?
For disinfection, it is best to use a chlorhexidine solution or a weak solution of acetic acid. This will kill mold spores and eliminate the musty smell. Avoid chlorine-containing products in high concentrations, they can corrode the plastic.
After cleaning, make sure that the tray is installed evenly and tightly. If it is skewed, water will accumulate in one corner and overflow, even if the volume of condensation is small.
Common problems and their solutions
Even knowing where the pan is located, users may encounter situations where water continues to appear. Let's look at the main reasons. The first is freezing drainage tube. The water in the tube turns into an ice plug, and the condensation has nowhere to drain except onto the shelves.
The second reason is improper installation of the refrigerator. If the unit is tilted backwards, gravity will not help water flow into the drain. The refrigerator should stand either level or slightly tilted back (for the doors to fit tightly), but the drainage hole should be the lowest point inside the chamber relative to the drain.
The third problem is cracks in the pan itself. Plastic becomes brittle over time due to temperature changes and may crack. In this case, water drips directly onto the compressor or onto the floor. The problem can be solved by replacing the pan with an original one or using a heat-resistant sealant for a temporary repair.
If you notice that the pan is overflowing faster than usual, check the tightness of the door seals. If the rubber does not fit tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, the amount of condensate increases sharply, and the evaporation system cannot cope with the volume.
When specialist help is needed
In most cases, finding and cleaning the pan is a task that any user can handle. However, there are situations that require professional intervention. If, after cleaning the pan and drainage, water continues to flow in a stream, the tightness of the internal system may be broken or the drainage heater has failed.
Also, the help of a specialist is needed if the pan has a complex structure built into the housing, and its dismantling requires disassembling the rear wall or removing the compressor. Inexperienced actions can lead to damage to the refrigerant circuit.
Remember that constant moisture on the floor is a risk of short circuit and damage to the floor covering. If you are not confident in your abilities or cannot find the source of the leak, it is better to call a service center specialist to carry out a full diagnosis.
Why is the pan in my refrigerator rusty?
Rust on a pallet is a common occurrence, especially if it is metal and covered with enamel. Over time, the coating becomes thinner and contact with water leads to corrosion. This is not critical if the rust is superficial. However, if the pan is rotten through and through, it must be replaced, otherwise water will drip onto the electrical parts of the compressor.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a pan?
It is strictly not recommended. Without a pan, water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which can cause thermal shock, short circuit or corrosion of metal parts of the motor. In addition, there will always be a puddle on the floor.
How often should you clean the tray?
The optimal frequency is once every 6 months, during the general defrosting of the refrigerator. If you have pets that shed, or the house is dusty, you should check and clean the drip tray area every 3-4 months.
Does the drip tray make sounds when operating?
Yes, this is normal. When water from the drain tube drips into the hot pan, it may hiss or gurgle. It is also possible for plastic or metal to crack due to thermal expansion. If the sounds are not accompanied by leaks, there is nothing to worry about.