Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where a puddle forms around a refrigeration unit, and the first question that arises is about the integrity of the moisture removal system. In the design of modern and classic models Biryusa a special storage element is responsible for collecting excess liquid, which can be located in different places depending on the year of manufacture and the type of defrosting system. Understanding the structure of your device is the first step to eliminating leaks without calling a technician.
Most often this element is hidden from the user’s eyes so as not to disturb the aesthetics of the kitchen interior, but its maintenance is an important part of operation. If you notice water on the floor, this does not always mean a compressor failure or a leak in the circuit. In most cases, the problem is solved by checking the condition of of the drainage system and the condensate collection container, which may have moved or overflowed.
In this article we will look in detail at where to look for the tray in various modifications of refrigerators, how to properly remove it for cleaning and what to do if it is damaged. We will look at the differences between models with a drip system and No Frost, since the arrangement of their elements is radically different. A competent approach will allow you to quickly localize the problem and avoid expensive repairs.
Design features of the moisture removal system
The moisture removal system in refrigerators Biryusa is designed taking into account the physical laws of condensation. When the compressor operates, ice forms on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment or in the evaporator of the freezer compartment, which periodically thaws. The resulting water flows down the grooves into the drainage hole, from where it either by gravity or is forced into the storage tank.
The location of this storage tank depends on the type air circulation and year of production of the equipment. In older models and devices with a drip defrosting system, the tray is most often placed outside, on the rear wall of the case, directly above the compressor. The heat from a running engine promotes the evaporation of moisture, so the water in it does not stagnate for years, but gradually escapes into the atmosphere.
In more modern models, especially with the system No Frost, the design is more complicated. There, water can collect in an internal tray located above the compressor inside the lower compartment, or in a special reservoir, which can only be accessed after removing the decorative panels. It is important to understand that in systems with automatic evaporation, water should not flow out if all components are working properly.
⚠️ Attention: The design of refrigerators Biryusa may change depending on the modification. If you do not find the element in the described location, check the technical documentation of the specific model, as engineers can make changes to the layout of the units.
You should not ignore the condition of this unit, since stagnation of water can lead to an unpleasant odor or the growth of bacteria. Regular inspection allows you to maintain hygienic safety stored products. In addition, an overfilled or displaced tray is one of the common reasons for the appearance of water in the kitchen.
Searching for a tray in models with a drip system
If your refrigerator Biryusa is equipped with a classic drip defrosting system (crying evaporator), then finding a moisture storage device will not take much time. In such devices, water flows down the back wall of the fridge compartment, enters the drainage hole and is discharged out through a tube. The end point of this path is a pallet mounted above the motor-compressor.
To get to it, you don’t need complex tools. It is enough to move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing access to the rear panel. At the bottom you will see a black or metal compressor and a flat tray located directly above it. It is into this that water drips during defrost cycles.
In some modifications, access to this element may be partially blocked by a protective grille or casing. You need to remove it carefully so as not to damage the plastic latches. The main task of this unit is to hold water until it evaporates under the influence of heat from a running engine.
If you find that the pan is full or water is flowing out from under it, it means that the evaporation process is disrupted or the drain tube is clogged. It is also possible that the tray itself may be misaligned, causing drops to fall past. Check that the refrigerator is installed horizontally, as if it is tilted strongly, water may overflow over the edge of the container.
Location of the element in No Frost refrigerators
In models Biryusa with the system No Frost the situation is different. Here, moisture collects on the evaporator, hidden behind the back panel of the freezer or refrigerator. When the defrosting heating element is turned on, water flows into the drainage basin, which is most often located inside the housing, above the compressor.
Access to the internal pan in such models is difficult. To visually inspect it, it is often necessary to remove the back cover of the refrigerator compartment or dismantle the bottom panel in the freezer. This is a more complex procedure that requires care not to damage fragile plastic elements and wires.
In some cases, manufacturers install the tray so that it is non-removable without partially disassembling the case. The water from it evaporates thanks to the heat from the compressor to which it is attached or over which it is located. If your model does not have an external tray at the back, then the drainage system is fully integrated into the internal space of the unit.
Signs of problems in the system No Frost can be:
- ❄️ Formation of an ice coat at the bottom of the freezer.
- 💧 The appearance of water under the vegetable boxes.
- 🔊 Gurgling sounds when the compressor is operating.
- 🌫️ An unpleasant smell of dampness inside the chambers.
Instructions for dismantling and cleaning
Regular maintenance of the drainage system - the key to long service life of the refrigerator. If you find dirt, mold or sludge in the pan, it must be removed and washed. For models with an external location, the procedure takes a few minutes and does not require special skills.
First, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a basic safety rule for any manipulation of household appliances. Then move the unit away from the wall. If the tray is secured with latches or screws, carefully release it. In most cases, it is simply inserted into the grooves above the compressor.
☑️ Cleaning the pan
It is best to rinse the container with warm water with the addition of a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive powders, which can scratch the plastic, creating microcracks for bacteria to grow. Rinse the tray thoroughly and wipe it dry with a soft cloth before putting it back.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole. If the water is stagnant, there may be a blockage of grease or food particles in the tube. You can clean it using a special flexible brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. You must act carefully so as not to pierce the tube.
⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the internal tray in models No Frost be extremely careful with the plastic partitions. They become fragile at low temperatures, so let the refrigerator completely defrost before starting work.
Table: Tray location in different series
To systematize the information, we have prepared a table that will help you navigate depending on the series of your refrigerator Biryusa. Remember that the manufacturer may make changes to the design, so the data is for reference only.
| Series / Model | System type | Pallet location | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biryusa 6 (KSh-120) | Drip | Rear, above the compressor | Free |
| Biryusa 10 (KSh-210) | Drip | Rear, above the compressor | Free |
| Biryusa 11 (KSh-230) | No Frost | Inside, above the compressor | Disassembly required |
| Biryusa 14 (KSh-300) | No Frost | Inside, above the compressor | Disassembly required |
| Biryusa 18 (KSh-280) | Combined | Back / Inside | Depends on the camera |
As can be seen from the table, in simple models access to the element is simplified as much as possible, which makes it easier to care for the equipment. In more complex units with automatic defrosting, the design is aimed at minimizing user intervention, however, in case of breakdowns, qualified assistance is required.
Typical malfunctions and methods for eliminating them
Even with proper care, situations may arise that require intervention. The most common problem is cracks in the plastic of the pallet. Over time, the material dries out from constant heating and cooling, becoming brittle. If you notice a crack through which water is leaking, the element must be replaced.
The search for a spare part is carried out by the catalog number, which is often stamped on the inside of the old tray or indicated in technical data sheet. It is not recommended to use universal pallets, as they may not be suitable in terms of fastening geometry or dimensions. Order original spare parts for Biryusa from official dealers.
Is it possible to repair a cracked pallet?
Theoretically, The plastic can be soldered or sealed with waterproof sealant. However, given the constant contact with water and temperature changes, such repairs are temporary. It is better to purchase a new part to avoid flooding the kitchen.
Another common cause of leaks is displacement of the drain tube. If it jumps off the sump pipe, water will pour directly onto the floor or onto the compressor. In this case, you just need to put the tube in place and secure it with a clamp, if provided by the design.
If the pan is intact, the tube is in place, but the water still does not drain, check the installation level of the refrigerator. If the angle of inclination is incorrect, water may not flow into the drainage hole or overflow over the edge of the tray. Adjust the support legs using a building level.
Prevention and recommendations for operation
In order for the moisture removal system to operate without failure, it is important to follow the operating rules. Do not place hot foods in the refrigerator as this will increase the amount of condensation that the drainage may not be able to handle. Also, keep food clean: crumbs and food particles should not fall into the drain grooves.
Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out a preventive inspection of the back of the refrigerator. Remove dust from the compressor and radiator grilles, as contamination impairs heat transfer and the process of evaporation of water from the sump. A clean radiator is the effective operation of the entire system.
If you notice that the water in the pan does not evaporate for a long time, although the compressor is working normally, this may indicate high humidity in the room or a malfunction thermostat. In such cases, it is worth calling a specialist to diagnose the electrical part of the device.
Remember that timely maintenance extends the life of household appliances. Simple actions, such as wiping the tray and checking the tubes, take a minimum of time, but save you from serious problems and costs for repairing the floor or furniture.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
Operating a refrigerator without a tray is highly not recommended. Water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which can cause short circuits, steam, corrosion of metal parts and damage to electronics. In addition, this will lead to the constant formation of puddles on the floor.
Why is there rusty water in the pan of the Biryusa refrigerator?
The rusty tint to the water is given by metal dust from corrosion of the internal parts of the compressor (if it is open) or the pan itself, if it is metal and damaged. The cause may also be rust particles from the water supply, if ice from tap water was used in the chamber, or oxidation of the drain tube.
How can you tell if the pan is cracked?
The main symptom is that water drips onto the floor even when the refrigerator is operating normally and the drainage hole is clean. Upon visual inspection, you may notice cracks on the bottom or walls of the tray. Also, water can accumulate in a niche under the compressor without having time to evaporate.
Where to buy an original tray for Biryusa?
Original spare parts are best purchased from authorized service centers of the brand Biryusa or from official dealers of household appliances. You can also order the part by catalog number in specialized online stores of spare parts for refrigerators, making sure that it is compatible with your model.
What to do if the water in the pan is frozen?
If the water in the pan is frozen, this means that the process is disrupted evaporation or the refrigerator operates in constant freezing mode (the thermostat or defrost sensor is faulty). It is necessary to defrost the refrigerator completely (leave it turned off for 10-12 hours) and check the operation of the defrosting system.