Owners of refrigeration equipment often face the need for maintenance, and one of the most common questions is finding a drainage system. If you are wondering where the tray of the Stinol refrigerator is, it means that moisture removal in your household appliance is impaired or the evaporator needs to be cleaned. Drainage system It is a critical component that ensures the normal operation of the device and prevents the formation of puddles on the kitchen floor.
B brand refrigerators Stinol, especially in models with the No Frost system, the moisture collection structure can be hidden from the user's eyes, which creates certain difficulties during maintenance. Condensation, formed on the walls of the evaporator, must flow freely into a special trench, and from there through the tube into the container for evaporation. If this process is disrupted, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or freezer and then flows out.
Understanding how this system works in your model will allow you to quickly fix the problem without calling a technician. In this article, we will analyze in detail the location condensate collector, features of its design in various series of Stinol refrigerators and the algorithm for action when the drainage channel is clogged. In Stinol models with a drip defrosting system, the tray for collecting moisture is often located directly behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, hidden by a thermal insulation layer.
Design and principle of operation of the Stinol drainage system
To effectively find and maintain the tray, you need to understand the basic principle of moisture removal in refrigerators Stinol. The system works based on gravity and temperature changes. The moisture deposited on the evaporator flows down, falling into the drainage tray. From there, through the drainage hole, the water goes through a tube into a container located in the heating zone of the compressor, where it safely evaporates.
It is important to distinguish between the two types of systems, since the arrangement of the elements in them is different. In drip models, the water collection trough is located inside the refrigerator compartment, directly under the back wall. In systems No Frost the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel, and all moisture flows into a tray located under the evaporator in the freezer compartment or in the technical tunnel between the chambers.
⚠️ Attention: The design of the drainage system may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the Stinol refrigerator. Details of the internal structure have changed in different production series, so always check the diagram in the instructions for your model.
The main elements of the system are a water inlet funnel, a drainage tube and an evaporation tank (bath). The funnel collects water, the tube transports it, and the container ensures disposal. If any of these elements fail or become clogged, a leak occurs. Often the problem lies not in the absence of a pan, but in an ice plug inside the channel.
To diagnose a malfunction, it is useful to know what these elements are made of. Drainage tubes in Stinol refrigerators are usually made of flexible plastic or rubber, which allows them to withstand temperature changes. The tray (bath) itself is most often made of heat-resistant black plastic, which conducts heat well from the compressor to speed up evaporation.
Location of the tray in refrigerators with the No Frost system
Refrigerators Stinol with the No Frost system have a more complex moisture removal design compared to drip models. Here, the condensation tray (often called the evaporator tray) is located at the bottom of the freezer or in a special technical compartment between the freezer and refrigerator compartment. It is impossible to get to it without disassembling the panel.
Water from the evaporator flows into this tray, and from there it goes down through the drain tube to the compressor. It is important to understand that in the No Frost system, the tray inside the chamber is not intended for long-term storage of water; it should quickly go away by itself. If you see water in the freezer, it means the channel is clogged with ice or debris.
- 🧊 Evaporator tray: Located under the aluminum radiator (evaporator) behind the rear plastic panel of the freezer.
- 💧 Drainage channel: Pass inside the refrigerator body, often through the foam layer, connecting the top and bottom parts of the unit.
- 🔥 Evaporation tank: Located above the compressor in the lower rear part of the refrigerator, where water eventually enters.
- 🔧 Drainage heater: In some Stinol models, a special heating element is installed that heats the drainage area to prevent the formation of ice plugs.
To access the internal tray in the freezer, you will need to remove the back plastic panel. It is usually secured with latches and screws. Be careful when removing the panel, as the plastic becomes brittle in the cold and can crack if handled carelessly. It is recommended to pre-defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours.
☑️ Preparing to disassemble the No Frost panel
Searching for a drainage hole in drip models
In classic refrigerators Stinol with a drip defrosting system, searching for drainage elements is easier, since they are in direct visibility. The drainage hole is located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. This is where condensate drains during pauses in compressor operation.
The tray in such models is often hidden behind a decorative trim or located in a niche behind the rear wall, which is foamed by the manufacturer. However, the drainage hole is critical for the user. If it is clogged with crumbs or mold, water overflows over the edge of the groove and flows onto the shelves or flows out through the door seal.
To clean the channel, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire refrigerator. It is enough to use a special brush or soft wire. Carefully insert the tool into the hole and make several forward movements. After this, pour in some warm water to check the permeability. If the water leaves with a characteristic gurgle, the system is functioning normally.
Sometimes users confuse the drainage hole with technological gaps. It is always located at the lowest point of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. There may be a small depression around it - this is the drainage gutter. In Stinol models of older years of production, this gutter could be made in the form of a separate plastic insert.
If the water does not drain away despite cleaning, the problem may be freezing of the channel inside the housing. In this case, more serious repairs may be required, including purging the duct or replacing the drain heater. It is not recommended to open the foamed parts of the case yourself without special skills.
Why does the drainage hole freeze?
Most often this happens due to a violation of the temperature regime or a loose fit of the door. Warm air entering inside carries moisture, which settles on the cold evaporator and in the channel, turning into an ice plug. Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat, which is why the refrigerator does not go into defrost mode.
Lower bath above the compressor: purpose and maintenance
When talking about where the tray is on the Stinol refrigerator, we must not forget about the main reservoir of the system - the bath located above the motor-compressor. This is where all the moisture from the refrigerator and freezer compartments ultimately drains. This element is located in the lower rear part of the unit, often hidden by a casing or decorative cover.
The operating principle of this bath is based on heating. The compressor becomes very hot during operation, transferring heat through the bottom of the bath to the water. Water boils and evaporates into the environment. In a working refrigerator, the water in this container should not stagnate; it should have time to evaporate faster than it accumulates.
If you find that there is a puddle under the refrigerator and water is dripping from under the compressor, this may mean the bath is overfilled. The reasons may be different: too high humidity in the room, frequent opening of doors or, conversely, too low the temperature in the room, which is why evaporation is slow.
Maintenance of this part of the system requires caution. You can get to the tub by removing the back metal cover at the bottom of the refrigerator (if there is one) or simply looking from below. Sometimes dust and fluff accumulate in the bath, which mix with water and form mucus, making evaporation difficult. It must be periodically washed with warm water with the addition of an antiseptic.
| System element | Location | Function | Frequent problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drainage gutter | Inside the chamber (bottom of the rear wall) | Condensate collection | Clogged with debris |
| Drain tube | Inside the case, connects the cameras | Water transportation | Ice plug |
| Evaporation bath | Above the compressor (bottom back) | Moisture evaporation | Overflow, displacement |
| Drain heater | In the area of the drainage hole | Freeze prevention | Heating element burnout |
Causes of blockage and methods of clearing the drainage
The most common reason that water does not get into the pan, but it pours out, it is a banal blockage. Food particles, crumbs, mold or even insects can get into the drainage hole. Over time, this deposit thickens and blocks the flow of water.
For cleaning at home, it is best to use a soft cable, a bottle brush or a large-volume medical syringe. It is strictly not recommended to use sharp metal objects (knitting needles, wire), as they can easily damage the thin walls of the plastic tube or pierce the thermal insulation, which will lead to the release of freon and expensive repairs.
The cleaning process is as follows:
1. Clear the drainage hole of visible debris.
2. Carefully insert the cable or brush to a depth of 10-15 cm.
3. Using rotational movements, break the cork.
4. Fill the syringe with warm water (you can add soda or citric acid) and rinse the canal under pressure.
5. Repeat the procedure several times until the water flows out freely.
⚠️ Attention: If after mechanical cleaning and rinsing the water still stands in the gutter, the lower part of the channel or the evaporator tray may be frozen. In this case, it is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator with it turned off for at least 24 hours.
Sometimes the cause of the “leakage” is not a blockage, but a displacement of the refrigerator itself. If the unit is not level, water may overflow the edge of the groove without having time to go into the drainage. Check the position of the refrigerator using a building level and adjust the legs so that there is a slight tilt back.
Typical faults and their elimination
In addition to blockages, there are other problems associated with the sump and drainage. For example, a crack in the plastic tray itself inside the camera. This happens rarely, usually due to mechanical damage when cleaning or chipping the ice with a knife. If the tray is cracked, water will leak directly onto the shelves. In this case, only replacing the part or using food-grade sealant for a temporary repair will help.
Another common problem is the drainage tube coming off. In the lower part, above the compressor, the tube should be strictly directed into the bath. If it has moved, water will drip past, forming a puddle under the refrigerator. To fix this, you need to remove the back cover, straighten the tube and fix it if there are fasteners.
A malfunction of the drainage heater (in No Frost models) leads to the fact that during defrosting the water does not have time to drain and freezes right in the channel. Over time, the ice plug grows and completely blocks the drain. Diagnostics requires testing the heating element with a multimeter. If the heater burns out, it must be replaced with an original or compatible analogue.
In rare cases, the pan itself above the compressor may burn out or crack due to age and corrosion. Plastic becomes brittle over time. If you notice a leak from this particular container, you can try to solder it or replace it. A new bath is inexpensive and can be easily installed in its regular place.
Is it possible to use boiling water to clean the drainage?
It is not recommended to use boiling water, as a sudden temperature change can lead to cracking of the plastic of the drainage tube or gutter. It is better to use warm water at a temperature of 50-60 degrees Celsius. This is enough to melt the ice and wash away grease, but is safe for materials.
Why does the water in the pan above the compressor not evaporate?
This can happen for several reasons: the humidity in the room is too high, the refrigerator is located close to the wall (there is no air circulation to cool the compressor and heat the bath), or an excess amount of water has entered the system (for example, you put a hot pan inside).
How to replace the drainage tube if it bursts?
As a temporary measure, you can use any hose of suitable diameter (for example, from a dripper or an aquarium), but it is important that the material is flexible and frost-resistant. However, for long-term operation, it is better to order an original spare part for your Stinol model, since the geometry of the standard tube ensures correct drainage.
How to understand that the drainage hole is completely free?
When water is poured in (about 100-200 ml), it should go away quickly, with a characteristic “gurgling” sound in the lower part. If the water stands in the gutter or leaves very slowly, drop by drop, the channel is still partially blocked.