Detection of a puddle under the refrigerator LG is always an unpleasant surprise that can catch by surprise at any moment. Water on the kitchen floor not only damages the flooring, but also poses the risk of short circuits or slipping. Most often, the cause of such a leak is a banal blockage of the drainage hole, through which the moisture formed during the defrosting process should escape.
Ignoring this problem can lead to more serious consequences, such as the formation of ice plugs or the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the chamber. Drainage system - this is an important design element that requires periodic attention and care. Fortunately, in most cases, you can clean the channel yourself, without resorting to the services of expensive craftsmen.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for cleaning the drainage, the necessary tools and precautions. You will learn how to distinguish a simple blockage from more complex malfunctions of the water drainage system.
The principle of operation of the water drainage system
To effectively eliminate the problem, you need to understand how it works. In refrigerators LG with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, moisture flows down the back wall of the chamber. It falls into a special chute, which goes into a drainage tube that discharges water into the evaporation tray above the compressor. There the liquid safely evaporates.
If an obstacle appears in the flow path, water begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator and flow out. The main enemies of drainage are crumbs, mold deposits and mucus formed due to the mixing of condensate with food particles. The main cause of blockage is the entry of debris into the drainage hole located in the lower part of the back wall.
Sometimes a blockage can form deeper, in the bends of the tube, where it is difficult to reach without special devices. In such cases, superficial cleaning may not produce results, and more thorough cleaning of the entire line will be required.
Necessary tools and preparation
Before starting work, it is important to properly prepare so that the process goes quickly and safely. You do not need complex professional equipment; a set of simple items that can be found in every home is enough. The main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage the plastic elements of the camera.
For high-quality cleaning you will need:
- 🧼 A small syringe or bulb for injecting warm water
- 🧶 A flexible cable, wire or a special brush for cleaning pipes
- 🧻 Dry rags or paper towels for cleaning water
- 🧴 Soda solution or mild detergent
Before you start cleaning, be sure unplug the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a critical safety precaution since you will be working with water in close proximity to electrical components. It is also recommended to empty the lower shelves and remove the vegetable drawers to provide free access to the back wall.
Step-by-step cleaning instructions
The process of cleaning the drainage in refrigerators LG is quite straightforward, but requires care. First, remove any accumulated water from the bottom of the chamber using a rag or syringe. If there is ice on the bottom, let it melt completely with the door open before proceeding mechanically.
Then find the drainage hole. It is usually located centrally or offset at the bottom of the rear panel. Gently wipe the inlet with a damp cloth to remove any visible debris. After this, you can start cleaning the channel.
☑️ Preparing to clean the drainage
Take a prepared cable or flexible wire (preferably with a bent end or wound with cotton wool) and carefully insert it into the hole. Move the tool with gentle rotational movements, being careful not to damage the walls of the tube. The immersion depth can be from 10 to 30 cm until you feel that the blockage is broken.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp metal objects without protection at the end, as you can easily pierce the thin plastic drainage tube, which will lead to expensive repairs.
After mechanical cleaning, it is necessary to flush the channel. Fill the syringe with warm (not boiling water!) water with a small amount of soda added. Inject water into the hole under low pressure. If the water flows freely and does not pour back out, the procedure was successful. If the water is stagnant, repeat mechanical cleaning.
Removing the ice plug
Sometimes the reason why the water stops is not dirt, but an ice plug formed deep in the tube due to a violation of the temperature regime or a malfunction of the sensors. In this case, mechanical cleaning may be ineffective or even dangerous. The ice needs to be melted.
The safest way is to leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for 12-24 hours. During this time, the ice conglomerate inside the tube will completely melt and flow into the pan. Speed up the process with a hair dryer or hot water It is strictly not recommendedas a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic or cause cracks in the tube.
Why does an ice block form?
An ice block often occurs due to a loose door fit, malfunction of the defrosting heating element or opening the door too often when a lot of moist air enters the chamber.
If after complete defrosting the problem repeats as soon as possible, this may indicate a more serious technical problem, for example, failure of the defrosting system. In such cases, diagnostics by a specialist is required.
Disinfection and odor removal
After removing the blockage, it is important to take care of the hygiene of the internal cavity. Stagnant water in the drainage system is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which often causes unpleasant odors. Simply rinsing with water is not enough.
For disinfection, use a weak solution of chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, or special products for caring for refrigerators. Pour the solution into the drainage hole and leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with clean water. This will help destroy odor-causing microorganisms.
| Remedy | Effectiveness against odor | Safety for plastic | Exposure time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda solution | Medium | High | 10-15 min |
| Vinegar water (1:3) | High | High | 10 min |
| Chlorhexidine | High | High | 15-20 min |
| Special sprays | Very high | Medium | According to instructions |
Do not forget to wipe the chamber walls and door seals with a disinfectant solution. The cleanliness of surfaces directly affects the rate of plaque formation in the drainage system.
Typical mistakes when cleaning
Trying to quickly solve the problem, users often make mistakes that aggravate the situation. The most common of them is the use of too aggressive chemicals or boiling water. Steep boiling water can deform the plastic elements of the drainage system, and aggressive solvents can destroy the material of the tubes.
Another mistake is excessive force when cleaning with a cable. Drainage tubes in refrigerators LG have thin walls and a curved shape. By piercing the tube, you will create a new problem: water will not flow into the pan, but into the body or onto the floor, and repairs will become much more difficult.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp-edged wire or knitting needles without first treating the ends. The risk of damage to internal elements is very high.
Also, prevention should not be ignored. If you clean the drain once and forget about it, the situation will repeat itself after a few months. Regular maintenance takes a couple of minutes, but eliminates big problems.
Prevention of blockages
To prevent water from appearing in the refrigerator again, it is important to follow simple operating rules. First of all, watch the packaging of the products. Bulk products, crumbs and small parts should not end up on shelves without packaging, where they can roll to the back wall.
Conduct a visual inspection of the drainage hole regularly, at least once every 3-4 months. If you notice a build-up of mucus or dirt, remove it with a cotton swab. This will take less than a minute, but will prevent the formation of a tight plug.
Make sure the door is closed tightly. If the seal is worn out or the door is warped, excess warm air will enter the chamber, which will lead to increased condensation formation and overload of the drainage system.
Can I use mole or other pipe cleaners?
Use aggressive chemicals like "Mole" to clean the drainage in the refrigerator not recommended. These products are intended for sewer pipes made of PVC or cast iron and can corrode the thin plastic of the refrigerator and also damage the rubber seals. In addition, chemical vapors can remain inside the chamber and get on the food.
What to do if water continues to drip after cleaning?
If, after thorough cleaning and defrosting, water continues to accumulate, the problem may not be a blockage. Check the tilt level of the refrigerator (it should be strictly horizontal or slightly tilted back). Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the defrost heating element or sensor, which requires calling a technician.
How often should you clean the drainage in an LG refrigerator?
Preventive cleaning is recommended every 6 months. However, if you notice that the water drains slower than usual or a smell has appeared, the procedure should be performed immediately, without waiting for the planned date.