The situation when Indesit refrigerator stops freezing or starts making strange gurgling sounds sounds often take owners by surprise. In most cases, the cause is a trivial clogging capillary tube or drainage system, which interferes with the normal circulation of the refrigerant or the removal of condensate. Understanding how the liquid removal and cooling system works will allow you to avoid an expensive call to a repairman and bring the equipment back to life on your own.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis in order to accurately determine the location of the problem. The blockage may be in the drainage hole inside the chamber, which leads to puddles on the floor, or in the capillary tube on the back wall, which causes a lack of cold. Diagnostics requires care and safety precautions, since you will be working with electricity and possibly chemicals.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of servicing brand units Indesit, including models with the system No Frost and classic drip defrosting. You will learn what tools you will need for the job, how to safely clean the pipes, and what you should absolutely not do so as not to aggravate the situation. The correct approach to maintenance will extend the life of your refrigerator for many years.
Diagnostics of blockages: where to look for the problem
The first step in the process of restoring the functionality of the refrigerator is to accurately determine the location of the blockage. The symptoms may be similar, but the solutions are radically different. If water accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and flows out, most likely the problem lies in drainage system. In this case, the cold remains, but the humidity is increased.
In the case when the compressor operates continuously and the temperature inside the chambers does not drop below room temperature, we are talking about a blockage capillary tube. This is a more serious malfunction that requires work on the cooling circuit. Refrigerant cannot circulate through the system and cooling stops. It is important not to confuse these conditions, since cleaning the drainage will not help if the capillary tube is clogged.
To check the drainage, you can pour a small amount of warm water into the hole on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. If the water does not go away and rises, then the tube is clogged with food debris, mold or ice. A visual inspection of the back of the refrigerator may also reveal blisters or traces of oil, which indicate problems with the circuit.
There are also indirect signs that help identify the problem at an early stage. For example, if you notice that food in the refrigerator compartment has begun to deteriorate faster, and a “fur coat” has formed in the freezer, this may indicate a violation of air or refrigerant circulation. Diagnostics must be comprehensive.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a loud hissing or whistling during operation compressor, immediately unplug the appliance. This may indicate depressurization of the system or critical pressure, which is dangerous for further use without professional intervention.
Preparation of tools and materials
High-quality cleaning of tubes is impossible without proper equipment. To work with refrigerators Indesit you will need a basic set of tools that most home craftsmen have. The main requirement for the tools is cleanliness and serviceability, so as not to bring additional dirt inside the system.
For mechanical cleaning of the drain tube, a special brush-brush or soft wire with a limiter at the end is ideal. The use of sharp metal objects, such as knitting needles or scissors, is strictly prohibited, as they can easily damage the plastic walls of the channel or pierce the evaporator tube.
☑️ Cleaning tools
If we are talking about cleaning the capillary tube, the situation becomes more complicated. This may require nitrogen to purge the system or special chemical solvents that dissolve paraffin and oil plugs. However, for home repairs, they are most often limited to mechanical methods and washing accessible areas.
Do not forget to prepare a container for collecting dirty water and rags for cleaning. Working with water and possible dirt from the drain requires care so as not to stain the floor or kitchen furniture. You should also have flashlight on hand to inspect hard-to-reach places inside the chamber.
Cleaning the drainage system of the refrigerator compartment
The most common problem in refrigerators Indesit with a drip defrosting system is clogging drainage hole. It is located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment and serves to drain melt water into a tray above the compressor. Over time, mucus, crumbs and mold accumulate in this unit.
The cleaning process begins with a visual inspection. Remove the shelves and get to the opening. If you can see that the entrance is clogged, carefully remove visible dirt with your hands or tweezers. Then take the prepared soft wire or brush and, with careful rotational movements, move 10-15 centimeters deep into the channel.
After mechanical cleaning, it is necessary to rinse the system. To do this, fill a bulb or syringe (without a needle) with warm water with the addition of a small amount of mild detergent. Introduce water into the hole under low pressure. If the water flows freely, it means it is drainage free. If the water is standing, repeat the procedure.
When working with wire, try not to damage this element, acting as delicately as possible. Excessive force can lead to the valve coming off, which will require disassembling the rear panel.
Features of cleaning the No Frost system
Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost are more complex: here moisture is removed through an evaporator hidden behind a plastic panel. A blockage in this system often leads to the formation of an ice plug in the condensate drainage channel, causing water to drip into the chamber or flow out.
To access the drainage channel in such models, it is often necessary to remove the back panel in the freezer compartment. Before doing this, the refrigerator must be completely defrosted for 24 hours. After removing the panel, you will see the evaporator and the outlet tube, which usually goes down to the tray.
Cleaning is done using hot water (about 50-60 degrees) and a flexible cable. You can try to melt the ice plug by pouring hot water from a syringe over the exit of the tube. Mechanical impact should be minimal so as not to damage the thin tubes evaporator.
| System type | Orifice location | Cleaning frequency | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | Inside the refrigerator compartment | Once every 6 months | Low |
| No Frost | Behind the panel in the freezer | Once every year | High |
| Combined | In both compartments | Once every 6 months | Medium |
| Zone freshness | Separate channel | As needed | Medium |
After successful cleaning, reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Make sure that all panel fasteners are tightened tightly and that the rubber door seals are not damaged. Correct assembly ensures efficient operation of the air circulation system.
Removing capillary tube blockages
Clog capillary tube is a technically complex malfunction that often requires the intervention of a professional with a vacuum pump and a supply of freon. However, in some cases, if the blockage is caused by waxing of the oil or moisture ingress, there is a method of blowing and warming up.
The essence of the method is to heat the exit point of the capillary tube from the filter drier (usually soldering near the compressor) and simultaneously purging the system with nitrogen or dry air under pressure. At home, you can use a compressor from an old refrigerator connected through a fitting to the process pipe.
Safety precautions when working with refrigerants
When working with a cooling system, it is prohibited to use open fire to heat the tubes, as this can lead to an oil fire or an explosion of refrigerant vapors. Use only a hair dryer or special burners with temperature control.
If the system starts working after blowing, it is necessary to replace the filter drier, since the old one will no longer be able to effectively remove moisture from the circuit. This is a critical step, which if ignored will lead to re-clogging within a short time. The filter changes quickly, but requires soldering.
⚠️ Attention: Independent soldering of copper tubes and refilling the refrigerator with freon without the appropriate equipment and license is prohibited by the legislation of many countries due to environmental regulations. If you are not confident in your soldering skills, it is better to limit yourself to cleaning the drainage.
Prevention and care of the Indesit refrigerator
So that the question “how to clean the tubes” does not arise before you too often, it is important to follow the rules for operating the refrigerator Indesit. Regular maintenance takes a few minutes, but saves you from serious damage. The main enemy of the drainage system is dirt and food.
Always cover liquid foods (soups, sauces) with lids or film. As moisture evaporates, it settles on the walls and, together with microparticles of food, flows into the drainage, forming a viscous mass, which becomes the cause clogging. Also, do not put hot dishes in the chamber - this violates the temperature regime and increases the load on the moisture removal system.
- 🧼 Wipe the inner walls of the chamber with a damp cloth once a month to remove plaque.
- ❄️ Completely defrost the refrigerator at least once every year, even if you have a No Frost system.
- 🔍 Check the drainage hole for visible dirt during each general cleaning.
Following these simple rules will allow your refrigerator to operate efficiently and quietly. Prevention always cheaper and easier than repairs. If you notice that the water drains slower than usual, do not wait for the channel to be completely blocked - clean it immediately.
Is it possible to use chemical cleaning agents? tubes?
The use of aggressive household chemicals (chlorine, acids) is not recommended, as vapors can damage rubber seals and plastic parts. It is better to use safe solutions of soda, vinegar or specialized products for cleaning refrigerators.
What to do if after cleaning the water is still standing?
If simple cleaning did not help, perhaps the ice plug is located deeper in the channel leading to the tray. Try pouring 50-100 ml of hot water into the hole and wait 10-15 minutes, then repeat pumping with the bulb.
How often should you change the filter drier?
The filter drier is a disposable element and is changed every time the refrigerator circuit is opened (for example, when replacing a compressor or removing a blockage capillary). For preventive purposes, it is not changed.
Why does an unpleasant smell appear in the Indesit refrigerator after cleaning?
The smell may remain due to stagnant water in the siphon or tray above the compressor. It is necessary to pull out the refrigerator, remove the tray and wash it thoroughly with a disinfectant, and also rinse the drainage channel.