The appearance of water on the kitchen floor or the formation of ice blocks in the lower part of the refrigerator's fridge compartment Posis often signals a trivial but unpleasant problem. Equipment owners get scared when they think about a compressor failure or a freon leak, but in most cases the culprit is a clogged drainage channel. The condensate drainage system is simple, but due to constant humidity and the ingress of food particles, it can become clogged, stopping the flow of water into the evaporation tray.
Restoring normal moisture drainage is a task that can be solved independently, without calling a specialist. Cleaning the tube requires a minimum set of tools and care so as not to damage the internal plastic elements of the refrigerator. If you notice that a puddle is accumulating under the vegetable drawers, and the back wall is unevenly covered with frost, then it’s time to start servicing your drainage system Pozis.
Before taking active steps, you need to completely defrost the unit. Even if it seems to you that there is not much ice, the water in the tube may be frozen, and mechanical cleaning without defrosting will only push the ice plug deeper into the system. Disconnect the appliance from the mains, empty the chambers of food and leave the doors open for at least 12 hours for the ice to completely melt.
Drainage system design and causes of blockages
The drainage system of refrigerators Posis, especially models with drip defrosting, is a gutter located in the lower part of the rear wall refrigeration chamber. Water flows through it into a special hole, from where it enters a container above the compressor through a plastic tube, where it safely evaporates. Clogging occurs when foreign objects get into the gutter or deposits form that impede the flow of liquid.
One of the main reasons for drain blockage is small food particles, crumbs or packaging residues that accidentally end up on the shelves. Over time, they mix with condensate and form a viscous mass resembling sludge. The cause may also be mold or mildew, which actively multiplies in a humid environment and creates a dense coating on the walls of the tube.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Posis is equipped with a No Frost system, it may not have a drainage hole inside the chamber, since the evaporator is located hidden there. In such models, water on the floor more often indicates a problem with defrosting or an overflow of the pan, rather than a simple clogged tube.
Another risk factor is improper installation of the refrigerator. If the body is tilted forward, the water will not flow by gravity into the drainage, but will remain in the gutter, where it will begin to evaporate, leaving salts and contaminants. Tilt of the body It should be strictly back so that gravity helps remove moisture.
Necessary tools and preparation
For high-quality cleaning of the drainage channel, you do not need a complex professional tool. It is enough to prepare a few items that are likely to be found in every home. The main condition is that the tools must be clean so as not to introduce additional infection or dirt into the system, which will aggravate the situation.
A thin wire, a bottle brush or a long flexible knitting needle is ideal as the main working tool. Many craftsmen recommend using a soft wire in insulation, for example, from old headphones or a telephone charger, after first removing the connector. Hard metal objects, such as knitting needles or screwdrivers, should be used with extreme caution so as not to puncture the thin plastic wall of the tube.
You will also need a douche bulb or a large medical syringe without a needle to flush the system with water. For disinfection, prepare a solution of soda, chlorhexidine or a weak solution of acetic acid. Do not use aggressive chemicals that can damage the plastic or rubber seals.
☑️ Preparation for cleaning
Mechanical cleaning of the drainage hole
After complete defrosting and drying of the internal surface of the refrigerator, you can begin mechanical removal of the blockage. Remove all shelves and drawers to gain clear access to the back wall. Visually inspect the drainage gutter: often the plug is visible to the naked eye in the form of a dark lump of dirt or ice.
Take the prepared wire or brush and carefully insert it into the drainage hole. Movements must be translational and rotational. Do not apply excessive force: if you feel a hard stop, try turning the tool slightly or changing the insertion angle. Your goal is to crumble the plug or push it further along the tube towards the compressor.
If you are using a stiff wire, you can wrap a small piece of cotton wool or soft cloth around its end to create a kind of brush that will be more effective at collecting dirt from the walls. Pull the tool to the entire available length, usually 15-20 centimeters to the bend of the tube.
What to do if the wire does not pass?
If the tool rests on an ice plug that cannot be broken mechanically, pour warm (not boiling water!) water into the hole through a syringe. Wait 5-10 minutes for the ice to melt and try again. The use of boiling water is prohibited, since a sharp temperature change can deform the plastic of the gutter.
Rinsing and disinfection of the system
After the mechanical obstacle has been removed, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the channel to remove any remaining plaque and bacteria. Using clean tap water may not be effective enough if there is a build-up of greasy or slimy deposits in the tubing. Warm water with the addition of baking soda or laundry soap is best suited for this.
Place the solution into a bulb or syringe and inject it under pressure into the drainage hole. Watch where the water goes: it should flow freely into the tray above the compressor, located at the bottom rear of the refrigerator. If the water is standing in the gutter, it means that the blockage remains, and the mechanical cleaning procedure must be repeated.
For disinfection, you can use a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. This will help eliminate the unpleasant odor that often accompanies blockages due to bacterial growth. Pour the disinfectant into the tube and leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse again with clean water.
Checking the tray and tube outlet
Sometimes the problem lies not only in the inlet, but also in the evaporator tray itself or the bends of the tube, where it is difficult to reach from above. For a full diagnosis, you may need to access the rear panel of the refrigerator. However, before removing the covers, check whether water flows freely.
If, when flushing, you see that water overflows over the edge of the gutter inside the chamber, but does not go down, then the blockage is deep in the tube. In this case, you can try to bleed the system. Use a rubber bulb: press it firmly against the hole and squeeze sharply, creating air pressure. This often helps to dislodge a stuck plug.
It is also worth checking the condition of the plastic tray itself above the compressor. If it is cracked or misaligned, water will drip past it and onto the floor. In models Position the tray is usually removable and secured with latches or screws; it can be removed, washed and installed back.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Method solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Water inside the chamber | Clogged inlet | Mechanical cleaning with wire |
| Puddle under the refrigerator | The tray is displaced or the tube is rubbed | Checking the rear compartment |
| Unpleasant odor | Bacteria in the drainage | Disinfection with chlorhexidine |
| Ice crust at the bottom | Water freezes in the gutter | Checking the tilt of the housing |
Preventing repeated blockages
To prevent the problem of a clogged tube in the refrigerator Pozis from returning in a month, it is important to follow simple operating rules. Regular cleaning of the chamber and monitoring the condition of the food will help prevent crumbs and debris from falling into the drain. It is also worth periodically, once every 3-4 months, to carry out preventive flushing of the system with warm water.
Pay attention to the packaging of products: small bags, labels or pieces of foil can easily slide off the shelf and cause serious blockage. Store bulk and small foods in closed containers. This is not only hygienic, but also safe for equipment.
Watch the temperature. If you set the temperature too low, condensation can freeze faster than it can drain, forming ice plugs even in a clean pipe. The optimal temperature for the refrigerator compartment is +4...+5 degrees.
Typical mistakes when cleaning
Trying to quickly solve problem, users often make mistakes that can lead to damage to the refrigerator. The most common of them is the use of sharp metal objects (knives, awls) without controlling the depth of immersion. This can lead to a puncture of the tube or damage to the cooling circuit, which will lead to costly repairs.
Another mistake is using boiling water to defrost the ice in the tube. The plastic from which the gutters and tubes in refrigerators are made can be deformed when exposed to high temperatures, which will make the system leaky. Use only warm water. Pozis, can become deformed when exposed to high temperatures, which will make the system leaky. Use only warm water.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour water into the drain unless the refrigerator is completely defrosted. The water will instantly freeze, turning a small lump of dirt into a huge ice plug that will be extremely difficult to remove.
Ignoring checking the tilt of the refrigerator is also a mistake. Even a perfectly clean tube will not work if the body is level or tilted forward. Water should flow by gravity, and gravity is your main ally here.
Is it possible to use a cable to clean a drain?
Using a plumbing cable to clean a refrigerator drain is not recommended. It is too hard and can damage the thin plastic walls of the tube or puncture the evaporator tray. It is better to use soft wire or a special brush.
How often should you clean the drainage tube?
Preventive cleaning is recommended every 6-12 months, or when the first signs of obstructed water flow appear. If you store a lot of food in open containers, you should check the drainage more often.
What to do if water continues to flow after cleaning?
If cleaning did not help, the problem may be that the refrigerator is misaligned, a crack in the tray, or a malfunction of the defrost system (heating element or timer). In this case, a more in-depth diagnosis is required.
Is it dangerous to use chemicals on pipes?
Yes, aggressive household chemicals (such as "Mole") can corrode the plastic and rubber seals of the refrigerator. Use only safe products: soda, vinegar, soap solution or special products for cleaning refrigerators.