Sooner or later, every owner of refrigeration equipment is faced with the need for scheduled maintenance of equipment. If you are wondering how to drain water from a refrigerator Atlant, then it’s time to do some general cleaning or eliminate the consequences of a clogged drainage system. Regular removal of accumulated moisture and ice not only extends the service life of the compressor, but also prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors, as well as the proliferation of bacteria inside the chambers.
The defrosting procedure may seem trivial, but the models Atlant have their own design features that are important to consider. Improper actions such as using sharp objects to chip ice or sudden changes in temperature can damage the evaporator. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely and effectively remove water, as well as clean the drainage channels from contaminants.
Before taking active action, it is necessary to prepare a workplace and the necessary equipment. You will need dry rags, a basin to catch the water, and possibly a soft sponge. Next, we will look at the preparation stages, the draining process itself and the nuances of caring for the No Frost and drip defrosting system.
Preparing for the defrosting and draining procedure
The first and most important step is to completely disconnect the device from the power supply. Unplug the power cord from the outlet to reduce the risk of short circuit or electric shock when handling water. After this, you need to empty the chambers of all products. If it is winter outside, the food can be taken out to the balcony, otherwise use thermal bags or ice packs for temporary storage.
When the chambers are empty, remove all removable elements: shelves, vegetable drawers, egg trays and containers on the door. They should be washed separately, out of the refrigerator, with warm water and a mild detergent. This will provide access to all internal surfaces and allow water to flow smoothly to the drainage holes. Inspect the inner walls for strong ice build-up.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to use a hair dryer, fan heater or other heating devices to accelerate the melting of ice. A sudden change in temperature can cause cracks in plastic parts or damage the evaporator tubes, which will lead to freon leakage.
After removing the components, lay out several layers of old towels or rags on the floor in front of the refrigerator. This will help absorb water that may accidentally splash out when removing boxes or draining from the drainage system. Prepare a container with a wide neck if you plan to collect water manually, although in most cases it will flow by gravity into a special tray.
Design features of the Atlant drainage system
Understanding how the moisture removal system is designed is critical for the correct execution of the task. In refrigerators Atlant with a drip defrosting system, moisture collects on the back wall of the main chamber, flows into the gutter and through the drainage hole into a container located above the compressor. There, the water evaporates naturally due to the heat of the running motor.
In models with a system No Frost or Frost Free the process is organized differently. Water is drained from the freezer through a special channel, which also exits into the evaporation tray. If you notice water on the floor or inside the chamber, this often indicates that the drainage hole is clogged with crumbs, ice or mold, and the moisture cannot escape by gravity.
Cleaning the channel often requires access to technical openings. In some models Atlant the drainage hole is visible immediately at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. In other cases, it may be hidden by a plastic cover. It is important to act carefully so as not to pierce the thin walls of the canal.
Why doesn’t the water go away?
If the water is in the gutter, it means that an ice plug has formed deep in the canal. Trying to push it with a stiff wire may damage the system. It is better to use warm water or special brushes.
Below is a table describing the main elements of the water drainage system and their functions in various brand models:
| System element | Location | Function | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collection chute | Lower part of the rear wall | Collecting condensate from the wall | Dirt, mold |
| Drain hole | Inside the gutter | Water drain to the pan | Ice plug, blockage |
| Discharge tube | Behind the rear panel | Transportation water | Depressurization, blockage |
| Evaporation pan | Above the compressor (bottom) | Moisture evaporation | Overflow, displacement |
Step-by-step algorithm for draining water from the refrigerator compartment
After the refrigerator has completely defrosted (usually this takes 3 to 5 hours, but it is better to leave it overnight), you can begin to remove the residual water. If you are carrying out the procedure as planned, there should be no ice. Open the doors and make sure all the crystals have liquefied.
Locate the drain hole at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. Carefully insert a special flexible brush into it for cleaning the drainage or a soft cord if you do not have a special tool. The goal is to push the possible blockage deeper so that the water begins to drain. Do not use hard wire or sharp objects.
- 🧽 Take a syringe or syringe without a needle and draw warm (not hot!) water.
- 💧 Pour water into the drainage hole under low pressure to flush the channel.
- 👀 Watch the bottom tray above the compressor (you will need to remove the rear protective panel) to make sure that water is flowing there.
- 🧼 Wipe the gutter with a dry rag, removing mucus and remaining dirt.
If the water is standing in the gutter and does not go away, it may be frozen in the channel. In this case, you can carefully pour some warm water directly into the hole to melt the ice plug. After the water has subsided, wipe all surfaces dry with a clean rag. Pay special attention to corners and seals.
☑️ Drain checklist
Removing moisture from the freezer and No Frost system
In the freezers of refrigerators Atlant, especially in models with manual defrosting, water accumulates at the bottom after the ice melts. It is important to act quickly here so that water does not flow under the inner lining, where the thermal insulation is located. If water gets into the insulation, it may freeze during the next cycle of operation and swell the plastic.
Models No Frost are characterized by the absence of visible ice, but moisture can accumulate in hidden cavities around the evaporator if the tightness of the door seals is broken or the drainage is clogged. In such cases, it is often necessary to partially disassemble the rear panel inside the freezer to access the drainage channel.
If you find water at the bottom of the freezer, use a blower to pump out the water or use a sponge to remove it by carefully squeezing it into a basin. After removing most of the moisture, wipe the bottom with a dry cloth. Make sure that the rubber door seal is clean and free of cracks, since it is through it that warm air enters the chamber, creating condensation.
⚠️ Attention: When collecting water from the freezer, make sure that moisture does not get on the electrical contacts of the defrost sensors or fan, if they are located at the bottom of the chamber.
After cleaning, check the condition drain. In some models Atlant Access to the freezer drainage is through a hole on the back wall, closed with a plug. Carefully remove the plug (if there is one) and check the passage of the channel by pouring warm water.
Cleaning and maintaining the compressor tray
Few people know, but the water that we drain from the chambers eventually ends up in a plastic tray mounted above the compressor at the back of the refrigerator. During normal operation this water evaporates. However, if the refrigerator has not been washed for a long time, a black silty coating of mold and bacteria may form in the tray, which emits an unpleasant odor.
To access the tray, you will need to move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the back metal panel (usually it is attached with self-tapping screws). Be careful: the compressor may be hot if the refrigerator has been running recently. Let it cool or make sure it has been turned off for a long time.
Remove the pan by carefully disconnecting the drain tube. Wash the container with warm water and disinfectant. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. Also wipe the compressor itself and adjacent tubes from dust, since a layer of dust impairs heat transfer and increases energy consumption.
- 🔧 Unscrew the rear panel mounting screws.
- 💧 Remove the plastic tray by disconnecting the drainage tube.
- 🧼 Rinse the tray with a solution of vinegar or a special product.
- 🔍 Inspect the tube for cracks and integrity.
After cleaning, install all elements in place. Make sure that the end of the drainage tube is directly above the pan and does not touch its bottom so that the water can evaporate freely. Secure the back panel and move the refrigerator to its normal place, maintaining a gap from the wall for ventilation.
Completing work and first start-up of equipment
When all internal surfaces, drawers and drainage system are in order, and the compressor tray is cleaned, you can begin assembly. Replace all shelves, containers and trays. Make sure that they are dry and securely fixed in their seats.
Close the refrigerator doors and turn it on. Let the equipment run idle without food for 1-2 hours. This will stabilize the temperature and make sure there are no leaks. Check the floor under the refrigerator - it should remain dry.
If you notice that water has again begun to accumulate at the bottom of the chamber after a few hours of operation, this may indicate a serious blockage deep in the channel or a malfunction of the defrost system (for example, the defrost heating element has burned out in No Frost models). In this case, independent repair may be difficult, and you will need to call a specialist.
⚠️ Attention: Do not load the refrigerator with food immediately after turning it on. A sharp decrease in temperature at full load will force the compressor to work in increased mode, which will shorten its service life.
Regular maintenance, including draining the water and cleaning the drainage, will allow your Atlanta to serve for many years without breakdowns. Simple preventive measures take a little time, but save you from expensive repairs and loss of products.
What to do if water flows along the front panel?
This is a sign that the drainage hole is clogged “tightly” and the water has nowhere to go except overflow over the edge of the gutter. Urgent cleaning of the channel with warm water and a brush is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to drain the water and defrost the Atlant refrigerator?
For models with manual defrosting or a drip system, the procedure is recommended to be carried out every 4-6 months, or as it develops ice crust more than 5 mm thick. Models No Frost require defrosting only in case of breakdown or for general cleaning, about once a year.
Is it possible to use boiling water to speed up defrosting?
You cannot use hot boiling water, since a sharp temperature change is dangerous for the plastic and metal of the evaporator. You can use bowls of warm water (about 50-60 degrees) placed on shelves inside the chambers, but do not place them directly on the plastic.
Why did an unpleasant odor appear after draining the water?
An unpleasant odor usually indicates stagnant water in the drainage channel or compressor pan, where bacteria have multiplied. It is necessary to thoroughly rinse the drainage with a solution of soda or vinegar and clean the pan above the engine.
What to do if the water does not go into the drainage hole?
Most likely, an ice or mud plug has formed. Try gently pouring warm water into the hole. If this does not help, use a special cleaning cable. Do not pick the hole with a knife or wire to avoid damaging the tube.
Do you need to lubricate the seals after defrosting?
Yes, this is a useful procedure. After drying, wipe the rubber door seals with glycerin or special silicone grease. This will preserve their elasticity and prevent cracking, ensuring a tight fit of the door.