Operation of brand refrigeration equipment Biryusa often involves the need for maintenance, especially when it comes to older models or devices with a drip defrosting system. Water flowing down the back wall of the evaporator enters a special trench, from where it is discharged through a tube into the evaporation tank located above the compressor. Over time, dirt, mucus or even rust accumulates in this container, which can lead to an unpleasant odor or overfilling of the tray.
Many owners are faced with a situation where a puddle forms under the refrigerator, and the first question that arises is how to get to the drainage system. Removing the tray - this is not a complicated procedure, but it is requires accuracy and understanding of the design of your particular model. In this article, we will look at all the nuances of dismantling the water tray so that you can carry out high-quality cleaning or replacement of the part without calling a specialist.
It is important to understand that the design of the units may differ depending on the year of manufacture. Soviet models often have more bulky and easy to maintain elements, while modern versions may require partial disassembly of the case. We will consider universal methods that are suitable for most modifications of this popular brand of household appliances.
Design of a refrigerator drainage system
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand where exactly the water flows. In refrigerators with manual or automatic drip defrosting, condensation from the rear wall flows into a gutter located at the bottom of the chamber. From there, the drainage channel liquid flows by gravity into a plastic or metal container fixed above the motor-compressor.
It is there, in the heating zone of the hot engine, that the water evaporates. However, if the evaporation tank (pan) is displaced, cracked or clogged, water begins to leak out. In some models Biryusa this tray is hidden behind a decorative grille on the back wall of the case, and in others it is simply welded or screwed to the frame.
- 🔹 Drainage chute inside the chamber collects condensation.
- 🔹 Outlet tube - connects the chamber and the outer tray.
- 🔹 Evaporation tank - the place where water is collected and evaporated above the compressor.
Particular attention should be paid to the material used to make the tray. Older models were equipped with steel pallets, which were damaged over time. New versions are equipped with plastic elements that are more resistant to rust, but can crack from temperature changes or mechanical stress. corrosion. New versions are equipped with plastic elements that are more resistant to rust, but can crack from temperature changes or mechanical stress.
⚠️ Attention: Before any manipulations with the back of the refrigerator, make sure that the switch is set to position “0” or the device is disconnected from the power supply. Working with electrical wiring and heating elements without turning off the power is dangerous!
Preparation for removing the pan
Any repair begins with preparing the workplace and tools. You do not need complex professional tools, but a basic set of home craftsman is required. First of all, it is necessary to free access to the rear wall of the unit. Move the refrigerator away from the wall at least a meter to be able to move freely around it.
If there are food in the refrigerator, it is advisable to temporarily move them to a cool place or cover them with a blanket, since turning off the unit will lead to a gradual increase in temperature. Also prepare a container for water and a rag, since when removing the tray, accumulated liquid may spill out of it.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
For work you may need:
- 🔸 Phillips and flat screwdriver.
- 🔸 Pliers or pliers.
- 🔸 Container for washing parts.
- 🔸 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places.
Don't forget to remove shelves and drawers from refrigeration chamber, if the design of your Biryusa requires access to the gutter from the inside. This will facilitate the process of clearing the drainage hole, which is often the cause of blockages.
Removing the protective grille and accessing the compressor
On most refrigerator models Biryusa the compressor and tray are covered with a metal mesh or cardboard panel. This element is attached either with latches or with screws. If you see the bolt heads around the perimeter of the grille, carefully unscrew them counterclockwise.
In cases where there are no visible fasteners, the panel is held on by plastic clips. They need to be carefully pressed out with a flat-head screwdriver or simply pulled the grill towards you using moderate force. The main thing is not to damage the paintwork of the case or break the fragile plastic.
After removing the protection, you will have a view of motor-compressor, the capacitor (black coil at the back) and, in fact, the sump itself, located on top of the engine. It is in this unit that problems with leaks most often arise.
Nuances of fastening the grille
In some modifications, the grille can be spot welded. In this case, it is carefully cut with a grinder or sawed off, and a new one is installed on screws for ease of future maintenance.
Inspect the space around the compressor. Sometimes access to the tray can be difficult due to wires or tubes. If this is the case, act extremely carefully so as not to bite or bend copper tubes the freon circuit, otherwise refrigerant leakage will become a new, more serious problem.
Technology for removing the evaporation tank
The process itself removing the pallet depends on how exactly it is secured. In classic models Turk 6, 8, 10 and other series, the tray is often simply inserted into the grooves of the frame or lies on support brackets. In this case, it is enough to slightly lift it and pull it forward.
However, if the tray is metal and old, it may be stuck with rust or welded. In such situations, the use of force and tools is required. Carefully pry up the edge of the tray with a screwdriver, being careful not to damage the container itself if you plan to reuse it. The movements should be progressive, loosening.
In modern models that use a plastic tray, it can be attached with clips to the compressor body or frame. Here it is important to press the latches and remove the part with a light movement. Plastic becomes brittle in the cold or with age, so avoid sharp jerks.
| Type of fastening | Tool | Difficulty | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free fit | Hands | Low | Minimal |
| Screw connection | Screwdriver | Average | Thread breakage |
| Welded/Glued | Pliers, knife | High | Damage body |
| On clips | Flat screwdriver | Medium | Breakage of the retainer |
After the pan is removed, be sure to check the condition of the drain tube. It should fit freely into the opening of the container. If the tube has popped out, it must be returned to its place, having first been cleaned.
Cleaning, repair and troubleshooting
The removed pan requires a thorough inspection. Most often, the problem lies not in the container itself, but in the fact that it is clogged with silt, mold or food residues that have fallen into the drainage. Rinse the part thoroughly with hot water and detergent.
If you find cracks in a metal pan, you can try to solder them or seal them with a special compound that is resistant to high temperatures, since the pan is heated by a running compressor. However, for plastic containers with cracks, the best solution would be replacement a new part.
Pay attention to the drainage tube. Often a mucus plug forms inside it. You can clean it with a soft wire or a special brush. Blowing with a syringe with water or a rubber bulb also works effectively.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knitting needles, hard wire) to clean the plastic drainage tube inside the chamber - you can break the channel wall or damage the evaporator, which will lead to failure of the refrigerator.
After cleaning all the elements reassemble the structure in reverse order. Make sure that the pan is installed level, with a slight slope towards the drainage hole, so that water does not stagnate in the corners.
Assembling and checking the operation of the system
Return the protective grille into place and secure it. If you removed the shelves from the refrigerator, install them back. Now you can turn on the refrigerator. Let it run for a few hours to allow condensation to form.
Periodically check the area around the compressor and under the refrigerator for moisture. If it’s dry, it means you’ve successfully completed the task. If water continues to drip, check again the angle of the pan and the integrity of the connecting tube.
Sometimes water may drip not because the pan is overfilled, but because the refrigerator is not level. Check the legs of the unit. The front of the refrigerator should be slightly higher than the back so that condensation drains properly into the gutter.
Regular maintenance of the drainage system will extend the life of your Biryusa and keep food fresh. Do not ignore the appearance of foreign odors, as they often signal stagnation of water in the hidden cavities of the equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
No, operation without a pallet is unacceptable. Water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which can cause a short circuit, corrosion of the engine or the formation of steam and an unpleasant odor in the room.
How to replace a burst metal pan?
Temporarily you can use a container made of heat-resistant plastic of a suitable size, but it is better to order an original spare part or a universal analogue that exactly fits your needs. the dimensions of the engine compartment of your model.
Why does the water in the pan freeze?
This can happen if the refrigerator is operating in continuous freezing mode, the thermal insulation is broken, or the drain tube is too long and passes through the cold zone. Also, the cause may be a malfunction of the thermostat.
How often should you clean the pan?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning and inspection of the drainage system at least once a year, preferably during general defrosting of the refrigerator.
What to do if the pan is welded and not is it removable?
If the design involves a non-removable pallet (welded to the frame), it is not removed. In this case, cleaning is done on site using syringes, wire rags and mild cleaning agents, trying to scoop out the dirt.