Modern ones Beko refrigerators are famous for their reliability and thoughtful design, but even high-quality equipment requires regular maintenance. One of the frequent procedures that owners encounter is the need to access the bottom of the unit for cleaning or replacement drip eliminator. The accumulation of moisture, mold or an unpleasant odor often indicates that it is time to disassemble the lower compartment and put it in order.
Many users mistakenly believe that this will require complete dismantling of the back wall or complex manipulations with the compressor. In fact, the design Veko refrigerators allows you to complete this task quite quickly if you know the sequence of actions. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of removing the tray, paying attention to the nuances of various models and typical mistakes.
Proper maintenance of the lower zone of the refrigerator directly affects the service life condensate drainage systems. Failure to clean the drain can cause the drain to become clogged, causing water to leak onto the floor or form an ice dam. Regularly checking the condition of the pan will help avoid costly repairs in the future.
Preparation for work and necessary tools
Before starting any manipulations with household appliances it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. First of all, you should disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply by removing the plug from the socket. This is critically important, since in the lower part of the unit, where the pan is located, there are often electrical contacts and controls, access to which may be required during deeper repairs.
You do not need complex professional tools to carry out the procedure. It is enough to prepare a few simple devices that can be found in every home. The main requirement for tools is that they must be in good working order so as not to damage the plastic elements of the body of the Beko refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the tray while the refrigerator is plugged in. Moisture accumulated in the lower part can become a conductor of current and cause a short circuit or electric shock if the contacts are carelessly touched.
You will need the following items:
- 🔦 Flashlight to illuminate the interior of the niche.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves to protect your hands from dirt and bacteria.
- 🪛 Flat-head screwdriver (in case you need to carefully press the fastener).
- 🧼 A container with warm water and detergent for washing parts.
It is also recommended to clear the space in front refrigerator to have easy access to its bottom. If you have a model No Frost, make sure that there are no frozen products left in the niche that could fall out during the previous defrosting.
Design features of the tray in Beko refrigerators
In brand refrigerators Beko the tray, or drip tray, is usually located directly above compressor at the lower rear of the unit. Its main function is to collect condensate flowing down the drain tube from the inner chamber. The design may vary slightly depending on the series and year of manufacture of the model.
There are two main types of pallet fastening. In older models, there is often an option where the container is simply inserted into the grooves and secured by friction or light latches. In more modern versions, drop catcher can be integrated into the common platform on which the compressor stands, which requires a more careful approach when removing.
The manufacturing material is heat-resistant plastic that can withstand heat from a running compressor. However, over time, the plastic can become more brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been overloaded for a long time. Therefore, all movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the tray
The dismantling process begins with gaining access to the bottom of the refrigerator. In most cases, the tray is covered with a decorative panel or plastic cover. Locate the fasteners holding this cover in place. These may be screws or plastic latches.
If the panel is secured with screws, carefully remove them using a suitable screwdriver. Place the fasteners in a separate container so as not to lose them. If the panel is held on by latches, use a flat screwdriver wrapped in a cloth so as not to scratch the plastic, and carefully press out the latches around the perimeter.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the tray
After removing the panel, you will see the compressor and the pan located above it. Pay attention to the drainage tube: it must be inserted into a special hole in the pan. In some models, the tube simply hangs above the container, in others it is secured with a clamp.
To remove the pan, proceed as follows:
- Make sure that the drainage tube is not firmly secured. If there is a clamp, loosen it.
- Grip the edges of the tray with both hands.
- Smoothly pull the container towards you and slightly upward to remove it from the guides.
- If the tray does not give in, do not use force - check for hidden latches along the sides.
After removal, carefully inspect the niche. There should be no debris, dust or traces of rodents, which often live in the warmth of a running compressor.
What to do if the pan cracks during removal?
If you find a crack, do not rush to throw away the part. For temporary repairs, you can use epoxy glue or a specialized plastic sealant that is resistant to low temperatures. However, it is better to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model.
Cleaning, disinfection and elimination of odors
The removed tray requires thorough cleaning. During operation, mucus, mold and an unpleasant odor could accumulate in it. Simply rinsing with water may not be enough to completely eliminate bacteria.
Soak the container in warm water with disinfectant added. Dishwashing detergent or a weak vinegar solution work well. Leave the tray for 15-20 minutes to soften the dirt. After this, thoroughly scrub the inner walls with a sponge.
| Type of contamination | Recommended product | Treatment time |
|---|---|---|
| Grease deposits | Washing agent dishes | 10-15 minutes |
| Mold and mildew | Vinegar solution or chlorhexidine | 20-30 minutes |
| Scaling | Citric acid | 15 minutes |
| Persistent odor | Soda + activated carbon | 1 hour (after washing) |
Pay special attention drainage hole, if it is located in the pan itself (in some models). It shouldn't be clogged. Clean it with a thin brush or wire. After cleaning, be sure to thoroughly rinse the tray with clean water and wipe dry.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use abrasive powders or metal brushes to clean the tray. They can leave scratches on the plastic, in which bacteria will subsequently accumulate, and will accelerate the destruction of the material.
Installing the tray and checking
Assembly is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure the pan is completely dry before replacing it. A damp surface can facilitate the rapid formation of new mold.
Carefully insert the container into the niche above the compressor, making sure that the drainage tube fits exactly into the hole provided for it or is positioned strictly above the center of the water collection. Incorrect installation will cause condensation to drip past the pan directly onto the floor or onto a hot compressor, causing steam formation and corrosion.
Secure the protective panel by returning all the screws or snapping the latches until they click. After this, you can turn on the refrigerator into the network.
During the first hours of operation of a new cycle, it is advisable to periodically check the lower part of the refrigerator for leaks. This will make sure that all connections are tight and the water flows where it should.
Typical problems and their solutions
Refrigerator owners Beko may encounter a number of problems associated with the pan. One of the most common is that water does not enter the pan, but flows out. This may mean that the drain tube has become dislodged or clogged.
Another common situation is that the pan overflows faster than the moisture can evaporate. This often happens during the hot season or when doors are opened frequently, when a lot of warm air enters the chamber. In this case, the evaporation system may not be able to cope with the volume of condensate.
If you notice that the pan is always full, check:
- 🌡️ Room temperature (it should not exceed +30°C).
- 🚪 Door tightness refrigerator.
- 🧊 Presence of an ice plug in the drainage channel.
In rare cases, the pan itself may become deformed from the heat of the compressor. If you notice a distortion in the geometry, it is better to replace the part with a new one, as this may disrupt the flow of water.
How often should you remove and wash the pan?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the pan and drainage system once every 6-12 months. If you notice the appearance of an unpleasant odor or visible dirt earlier, the procedure should be performed immediately.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
For a short time - yes, if the defrosting process is in progress. But constant work without a tray is unacceptable: water will drip onto the hot compressor, causing corrosion, steam and the risk of short circuits, as well as spoiling the floor covering.
What to do if the tray does not fit?
Make sure that you have ordered a spare part specifically for your Beko refrigerator model. Pallets can have different shapes and dimensions, even within the same brand. Using an incompatible part will cause leaks.
Why is there water in the tray even though the refrigerator is No Frost?
In No Frost systems, water in the tray is normal during defrost cycles. It must have time to evaporate. If there is too much water, the evaporator heating element may be faulty or the drainage is clogged.