The accumulation of moisture in the lower part of the refrigeration equipment often becomes an unpleasant surprise for owners of household appliances. If you notice a puddle under the housing or inside the chamber, the first thing you should do is check the condition of the drainage system and the evaporator. In models Beko the design often involves hidden installation of key components, which requires a careful approach during maintenance.
The tray, or container for collecting condensate, can be located in different places depending on the type of defrosting system. In classic models with a weeping wall, it is located on the rear panel, and in systems No Frost it is located directly above the compressor or inside the freezer compartment under the evaporator. Understanding the structure of your model Beko is critical before starting work.
Do not ignore the problem of overfilling, as this can lead to failure of electronic components or the appearance of an unpleasant odor. In this material, we will analyze in detail the process of dismantling various types of pallets so that you can clean or replace the part yourself without calling a technician.
Determining the type of defrosting system and pallet localization
Before taking up the tools, you need to clearly identify which modification of the refrigerator you are dealing with. Devices Beko are produced with both a drip defrosting system and technology No Frost. In the first case, water flows down the back wall into a groove and goes through a tube into the evaporator located above the motor at the back. Here, the tray is often part of the plastic casing of the compressor.
In systems No Frost water is discharged into a tray that is installed directly above the compressor unit, or condensate is collected in a special container inside the freezer, if we are talking about a model with a bottom freezer and a specific design of air ducts. An error in determining the type of system may lead to an attempt to disassemble the wrong components, which can result in damage to the plastic.
⚠️ Attention: In some modern models Beko with the system NeoFrost the drainage tray can be integrated into a complex air duct system. Do not use force if the part cannot be removed easily - additional panels may need to be dismantled.
It is also important to consider that in dual-compressor models there may be two trays - separately for the refrigeration and freezer compartments. Carefully examine the technical data sheet or markings on the inside wall to understand the configuration of your unit. This will help avoid confusion when searching for drainage holes.
Necessary tools and precautions
High-quality preparation of the workplace and the availability of the right tools are the key to successful repairs. To dismantle the tray in refrigerators Beko you will need a minimum set of tools, which are usually found in every home. However, using unsuitable items may result in scratches on the housing or breakage of plastic latches.
First of all, ensure that you have access to the rear of the unit and that the work area is well lit. The refrigerator must be stable to prevent it from tipping over during operation. Safety when working with electrical appliances comes first, so it is absolutely impossible to ignore electrical safety rules.
☑️ Tools for dismantling
The list of necessary equipment includes:
- 🔧 A medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for screws for fastening the panels.
- 🛠️ A flat screwdriver or a special plastic spatula for carefully opening the latches.
- 🪣 A small container with low sides for draining water from the drainage system.
- 🧽 Absorbent materials (rags, sponges) for removal residual moisture.
Pay special attention to the condition of the wire insulation if you plan to work near electrical components. Even when the power is turned off, capacitors can retain a charge, although in domestic refrigerators the risk is minimal. The main thing is to prevent moisture from getting on the electrical connectors during the defrosting process.
Removing the tray in No Frost systems
In refrigerators Beko with the system No Frost the tray for collecting melt water is most often located above the compressor in the lower rear part of the device. You can get to it only by removing the back metal or plastic panel. The process requires consistency so as not to damage the fragile plastic elements.
First, you must completely defrost the unit, leaving it turned off for at least 12-24 hours. This is a critical step, as attempting to remove a tray filled with ice will break the plastic fasteners. The ice expands and tightly fixes the parts, making their dismantling impossible without heating, which is also not always safe for plastic.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, chisels) to break off ice inside the chamber or on the evaporator. This can damage the cooling circuit tubes, which will lead to freon leakage and costly repairs.
After defrosting, remove the back cover by unscrewing all visible screws around the perimeter. Sometimes screws can be hidden under decorative plugs. Carefully move the cover to the side, being careful not to jerk sharply, so as not to disconnect the fan wires if they are connected to the panel. The pallet in this area is usually held by clamps or simply inserted into grooves.
What to do if the pallet is cracked?
If during dismantling you find a crack in the plastic pallet, do not rush to buy a new one. For temporary repairs, you can use epoxy glue or food-grade silicone sealant after degreasing and drying the surface. However, for a long-term solution, it is better to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model.
Removing the tray in models with a drip system
In classic models Beko with drip defrosting, water flows down a groove on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment and through a drainage tube enters a tray installed directly above motor-compressor. Often this tray does not have a rigid fastening and is simply inserted into special guides on the compressor casing.
To access this element, you will also need to remove the back panel of the refrigerator case. Unlike systems No Frost, there is no complex evaporator block inside the chamber, so most of the work is done outside. The drainage tube enters the tray through a special hole, and it is important not to damage it when removing the container.
The removal process is as follows:
- 🔌 Unplug the refrigerator and move it away from the wall.
- 🔩 Remove the back metal cover that covers compressor.
- 💧 Check the presence of water in the tray and, if necessary, pump it out with a syringe or bulb.
- 👐 Gently pull the pan towards you, slightly lifting it to disengage from the locking protrusions.
Sometimes the pan can be secured with a screw to the casing compressor to prevent vibration. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the part for the presence of fasteners. If the tray sits very tightly, it may be stuck due to old deposits or moisture residues - in this case, gentle rocking from side to side will help.
Cleaning, maintenance and removal of blockages
After successfully dismantling the tray, it becomes possible to thoroughly clean it. During operation, not only water accumulates in the container, but also mucus, dust and microorganisms, which become a source of unpleasant odor. Wash the part with warm water and a mild detergent.
Pay special attention to the drain hole and tube. Often this is where a blockage forms, preventing the normal flow of water. For cleaning, you can use a soft brush or a long flexible cable. It is important not to pierce the tube all the way through, so movements should be progressive and careful.
While the pan is drying, check the condition of the defrost heater (TEH) in the systems No Frost, which is located nearby. If it is covered in a thick layer of scale or corrosion, this may indicate past drainage problems. A clean pallet and free drainage are a guarantee of proper operation of the automatic defrosting system.
The table below will help compare the symptoms and possible causes of problems with the pallet:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water under the refrigerator | Clogged drain tube | Clean the tube with a brush |
| Ice in the tray | Faulty defrost heating element | Check the heater and thermostat |
| Unpleasant odor | Accumulation of bacteria in the tray | Rinse with a disinfectant solution |
| Cracks in the plastic | Mechanical damage or aging | Replacement of a part or repair with glue |
Assembly and performance testing
Installation of the pallet is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. Make sure that the part fits into place smoothly and securely. In systems No Frost it is important to correctly direct the drainage tube into the hole in the tray so that water does not flow past. Check that the hoses and wires are not pinched when installing the back cover.
After assembly, do not rush to load products. Plug in the refrigerator and let it run in idle mode for several hours. This will ensure that there are no leaks and that the condensate drainage system is functioning correctly. Periodically check the compressor area for moisture.
If you notice that water has again begun to accumulate in the wrong place, repeat the inspection procedure. Perhaps the angle of the tube is incorrect or there is a piece of ice left in the system that interferes with the flow. Regular preventive maintenance, including defrosting every 6-12 months, will help avoid serious problems in the future.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
Operating a refrigerator Beko without a tray is strictly not recommended. Water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which causes sudden temperature changes, metal corrosion, increased electricity consumption and the risk of short circuit.
Why is the tray full, although the refrigerator has not defrosted?
This may indicate a malfunction of the defrost system (the heating element or timer has burned out), due to which the ice does not have time to melt and accumulates and then drains abruptly. Also, the reason may be high humidity in the room or frequent opening of doors.
How to replace the tray if the original cannot be found?
As a temporary measure, you can use a container made of heat-resistant plastic of similar sizes, securing it with clamps. However, it is important that the material withstands heat from the compressor and does not emit toxic substances.
How often should you clean the tray in the Beko refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the tray and drainage system once a year during scheduled defrosting. This will prevent the formation of mold and blockages.