Sooner or later, every owner of reliable German equipment is faced with the need for maintenance. Water under your refrigerator or an unpleasant odor often indicates that it's time to clean the evaporator or check the condensate drain system. Models Liebherr are characterized by a special design of the rear panel, which requires a careful approach when dismantling. Many users mistakenly believe that access to internal components is limited only to removing the back cover, forgetting about the importance of correctly removing containers for collecting moisture.
The procedure for removing the tray is not very complicated, but it requires compliance with a certain sequence of actions and basic safety measures. Improper dismantling can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or loss of system tightness. In this article we will look in detail at how to properly organize a workplace, what tools will be needed and what design nuances refrigeration equipment you should pay special attention to before starting work.
Modern units of the German brand are equipped with complex air circulation and water drainage systems, so intervention in their operation must be deliberate. Before proceeding with disassembly, you must make sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply. This is a critical step and, if ignored, may result in electric shock or short circuit in the electronic control unit. Let's look at all the stages of preparation and the process itself in detail.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary tools
Any work with household appliances begins with organizing the space. A refrigerator Liebherr is a large device that is often installed close to the wall or in a kitchen niche. To provide free access to the rear of the case, you will need to move the unit at least 50-70 centimeters. This will allow you not only to easily remove the pan, but also to conduct a visual inspection of other components for damage or signs of corrosion.
Once access has been secured, you need to prepare the tools. Unlike many other brands, equipment Liebherr often uses specific types of fasteners. You may need a Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2 size), a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the latches, and a container to drain any remaining water. It would be a good idea to prepare dry rags or paper towels to immediately clean up spilled liquid and prevent slipping.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and let it stand for 10-15 minutes. This is necessary to ensure that the capacitors in the electronic module are discharged, which minimizes the risk of damage to sensitive electronics by static electricity.
It is also important to assess the condition of the floor in the work area. If you have a slippery surface (laminate, tile), lay down a non-slip mat or cardboard. Dropping the tool or sudden movement may cause injury or damage to the surface. In addition, make sure that there is enough lighting in the room, since the lower part of the refrigerator is often in the shade, and it will be difficult to examine small fastener parts without a flashlight.
Design features of the pan in Liebherr models
Understanding the structure of your unit greatly simplifies the maintenance process. In refrigerators Liebherr a tray for collecting condensate (evaporative moisture) is usually located in the lower part of the case, directly above the compressor. Water flows there through a special groove from the inner chamber or from the surface of the evaporator in defrost mode. The design may vary depending on the series: in some models it is a removable plastic tray, in others it is an integrated part of the compressor casing.
One of the key features is the natural evaporation system. The heated compressor transfers heat to the pan, so that the water does not require manual removal, but evaporates into the air. However, over time, mucus, mold and mineral deposits accumulate at the bottom of the container, which can clog the drainage hole or create an unpleasant odor. That is why regular cleaning is a mandatory element of caring for premium-class equipment.
In models with the system NoFrost the tray also receives water generated when the evaporator defrosts in the freezer. It is important here not to confuse the condensate tray with other elements of the drainage system. The design often provides additional stiffeners or guides that fix the container in a strictly defined position. Violation of the geometry during installation can lead to water overflowing directly onto the floor or electrical wiring.
Why can a pallet crack?
The plastic from which the pallet is made loses its elasticity over time due to constant temperature changes and exposure to detergents. Sudden movements or an attempt to remove a frozen container without first defrosting often lead to the appearance of microcracks, which over time turn into through holes.
Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the tray
The dismantling process begins by removing the protective grille or panel at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator. In most cases, it is secured with latches or several screws. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and set the panel aside. You will have a view of the compressor and the tray located above it. If your model is equipped with a decorative plinth on the front, it must also be removed by pulling up or snapping the latches on the sides.
Next comes the most important step - removing the tray itself. Depending on the design, it may slide out horizontally, like a drawer, or require a slight tilt to exit the slots. Grab the container by the sides with both hands (use gloves if there is a risk of contact with dirt) and gently pull it towards you. Do not use excessive force: if the tray does not fit, check whether tubes or wires are in the way, and make sure that you correctly understand the principle of its fixation.
☑️ Algorithm for removing the tray
If water has accumulated in the tray, try not to splash it. Tilt the container immediately after removal over the prepared sink or bucket. After emptying, inspect the inner surface of the niche where the tray was located. There should be no foreign objects, rodents or signs of corrosion. Also check the condition of the drainage tube that supplies water to the pan - it should be clean and free of creases.
⚠️ Attention: In some models Liebherr the pan can be secured with an additional plastic retainer or clip, which must first be wrung out. Carefully inspect the perimeter of the tray before pulling it. Using force without removing the fastener is guaranteed to lead to breakage of the plastic.
Cleaning and maintaining the drainage system
After the pan is removed, it must be thoroughly cleaned. To wash, use warm water and a mild detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive powders, hard brushes or aggressive chemicals (solvents, high concentrations of chlorine), as they can damage the surface of the plastic and accelerate its aging. A regular solution of baking soda or a specialized product for caring for refrigerators is ideal.
Pay special attention to the drainage hole and gutter. This is where biofilms and clogs most often form. For cleaning, you can use a soft brush or a special flexible wire with a brush at the end. Flush the channel with high-pressure water to ensure free flow of fluid. If the water drains slowly, the procedure should be repeated. The cleanliness of this area directly affects the efficiency of the automatic defrosting system automatic defrosting.
While the tray is drying, wipe the niche itself in the refrigerator body and the adjacent tubes with a damp cloth. Remove dust from the compressor, as it impairs heat transfer and causes the unit to work under increased load. After making sure that all elements are clean and dry, you can begin assembly. Installation is carried out in the reverse order: carefully insert the pallet into the guides until there is a characteristic click or stop, check the fit.
Typical problems and methods for eliminating them
During the maintenance process, you may encounter a number of typical situations that require separate consideration. For example, water may not evaporate completely, but overflow. This often indicates that the tray is installed out of alignment or that the level of the refrigerator is not adjusted. The unit must stand strictly horizontally or with a slight tilt back so that the water flows by gravity into the evaporation zone.
Another common problem is the appearance of cracks at the bottom of the tray. If the damage is minor, you can try to seal it with waterproof sealant or epoxy resin, after degreasing and cleaning the surface. However, in case of serious deformation or multiple cracks, the only correct solution will be replacement of the part to the original one. The use of non-original analogues can lead to mismatches in sizes and repeated leaks.
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Water not evaporates | Faulty heating element of the evaporator | Checking the heating element circuit and replacing if necessary |
| Unpleasant odor | Accumulation of bacteria in the tray | Disinfection with solution soda or vinegar |
| Puddle under the refrigerator | Clogged drainage channel | Cleaning the channel with a brush or wire |
| Cracks in the plastic | Mechanical damage or aging | Replacing the pan with a new original |
If after cleaning and reinstallation the problem with water persists, it may not be the pan, but a more serious malfunction of the system. This could be a failure of the defrost sensors, a fan malfunction, or problems with the electronic control module. In such cases, independent repairs can be ineffective and even dangerous.
Assembly and final performance check
The final stage is this is the correct assembly. Make sure that the pallet fits into place smoothly, without distortion. Tubes and wires, if they have been touched, should lie freely, without tension or kinks. Reinstall the rear wall protection panel, making sure to securely secure any screws or latches. If the front base was removed, return it to its original position until it clicks.
Now you can turn on the refrigerator. During the first hours of operation, carefully monitor the appearance of moisture. Pay attention to the operation of the compressor: it should not work continuously or make unusual sounds. Normal cyclic operation confirms that the heat exchange system is functioning correctly and moisture is removed correctly.
If you notice that water has again begun to accumulate under the unit or inside the chamber, immediately turn off the device and re-diagnostics. Perhaps an error was made during assembly or the identified problem requires professional intervention. Remember that a timely call to the service center can save the expensive components of your Liebherr from complete failure.
How often should you remove and clean the pan?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the pan and drainage system at least once a year. If you have pets that shed or there is a lot of dust in the room, it is better to increase the frequency of maintenance to once every 6 months. This will prevent the formation of dense plugs and the proliferation of bacteria.
Is it possible to wash the tray in the dishwasher?
Technically this is possible if the plastic is of high quality, but manufacturers do not recommend this. High temperatures in the dishwasher can deform the thin walls of the tray, leading to irregular geometry and installation problems. It is better to use hand washing with warm water.
What to do if the pallet is cracked and a new one is not on sale?
As a temporary solution, you can use a moisture-resistant sealant to seal the crack from the outside (after thorough drying). You can also insert a cut-to-size piece of food-grade plastic or thick film inside the cracked tray, creating additional waterproofing, but this is only a temporary measure until you purchase an original spare part.
Why does the water in the pan freeze?
Freezing of water in the pan often indicates that the compressor is working too hard or, conversely, the defrosting system does not turn on on time. This can also happen if the refrigerator is installed in an unheated room at low temperatures, which upsets the calculated thermal balance.
Do you need to lubricate the tray guides?
No, you do not need to lubricate the tray guides. There should be no foreign substances in this area that could attract dust or react with the plastic when heated. The tray must move or be installed on a dry, clean surface.