The appearance of a puddle on the kitchen floor or the accumulation of water inside the refrigerator is a signal which cannot be ignored. Equipment owners Stinol often face a situation when the condensate drainage system stops coping with its task. Evaporator pan it may overflow due to blockage or mechanical damage, which requires immediate intervention.
Dismantling of this part is not necessary only to eliminate leaks, but also to carry out high-quality sanitary treatment. Over time, mucus, mold and an unpleasant odor accumulate inside the tray, which is transferred to the products. To return the unit to cleanliness and functionality, it is necessary to correctly perform the disassembly procedure.
In this article we will look in detail at how to safely remove the tray from the refrigerator Stinolwithout damaging the fragile plastic elements. You will learn about the design nuances of different models, methods for cleaning drainage channels and preventing recurrent blockages. The correct approach to maintenance will extend the life of your equipment.
Preparation for dismantling and safety precautions
Before starting any work with electrical appliances, it is necessary to ensure safety. First of all, disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical outlet by removing the plug from the outlet. This will eliminate the risk of electric shock, even if you plan to work only on the lower part of the case, where the compressor and electrical cables are located.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was operating in the freezing mode, let it stand unplugged for at least 2-3 hours before starting work. This is necessary so that the refrigerant completely drains into the condenser and the oil returns to the compressor, which will prevent water hammer when restarting.
You will need to prepare a workplace and the necessary tools. Free up space around your refrigerator by moving it away from the wall. To dismantle the pallet in models Stinol usually you do not need complex professional tools, a basic set is enough.
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (size PH2) - for removing protective panels.
- 🧤 Rubber gloves - to protect hands from dirt and bacteria.
- 🧼 A water container and a rag - for collecting remaining liquid.
- 🔦 Flashlight - for illuminating hard-to-reach places at the bottom of the unit.
Do not forget to empty the refrigerator and freezer compartments of food. This will not only make it easier to move equipment, but will also prevent damage to the contents during maintenance. If it is impossible to completely empty the chambers, put the food in thermal bags with ice.
☑️ Preparing to remove the tray
Design features of pallets in Stinol models
Refrigerators Stinol, produced in different years, have differences in the design of the water drainage system. Understanding your unit type will help you choose the right dismantling strategy. Basically, there are two main systems: drip defrosting and system No Frost.
In models with a drip system (Direct Cool), water flows down the back wall of the refrigeration chamber into a gutter, and from there through a tube it enters a tray located directly above the compressor. Here the tray is often part of or attached to a plastic casing. In such cases, it can be difficult to remove it separately; sometimes it is necessary to dismantle the entire back panel inside the camera.
Units with the system No Frost are designed differently. In them, defrosting water is collected in a tray located in the lower part of the housing and evaporates due to the heat from the operating compressor. Here, the tray is a separate plastic element that is attached with latches or screws to the frame or bottom of the refrigerator.
How to determine the type of defrosting?
If you see a vertical groove and holes on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, and there is no ice on the walls, you have a drip system. If the walls are dry and the fan hums during operation, this is No Frost.
Removing the tray in No Frost refrigerators
The process of removing the tray in models Stinol with the system No Frost is most understandable, since the tray is located in an accessible place. It is usually located in a niche above the engine compartment. To get to it, it is often enough to simply tilt the refrigerator or remove the lower decorative panel.
Carefully inspect the perimeter of the tray. In most cases, it is held in place by plastic clips or locking tabs. Do not use excessive force as the plastic becomes brittle over time. If the tray is secured with screws, unscrew them with a previously prepared screwdriver.
When removing the tray, proceed slowly. There may be water inside, so keep it horizontal to avoid spilling the contents. If the tray fits tightly, rock it slightly from side to side, freeing it from possible suction cups or dirt.
| Mounting type | Location | Tool | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latch | On the sides of the tray | Not required | Low |
| Screws | Front or back | Screwdriver cross | Medium |
| Guides | Into housing grooves | Not required | Low |
| Combined | Screw + latches | Screwdriver | High |
After removal, carefully inspect the drainage hole in the pan itself. This is where sludge plugs most often form. Wash the part with warm water and a mild detergent. For disinfection, you can use a soda solution or a slightly acidic solution of citric acid.
Removing the tray in models with a drip system
In classic models Stinol with drip defrosting, access to the tray may be limited. It is often hidden behind a decorative grille at the bottom of the refrigerator or integrated into the design above the compressor. Some modifications require removal of the rear metal engine compartment cover for access.
If the pan is mounted on the outside of the rear wall, remove the mounting bolts holding it in place. Be careful that there are refrigerant pipes and electrical wiring nearby. Any careless movement can lead to damage the capacitor or the insulation of the wires.
In situations where the tray is located inside the chamber (under the plastic panel on the back wall), the procedure becomes more complicated. You will need to remove the shelves, free the camera, and carefully remove the back panel. Below it you will see a drainage channel that leads to the hole. The tray in such designs is often removable only together with the panel or requires the release of special latches inside the chamber.
Cleaning the internal drain gutter is a critical step. Use a soft brush or flexible wire wrapped in a rag to remove ice and dirt build-up. Do not use sharp metal objects that can puncture the plastic channel or damage the evaporator.
Cleaning the drainage system and removing blockages
Simply removing and washing the pan is not enough if the cause of the overflow is not eliminated. Most often, the water does not drain due to a blockage in the drainage pipe. For cleaning, you can use a special long-shaped soft brush or a medical bulb.
Pour warm water into the drainage hole. If it goes away slowly or stays still, then the tube is clogged. Try gently purging the system or using a pressurized water syringe. The movements should be progressive to push the plug deeper into the system, where it will dissolve or come out into the pan.
- 🌊 Rinse the tube with a solution of warm water and baking soda to break down fatty deposits.
- 🧶 Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to disinfect the inner walls channel.
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the tube for cracks through which water can flow past the pan.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use boiling water to clean the drainage. A sudden temperature change can deform the plastic tube or cause cracks in the plastic of the evaporator, which will lead to expensive repairs.
After successful cleaning, reassemble the structure in the reverse order. Make sure all fasteners are in place and the tray is in the correct horizontal position. Misalignment of the tray can cause water to overflow again.
Assembling and checking the tightness of the system
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. After installing a clean tray and assembling all panels, connect the refrigerator to the network. Let it idle for a few hours. This will allow the system to reach operating temperature conditions and start the defrost cycle (if this is a model No Frost).
Periodically check the engine compartment area and the inside of the chamber for moisture. If the pan remains dry and there are no puddles on the floor, the procedure was successful. In the first day after cleaning, residual moisture may evaporate, which is a normal process.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the equipment. It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the drainage system and tray at least once a year. This will prevent the formation of persistent blockages and the appearance of unpleasant odors.
Can the tray be washed in a dishwasher?
Technically, this is possible if the tray is washed. made of heat-resistant plastic. However, manufacturers Stinol do not recommend using aggressive detergents and high temperatures, since the plastic can be deformed. It is better to wash it manually with warm water and a mild detergent.
What to do if the tray is cracked?
If the crack is small, you can try sealing it with plastic or sealing it. waterproof sealant designed for refrigeration equipment. However, in case of major damage, it is better to order an original spare part, since a leaky pan will lead to corrosion of the metal parts of the refrigerator.
Why does the water in the pan have a rusty tint?
The rusty color of the water indicates corrosion of the metal elements inside the system or the pan itself (if it is metal). may indicate the presence of bacteria and mold. Careful disinfection of the system and inspection of internal components for rust are required.
How often should the tray be cleaned?
The optimal frequency is once every 6-12 months. If you notice a decrease in cooling efficiency or the appearance of an odor, cleaning should be done immediately, without waiting until the scheduled date.