When faced with a puddle on the kitchen floor, many equipment owners Atlant begin to panic, but the problem is often solved by simply cleaning the moisture drainage system. To eliminate a leak or an unpleasant odor, you need to know how to remove the tray in the Atlant refrigerator, since this is where condensation accumulates. Depending on the model, this element may be located at the rear of the unit from the outside or hidden inside the freezer.
It is important to understand that the design of evaporators and trays differs significantly in different series of refrigerators. If in older models with a weeping lampshade, access to the water collector is often open or requires minimal intervention, then in systems No Frost the dismantling procedure may require disassembling the inner lining. Incorrect actions when removing plastic parts can lead to breakage of fragile fasteners, so before starting work you should carefully study the structure of your unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various modifications, paying special attention to safety precautions. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely disconnect hoses, and how to treat surfaces to prevent mold from forming. A competent approach to maintenance will extend the life of the compressor and preserve food freshness.
Determining the type of defrosting system and localizing the tray
The first step before starting any manipulations is to accurately determine the type of defrosting system of your refrigerator. In units Atlant with a drip system (“crying back”), the condensate flows down the back wall of the refrigeration chamber into the drainage hole, from where it flows through a tube into a plastic tray mounted above the compressor at the back. In such models tray usually located in the lower part of the case from the outside, and its removal does not require disassembling the internal space.
A completely different situation arises with models equipped with the system No Frost. Here, moisture from the refrigerator and freezer compartments is discharged into a single evaporator located behind the rear panel. Condensate is collected in a tray, which is often structurally combined with the evaporator block or located directly below it. In some modifications Atlant this tray is removable and requires careful removal through a niche above the motor, while in others it is part of a complex assembly, access to which is blocked by the casing.
You can determine the location by looking at the technical data sheet or examining the back wall of the refrigerator. If you see a black metal coil and a plastic container above it, this is the outer pan. If there is only a smooth metal sheet at the back, and water accumulates inside or under the freezer, then access to the drainage system requires deeper intervention. Incorrect identification of the system type may lead to an attempt to disassemble the sealed circuit, which is strictly prohibited.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to forcefully tear off the back panel inside the freezer unless you are sure that only the evaporator is located behind it. Damage to the refrigerant pipelines will lead to expensive repairs with recharging with freon.
To accurately understand the design of your model, it is useful to know its exact markings. It is usually indicated on a sticker inside the refrigerator compartment. Knowing the model, you can find a specification that clearly indicates the location of the drainage system.
Necessary tools and safety measures
Before proceeding with the dismantling of any elements of the refrigerator Atlant, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The first and most important rule is to completely turn off the power supply. Unplug the cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock, especially since the work will be carried out in an area where there may be moisture and live metal parts.
To perform the work, you will need a minimum set of tools that can be found in every home. The main tool will be a Phillips screwdriver, since most fasteners in refrigerators Atlant are made specifically for this slot. You may also need a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry up the plastic latches, which are often used to secure decorative panels and trays.
It would be a good idea to prepare a container for water and a rag, since when removing the tray, residual liquid may spill out. If the pallet is tightly secured or has traces of corrosion and scale, you may need a means to loosen the joints, however, in most cases, plastic parts Atlant are removed manually or with minimal effort.
- 🔧 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for unscrewing screws and prying up clips
- 🧤 Rubber gloves to protect hands from dirt and possible sharp edges
- 🧼 Microfiber cloth and a basin for collecting flowing water
- 🔦 Flashlight for better illumination of the compressor niche and internal cavities
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of wires and tubes in the work area. When removing the outer pan above the compressor, it is important not to touch the copper tubes, as they are thin-walled and easily deformed. Any damage to the cooling circuit requires calling a specialist.
☑️ Preparation for removing the tray
Removing the external tray in models with a drip system
In classic models of refrigerators Atlant with a drip defrosting system, the pan for collecting condensate is located directly above motor-compressor at the bottom of the rear wall. This element is a black or gray plastic container, often with a ribbed surface for better evaporation of moisture. Removing such a tray usually does not cause difficulties, but requires following a certain sequence of actions.
First, move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing free access to the rear panel. Make sure that the unit is defrosted and there is no excess water inside that could spill out when tilted. Gently tilt the refrigerator forward, resting on the bottom edge, to get a view of the bottom. In some older models, the tray may simply be inserted into the grooves and held in place by a tight fit, but most often it is secured with one or two screws.
If you find mounting screws, use a Phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size. Unscrew them carefully, holding the tray itself with your other hand so that it does not fall sharply to the floor. After removing the fasteners, the pallet is usually moved to the side or pulled out towards itself. It is important not to use excessive force, as the plastic becomes brittle over time.
When removing, pay attention to the drainage tube. It should come out freely from the hole in the pan. If the tube is stuck or stuck, do not pull it sharply - it is better to gently twist the pan to release the connection. Sometimes the edge of the tube may be melted or warped, requiring attention when reinstalling.
What should you do if the tray cracks during removal?
If the plastic tray has cracked, it can be temporarily repaired using epoxy glue or plastic sealant. However, it is better to order an original spare part for the refrigerator model, since the crack will expand due to vibration of the compressor. You can temporarily place an additional absorbent rag under the compressor.
Access to the internal tray in the No Frost system
In refrigerators Atlant series No Frost the moisture removal design is more complex. The tray for collecting melt water here is often located inside the housing, behind the rear wall of the freezer, or is a long trench running along the entire bottom of the unit under the evaporator. To access it, in most cases, partial disassembly of the interior of the freezer compartment is required.
You should start by emptying the freezer compartment of food and removable shelves. Then you need to remove the rear plastic panel, behind which the evaporator is hidden. It is attached with screws (often hidden under plugs) and plastic latches. You need to act very carefully so as not to break the fastening ears of the plastic, which becomes extremely brittle in the cold.
After removing the panel, access to the evaporator and the tray located under it will open. In some models Atlant this tray is removable and can be removed by moving it towards you or upward. However, in a number of modifications it is secured with screws or is part of a structure that cannot be removed without dismantling the entire evaporator unit. If the tray is removable, make sure that the drainage hose is disconnected before removing it if it is not elastic.
Often owners confuse the evaporator tray with the water drainage chute. If your goal is to clean the drainage, then it is not always necessary to remove the metal or plastic evaporator tray itself. It is enough to provide access to the drainage hole. But if you need to replace a cracked element, then you need to act according to the instructions for a specific model, since the configuration of the fasteners is different Atlant varies significantly.
- ❄️ Defrost the camera for at least 12 hours before removing the panels
- 🔩 Place the screws in a magnetic tray so as not to lose
- 🌡️ Warm up the plastic with a hairdryer if it has become too brittle in the cold
⚠️ Attention: When working with the insides of the No Frost system, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects to break off ice. Damage to the aluminum evaporator tubes is fatal for the refrigerator.
Cleaning, disinfection and removal of blockages
After you have managed to remove the tray, the stage of its maintenance begins. It is in this container, especially in models where water stagnates, that mucus, mold and an unpleasant odor form. Simply rinsing with water is often not enough to completely remove bacterial plaque. It is recommended to use warm water with the addition of a mild detergent or soda solution.
While the pan is removed, be sure to check the condition of the drain tube. Often the cause of leaks lies not in the overflow of the tray, but in a clogged channel through which water flows down. To clean, you can use a special flexible brush or a piece of soft wire wrapped in a rag. Pass the tool carefully so as not to pierce the wall of the tube.
To disinfect the internal surfaces of the tray and drain hole, you can use a weak solution of chlorhexidine or specialized products for household appliances. This will help prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that cause a specific musty smell. After treatment, thoroughly rinse all elements with clean water and wipe dry with a rag.
Also inspect the heating element (heating element) if it is located next to the tray (in the No Frost system). There should be no thick layer of scale on it, which can reduce the efficiency of water evaporation. If plaque is present, it can be carefully removed, but without using abrasive materials.
It is important to make sure that when installing the pan in place, the drainage tube fits correctly and is not kinked. Incorrect position of the tube can lead to water again starting to overflow even with a clean system.
Table of faults and solution methods
Below is a table that will help systematize possible problems associated with the pan and moisture removal system in refrigerators Atlant, and choose the right method for them elimination.
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution method | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water on the floor under the refrigerator | Clog drainage tube or pan displacement | Cleaning the drainage, setting the pan level | Remove the pan, rinse the tube with a brush, check the horizontal position |
| Unpleasant odor from the refrigerator | Bacterial proliferation in stagnant water tray | Disinfection of the tray and drain channel | Remove and wash the tray with soda/vinegar, treat the channel |
| Ice in the bottom of the freezer | Faulty defrost heating element or clogged drain | Checking the heater and drainage | Defrost, check the heating element with a multimeter, clean the drain |
| Gurgling noise from behind | Water getting into the pan on a hot compressor | Normal workflow (if there are no leaks) | Make sure the pan is intact and no water is flowing past |
This table covers the main scenarios that users encounter. However, if after all the procedures the problem persists, it may be a more complex problem, for example, a leak in the door seal, which allows excess moisture to enter the chamber.
Assembling and checking the tightness of the system
After successful cleaning and drying of all elements, you can begin reassembly. Installation of the tray in refrigerators Atlant is carried out in the reverse order of dismantling. It is important to ensure that all mounting screws are tightened all the way, but without excessive force, so as not to strip the threads in the plastic holes.
When installing the external pan over the compressor, make sure that it sits tightly and does not loosen when the motor vibrates. The drainage tube should fit into the hole in the pan freely, without kinks. If the tube is short and does not reach the bottom of the tray (in some designs this is acceptable, but not desirable), the water will evaporate more efficiently, but splashing is possible during strong vibration.
In No Frost models, after installing the inner tray and back panel, check to see if there are any unnecessary parts left. Turn on the refrigerator and leave it empty for several hours. Periodically check the compressor area and interior for moisture. This will help ensure that the assembled system is tight.
If you notice that water has again begun to accumulate in the wrong place, repeat the inspection. The pan may be installed askew or there may be debris left in the drain tube. In such cases, you should not ignore the signal, since constant moisture can lead to corrosion of the metal parts of the case.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
Short-term operation without a tray is possible, but undesirable. Water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which causes loud hissing, steam formation and accelerated corrosion of the metal parts of the motor. In addition, water will spread across the floor.
How often do you need to remove and wash the tray in the Atlant refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the tray and drainage system at least once a year. If there are pets or high dust levels in the house, it is better to increase the frequency of cleaning to once every 6 months.
What to do if the pan is cracked and does not hold water?
A cracked pan must be replaced. It makes sense to glue it only as a temporary measure, since the plastic will burst again under the influence of temperature changes and vibration. Original spare parts for Atlant are available at service centers.
Why does the water in the sump freeze?
Freezing of water in the sump (especially in the No Frost system) may indicate a malfunction of the defrost system or that the water does not have time to evaporate due to the low temperature in the compressor niche (for example, if the refrigerator is on a cold balcony).
Is it necessary to lubricate the pan with oil?
No, you cannot lubricate the pan with oil or grease. This will lead to a deterioration in the process of water evaporation and the appearance of an unpleasant burning smell when oil gets on the hot parts of the compressor. Only treatment with food antibacterial agents is permissible.