Collecting moisture in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment is a normal process, but when water begins to flow onto the floor or accumulate under boxes of vegetables, it becomes impossible to ignore the problem. Equipment owners Stinol often encounter clogging of the drain hole or failure of the heater, which requires access to the internal space under the plastic bed. A correct understanding of how to remove the pan in a Stinol refrigerator will allow you to independently diagnose and eliminate the leak without calling a technician.
The design of most models of this brand, be it two-chamber Stinol 103, Stinol 104 or more modern series, involves hidden installation of the evaporator behind the back panel, and directly below it there is a plastic tray for collecting condensate. Dismantling this part requires care, since the plastic could become brittle over the years of operation, and the fasteners could become sour from constant humidity. Before starting any work be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply to eliminate the risk of electric shock when working with wet components.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, we will point out typical errors that lead to plastic breakage, and we will provide comprehensive information on the subsequent assembly of the unit. You don't need to be a refrigeration engineer to perform this procedure, but having a basic set of tools and an understanding of the unit will speed up the process significantly. Let's look at what nuances are hidden in the water drainage system in your equipment.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality preparation for repairs is half the success, especially when it comes to a delicate refrigerator. You don't need a complicated professional tool to remove the pan, but using unsuitable items may result in scratches or chips. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to interrupt the process of searching for a screwdriver or rag.
You will need the following items:
- 🔧 A medium-sized Phillips screwdriver for unscrewing the screws securing the back wall.
- 🔦 A powerful flashlight for illuminating deep niches and hidden fasteners elements.
- 🧤 Cotton gloves to protect hands from sharp edges and dirt.
- 🧽 Absorbent rags or sponge to remove residual water from the tray.
Particular attention should be paid to lighting, since in the depths of the refrigerator compartment, especially in models with a top location of the freezer, it is often dark. Poor visibility is the main cause of accidental damage to plastic latches. It is also recommended to empty the lower shelves and remove all vegetable drawers to provide free access to the rear wall.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
Design features of pallets in different Stinol models
Technology Stinol, produced at Indesit factories, has its own characteristic features depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series. In older models, such as Stinol 101 or Stinol 102, the tray was often a separate part that could be glued or mounted on rigid guides. In newer versions, including No Frost systems, the tray is integrated into the overall water drainage system and can be hidden behind a decorative panel.
In systems No Frost the tray is located directly above the compressor at the bottom of the unit (behind the plinth grille at the back), where water flows through the drainage channel. In drip systems (crying evaporator), the tray is located inside the refrigerator compartment under the rear wall. Understanding this difference is critically important, since the methods of accessing them are radically different.
⚠️ Attention: In some modifications Stinol the plastic tray can be additionally secured with silicone-based sealant. An attempt to tear it off by force without first softening the sealant will lead to breakage of the fastening ears.
If you are not sure about the type of your system, look at the technical data sheet or find the sticker with the model range on the inner wall of the chamber. This will help determine whether you need to remove the back panel inside the chamber or whether access from the rear of the unit will be sufficient.
Difference between the drip system and No Frost
In the drip system, water flows down the back wall into the chamber, and in No Frost, the evaporator is hidden, and the water is discharged through a tube directly into the outer pan above the motor.
Step-by-step algorithm for removing the tray inside the refrigerator compartment
If water accumulates at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, the problem most likely lies in the inner tray under the evaporator. To dismantle it, you need to remove the rear plastic panel, behind which the evaporator is hidden. This process requires consistency to avoid damaging the fragile pins and guides.
Perform the steps in the following order:
- 📏 Measure and remove all products from the bottom shelf, remove the shelf itself and vegetable boxes.
- 🔩 Locate and remove the mounting screws on the back wall (usually there are 4-6 pieces).
- ❄️ Carefully bend the plastic latches around the perimeter of the panel using a flat tool wrapped in fabric.
- 💧 After removing the panel, gain access to the tray located under the aluminum evaporator.
Yourself The tray in drip systems is often supported on guides or simply inserted into grooves. However, in some cases, it may be attached to the evaporator body. Be extremely carefulWhen removing the tray: if it is frozen, do not use force, but let the ice melt or use a hair dryer at minimum power, directing warm air carefully so as not to melt the plastic.
After removing the part inspect the drainage hole. This is where ice most often forms or mucus accumulates, obstructing the flow of water. Cleaning the channel is a key repair step that often solves the problem without replacing parts.
Access to the external tray in No Frost systems
In refrigerators Stinol with the No Frost system, the main collection of condensate occurs in a tray located above the compressor in the lower rear part of the device. Water enters here through a drainage tube from the inner chamber. Removal of this element is required less frequently, usually when replacing the compressor or removing severe blockages in the tube.
Algorithm of actions for accessing the external tray:
- 🔌 Move the refrigerator away from the wall, providing access to the back wall.
- 🛠️ Remove the lower decorative panel (base) above the compressor by unscrewing the fixing screws.
- 🌡️ Wait for the compressor to cool down if it has just been running, so as not to get burned.
- 🔍 Inspect the pan for cracks and check the integrity of the drain tube.
Often the cause of a leak is not the tray itself, but a displaced or cracked drainage tube, which should be directed strictly inside the tray. If water drips past, the unit will “cry” from the outside. Also check if the tray has dried out over time - the plastic can become brittle when heated from a running motor.
Typical faults and methods for eliminating them
After you have managed to remove the tray in the Stinol refrigerator, you need to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the condition of the unit. Most often, owners are faced with three main problems: mechanical damage to the plastic, clogged drainage, or failure of the defrost heater (in models where it is built into the drainage area).
Below is a table that helps classify faults and choose a repair method:
| Type of fault | Symptoms | Elimination method |
|---|---|---|
| Crack in the tray | Water flows outside the tray | Replacement of the part or sealing with epoxy |
| Drainage clogged | Water stands in the tray and overflows | Cleaning with a cable or hot water |
| Heating element malfunction | Ice coat in the drain channel | Replacing the defrost heater |
| Shifting the tube | Water drips past the pan | Adjusting the position of the drainage tube |
If you find a crack, do not rush to buy a new part. For temporary or even permanent repairs, you can use food-grade silicone sealant or two-component epoxy resin that is safe for contact with food (although there should be no food in the tray, material safety is important). Degrease thoroughly surface before applying the composition and allow it to completely polymerize according to the instructions.
In case of blockage, which is the most common cause, use a flexible brush or a medical bulb with hot water. Never use metal wires without limitersas they can easily break through the thin wall of the plastic channel, which will lead to the need for complex repairs of the entire system.
Assembling the unit and checking its functionality
The final stage is the correct installation of all elements in their places. Errors during assembly can negate all efforts and lead to repeated leakage. Make sure that all surfaces are dry and clean before final installation.
The assembly process includes the following steps:
- 🔙 Place the tray on the guides, making sure that it lies flat and without distortion.
- 🔌 Check that the drainage tube fits tightly into the tray opening center.
- 🧱 Screw the back panel, evenly tightening the screws diagonally.
- ✅ Turn on the refrigerator and after 2-3 hours check the presence of water in the pan.
It is important not to overtighten the screws securing the back panel, as plastic in old refrigerators Stinol may crack from excessive force. Screw them all the way in by hand, and then tighten them slightly with a screwdriver. If the model requires the use of seals or gaskets at the joints, make sure that they are installed correctly and are not pinched.
⚠️ Attention: After assembly, do not immediately load the refrigerator with food. Let it run idle for at least 4-5 hours to make sure there are no leaks and the water drainage system is working correctly.
If water continues to accumulate, repeat the inspection procedure. Perhaps the angle of the refrigerator is incorrect, and the water does not have time to evaporate from the outer tray, overflowing. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the height of the front legs of the unit.
Prevention of blockages and care for the water drainage system
So that the question “how to remove the tray in a Stinol refrigerator” does not arise too often, regular preventive maintenance is recommended. Simple steps will help avoid the formation of ice plugs and the growth of bacteria in stagnant water.
Recommended preventive measures:
- 🧼 Once every 3-4 months, rinse the drainage hole with warm water with the addition of a small amount of soda.
- 🌡️ Make sure that food does not touch the back walls where the drain hole is located.
- 🔍 Periodically check the condition of the door seal, as the suction of warm air increases the amount of condensation.
Regular defrosting (for drip systems) also prolongs the life of the entire system. Even if the refrigerator is declared to operate without defrosting, a preventive shutdown once a year will allow you to check the condition of hidden components and clean hard-to-reach places from dust and dirt. Compliance with these simple operating rules will allow your refrigerator to serve for many years without leaks or unpleasant odors. Remember that timely elimination of minor faults prevents serious damage to expensive components, such as the compressor or control system.
Following these simple operating rules will allow your Stinol serve for many years without leaks or unpleasant odors. Remember that timely elimination of minor faults prevents serious damage to expensive components such as the compressor or control system.
Can chemicals be used to clean the drain?
The use of aggressive chemicals (chlorine, strong acids) is not recommended, as they can damage the plastic of the pan and tubes, as well as cause corrosion of the metal elements of the evaporator. It is better to use hot water, soda solution or special mild enzyme-based cleaning agents for plumbing fixtures.
What to do if the pan is cracked and there is no analogue on sale?
If the original part cannot be found, you can make a replacement from food-grade plastic (for example, polypropylene) or use a universal tray of a suitable size, placing it under the standard one place. Soldering plastic with a special hair dryer using an filler rod made of the same material is also effective.
Why does the water in the pan freeze?
Freezing of water in the pan or drainage channel most often indicates a malfunction of the thermostat or defrost heating element. If the defrost cycle does not start on time, the water does not have time to drain and turns into ice, blocking further liquid flow.
How do you understand that the pan is not completely removed and cannot be pulled?
If you feel resistance when removing, do not use force. Check that all screws are unscrewed and that the side latches are unlatched. Often the pallet is held in place by freezing or residual sealant that needs to be carefully trimmed or defrosted.
Do you need to lubricate the pallet guides?
You should not lubricate the guides with ordinary oils, as they can deteriorate over time or react with the plastic. If the movement is difficult, it is better to wipe the guides with a dry cloth. In extreme cases, you can use a minimal amount of silicone grease that is safe for plastic.