A situation where water accumulates in the lower part of the refrigerator or freezer compartment often indicates the need for maintenance of the drainage system. Owners of equipment Beko may encounter clogging or damage to the tray where the condensate drains. Removing the tray is a procedure that requires care, but can be done at home if you have basic tools and an understanding of the unit's structure.
Before Before taking active steps, it is important to determine the type of defrosting system you have. In refrigerators Beko there are both classic drip systems and modern technologies No Frostwhere the design can differ significantly. Incorrect assessment of the model can lead to damage to the plastic fasteners or a violation of the tightness of the circuit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various modifications, paying special attention to hidden fasteners and features of access to the moisture collection unit. You will learn what tools you will need, how to safely remove the element and what to pay attention to when reassembling it to avoid repeated leaks.
Preparation for dismantling and necessary tools
Any work on servicing household appliances begins with ensuring safety. The first and mandatory step is to completely disconnect the refrigerator from the electrical network. Even if you plan to work only with plastic elements, the risk of a short circuit due to accidental damage to the wiring or contact with metal parts of the compressor cannot be excluded.
To carry out the operation, you will need a minimum set of tools. Depending on the specific model Beko, you may need:
- 🔧 Phillips screwdriver (usually PH2) to remove the protective panels.
- 🔧 Flat screwdriver or plastic spatula for snapping off the clips.
- 🧤 Gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and contamination.
- 🧼 A container for collecting residual water and a rag for wiping.
It is also recommended to empty the lower shelves of the refrigerator or freezer drawers in advance to ensure free access to the work area. If the model provides access to the tray through the rear wall from the outside, you will need to move the unit away from the wall, providing room for maneuver.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects with sharp edges to pry up the plastic, unless otherwise stated in the instructions. This can lead to the formation of cracks in the housing, which subsequently become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Check that there is a supply of clean water for flushing the system. Sometimes for effective cleaning it is necessary not only to remove the part, but also to blow out the drainage channel, which is more convenient to do on the removed element.
☑️ Preparation for removing the tray
Design features of pallets in different Beko models
Turkish brand equipment Beko is distinguished by a variety of design solutions. Understanding which category your unit falls into is critical to choosing a dismantling strategy. Conventionally, all models can be divided into two large groups according to the type of moisture removal.
In refrigerators with drip system (Static Cooling), the tray is often located directly above the compressor in the rear lower part of the case. Water flows down a gutter on the back wall inside the chamber, enters a tube and is discharged into an evaporation tank, where the moisture simply dries from the heat of the running motor. Here the tray is removable, but access to it is from the outside.
Models with the system No Frost have a more complex scheme. The condensate collection tray in them is integrated into the evaporator defrost system, which is hidden behind the rear panel inside the freezer or refrigerator compartment. In such cases, "removing the pan" often means gaining access to the internal assembly by disassembling the interior, since the outer evaporator tray may not be removable or require removal of the compressor protective cover.
What is the difference between static and No Frost?
In static models, water drips onto the back wall and flows down. In No Frost, the fan circulates dry air, and ice freezes on a hidden evaporator, which periodically heats up, and melt water goes into the same pan above the compressor, but the exhaust paths can be longer and more complex.
You can determine the type of your system by the presence of holes on the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment or by the absence of ice on food during operation. If you are not sure, refer to the device passport or find the exact model on the sticker inside the chamber.
Removing the tray in refrigerators with a drip system
If your Beko belongs to classic models where water drips along the back wall, then the main evaporator tray is located outside, in the lower part of the case. You can get to it without invading the interior of the refrigerator compartment.
The removal process is as follows:
- Move the refrigerator away from the wall to gain access to the back panel.
- Locate the compressor (black round tank) at the bottom.
- Above compressor, you will see a plastic container, often closed with an additional protective cover or grill.
- Carefully remove the protective grill, if any. It can be held on by latches or screws.
- The evaporation tray itself is usually simply inserted into the grooves of the brackets.
To remove it, just slightly lift it and pull it towards you. Be prepared that there may be water or dirt inside, so be careful not to spill the contents. In some models Beko the tray is secured with one screw, which must first be unscrewed.
⚠️ Attention: The plastic on old refrigerators becomes brittle. Before removing, it is recommended to warm it slightly with a hairdryer (at minimum power) or let it sit at room temperature if the unit was in an unheated room.
After removing, inspect the tray for cracks. If the integrity is damaged, it must be replaced, since repairs with adhesives in conditions of constant moisture and temperature changes are ineffective.
Access to the tray in No Frost and Full No Frost systems
In units Beko with technology No Frost situation more difficult. Here, the drip tray for collecting melt water is often hidden inside the cabinet, behind the back panel of the freezer or refrigerator compartment. To get to it, you will need to partially disassemble the internal space.
Algorithm for accessing the internal unit:
- ❄️ Completely defrost the refrigerator (at least 24 hours) if there is ice in the system.
- ❄️ Remove all drawers, shelves and guides from the freezer.
- ❄️ Unscrew the screws securing the rear plastic panel.
- ❄️ Carefully remove the panel, gaining access to the evaporator and drainage chute.
Under the evaporator you will see a chute that leads to drainage hole. Often it is in this place, inside the housing, that water can accumulate if the tube is clogged. The collection tray in such models may not be removable without completely disassembling the rear wall of the housing from the outside, but cleaning the channel and removing ice solves 90% of the problems.
If water is in the groove inside the chamber, this is a signal that the drainage hole is freezing. Use a rubber bulb with warm water or a special cleaning cable. In models Beko the diameter of the drainage hole is usually about 10-12 mm.
Cleaning, replacement and troubleshooting
After you have managed to remove the pallet or gain access to it, you need to conduct a thorough inspection. Dirt, mold and mucus in the tray are not just an aesthetic problem, it is a source of an unpleasant odor that will circulate throughout the refrigerator along with the air.
For high-quality cleaning, use a solution of warm water with the addition of baking soda or a weak solution of vinegar. It is better not to use chlorine-containing products, as their vapors can be harmful, and chemical residues can end up on food. Thoroughly rinse all the bends of the container.
Table of common problems and methods for solving them:
| Problem | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Water is pouring onto floor | Tray is displaced or cracked | Adjust the tray or replace with a new one |
| Water inside the chamber | Clogged drainage hole | Clean with a cable or blower |
| Unpleasant odor | Mold in the pan | Disinfection with soda or peroxide |
| Ice in the freezer | Faulty defrost heating element | Checking with a multimeter, replacing the heating element |
If during inspection you find that the plastic pan is cracked, it is not always necessary to look for an original spare part. Many craftsmen successfully use universal trays of the appropriate size or make temporary solutions from food containers, although replacing with the original Beko is always preferable.
⚠️ Attention: The design of drainage systems may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific series of the refrigerator. If you see that the fasteners do not correspond to the description, stop and check the technical diagram for your model.
Assembling and checking the tightness of the system
The final stage is reassembly. Make sure all removed items are completely dry before reinstalling them. The moist environment inside closed panels promotes the development of fungus.
When installing an external pan above the compressor, make sure that the drainage tube fits into it freely and does not rest against the bottom with force, which could cause reverse flow of water. The tube should be above the water level in the tray, but not touch the bottom, so as not to create a water seal.
Sequence of assembly steps:
- Install the tray in its original place, checking the tight fit.
- Secure the protective grilles and panels.
- If you disassembled the interior, install the back wall of the chamber, checking the integrity of the seals.
- Return the drawers and shelves.
- Plug in the refrigerator.
To check the efficiency of operation, pour a small amount of water (about 100 ml) into the internal drainage groove (in the refrigerator compartment). If the water quickly leaves and appears in the lower tray (or disappears during evaporation), then the system is functioning correctly.
How long does it take for the water in the tray to dry?
In a working refrigerator, the water in the evaporation tray above the compressor should disappear on its own within several cycles of compressor operation. If the water stands constantly, it means that the balance of humidity or the power of the heating element (in No Frost) is disturbed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
Short-term - yes, if you control the process. However, without a drain pan, water will drip directly onto the compressor or floor, which can cause corrosion of metal parts, short circuits, or damage to the flooring. It is recommended to restore the integrity of the system.
How to replace the tray if the original cannot be found?
You can use any heat-resistant plastic container of a suitable size. The main requirement is that the material must withstand the heat from a running compressor and not emit toxins. Some users successfully adapt trays from other models of refrigerators.
Why does the water in the tray not evaporate?
This may indicate excess humidity in the chamber (not tightly closed door, hot food), a malfunction of the thermostat (the compressor works too little) or too low a temperature in the room where the refrigerator is located. A crack in the pan itself is also possible.
Is it necessary to lubricate the drain tube with oil?
No, there is no need to lubricate the tube with oil. The oil can thicken and create a blockage, as well as become a breeding ground for bacteria. To facilitate the passage of water, regular washing with warm water is sufficient.
How often should you clean the tray in a Beko refrigerator?
It is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning and check the drainage system once every 6-12 months. This will help avoid odors and blockages, especially if there are animals in the house or a lot of food with a strong aroma is being prepared.