Modern household appliances, even such reliable ones as the products of the Belarusian plant Atlantrequire periodic maintenance. Many owners are faced with the need to completely shut down the unit to carry out general cleaning or eliminate unpleasant odors. A key step in this process is the correct removal of melt water that accumulates in the drainage system.
Incorrect actions when draining the liquid can lead to leaks on the floor or damage to internal plastic elements. In this article we will look in detail at how to safely and effectively empty your refrigerator from waterrefrigerator, paying special attention to the design features of various models.
It is important to understand that the procedure may differ slightly depending on whether your equipment is equipped with a system No Frost or operates by drip principle. We will consider both options so that you can find a solution that is suitable specifically for your case.
Preparing for defrosting and draining water
Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to ensure safe working conditions. The first step is always to turn off the power. Unplug the cord from the outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock and allow the compressor to cool. This will also start the process of natural thawing of ice on the evaporator.
Next, you should completely empty the chambers of products. It is better to transfer all perishable items (perishable products) to a cold place or use thermal bags. Shelves and drawers must also be removed so that they do not interfere with access to the bottom of the chamber and do not absorb moisture.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers to chip ice. Mechanical damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to immediate release of freon and costly repairs.
Prepare the necessary equipment in advance. You'll need old towels, microfiber cloths, a flat tray with low sides, and perhaps a rubber bulb or needleless syringe for hard-to-reach areas. Determine in advance the place where the water will drain.
Make sure that the floor around the device is protected from accidental splashes. Lay a thick cloth or use moisture-absorbing diapers if the equipment is on laminate or parquet. Water that gets under the baseboard can cause swelling of the floor covering.
Design features of the Atlant drainage system
Plant engineers Atlant use different drainage organization schemes depending on the series of the refrigerator. In most classic models with a drip exhaust system (crying evaporator), water flows down the back wall into a gutter, and from there through a hole it goes into a special container.
This container, often called a tray or bath, is located above the compressor in the lower rear part of the unit. The water gets there by gravity and evaporates due to the heat generated by the operating motor-compressor. However, when completely defrosted, the volume of water may exceed the possibilities of evaporation, and it will flow over the edge.
In models with a system No Frost the situation is different. There, the water is drained through a drainage channel, which can become clogged with crumbs or mold. If you see that the water is at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and does not drain, most likely the drainage hole is clogged.
| System type | Drain location | Where the water goes | Cleaning frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | Rear wall, bottom | Tray above the compressor | At each defrost |
| No Frost | Rear wall, inside | Evaporator (in freezer) | Once every 6-12 months |
| Combined | In different chambers | Mixed type | As needed |
Understanding the structure of your model will help avoid unnecessary actions. If you have an old Atlant refrigerator, it may not have automatic drainage of water from the freezer, and you will have to collect moisture there manually.
Why does not the water evaporate?
Sometimes the tray above the compressor moves or cracks. In this case, water drips directly onto the floor. Check the integrity of the plastic container each time you clean it.
Step-by-step algorithm for draining water from the refrigerator compartment
The process of removing moisture from the main compartment usually does not cause difficulties if you act consistently. After the ice on the back wall melts, water will begin to flow into the drainage hole. Your task is to control this flow.
If the hole is free, water will quickly flow into the system. However, if there is a lot of melting, it is recommended to place a flat container directly under the flow or use a rag that should be regularly squeezed into the bucket. Do not allow the groove to overfill.
To speed up the process, you can use a soft rubber bulb. Take water from the groove and pour it into the prepared container. This is especially true for models where the design does not provide for the rapid drainage of a large volume of liquid.
Pay special attention to the corners of the chamber and the space under the drawers for vegetables. Water often stagnates there, which over time turns into a source of unpleasant odor. Wipe these areas thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Once most of the moisture has been removed, wipe all surfaces with clean water and a mild detergent. This will remove any remaining contaminants that may have dissolved in the melt water.
How to get to the drainage hole and clean it
Clogged drainage is one of the most common reasons why water remains inside the chamber. Food particles, bread crumbs, or mucus may form in the hole due to bacterial growth. Cleaning the channel is a mandatory procedure during maintenance.
First, inspect the hole visually. If large debris is visible, try carefully removing it with tweezers. Do not push the dirt deeper, this may aggravate the situation and create a plug in the curved part of the tube.
For deep cleaning, use a special brush or soft wire wrapped in cotton wool. Insert the tool into the hole and make rotational movements. After mechanical cleaning, rinse the channel with warm water from a syringe or syringe.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use hard wire or sharp objects for cleaning, which can pierce the plastic drainage tube. Restoring the tightness of the internal drainage system is extremely difficult.
It is easy to check the result: pour a little water into the groove. If it goes away quickly and with a characteristic gurgle, then the system is free. If the water is standing, repeat the cleaning procedure.
Removing water from the freezer and No Frost zone
With the freezer, things are more complicated. In older models Atlant without an automatic drainage system, water simply flows to the bottom of the chamber. Here you will have to arm yourself with rags and patience, collecting the liquid manually as the ice melts.
In modern models with No Frost water is discharged through an internal channel, which is often hidden behind the rear panel. If you notice a puddle at the bottom of the freezer or in the refrigerator compartment under the drawers, the drainage is frozen or clogged.
The internal channel in the No Frost system sometimes takes time to defrost. Leave the doors open for 10-12 hours. If this does not help, you can try carefully pouring warm (not hot!) water from a syringe into the drainage hole to melt the ice plug.
Some users use a hair dryer to speed up thawing, but this must be done with extreme caution. Direct the warm air stream only at the ice, avoiding contact with plastic parts and seals, which can become deformed due to high temperature.
After the ice has melted, be sure to check the cleanliness of the tray located under the evaporator (often access to it requires removing the back wall of the freezer). Dirty water and dust may accumulate there.
Maintenance of the drain tray and compressor
Few people know, but the water collection tray located above the motor-compressor also requires attention. Over time, scale, mucus and even mold form there, which, when heated, begin to smell unpleasant throughout the kitchen.
To get to it, you need to move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the back metal grill (if there is one) or simply look into the lower part of the rear panel. The tray is usually removable, but in some models it is rigidly fixed.
If the tray is removable, carefully remove it, wash it with warm water and detergent and disinfect it. If it is not removable, wipe it with a damp cloth, being careful not to wet the electrical contacts of the compressor.
Also check the condition of the tube through which water flows into the tray. It should not be moved to the side, otherwise water will drip past the container directly onto the floor or onto the motor.
Common mistakes when draining and defrosting
Inexperienced users often make mistakes that can shorten the life of the equipment. One of the most common is an attempt to speed up defrosting by placing a pan of boiling water inside. A sharp temperature change is dangerous for the plastic case and can lead to cracks.
Another mistake is ignoring the tilt level of the refrigerator. If the unit is not positioned correctly, water may not flow into the drainage hole, but may spread along the bottom of the chamber. After installation, check the position of the device with a level.
The use of aggressive chemicals to clean the drainage is also unacceptable. Chlorine-containing products can corrode plastic or rubber seals, which will lead to depressurization of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Specifications and location of elements may vary depending on the specific model. Always check the official user manual supplied with your device.
Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after draining the water. Let it sit with the doors open for at least 2-3 hours to completely dry and air out. Turning on a wet unit may cause a short circuit.
Preventing the formation of ice jams
To avoid encountering the problem of standing water too often, follow simple operating rules. Do not place hot or warm food in the chamber. Excess steam settles on the walls and turns into ice, which overloads the exhaust system.
Regularly check the integrity of the rubber seals on the doors. If they do not fit tightly, warm, moist air constantly enters the chamber, which leads to increased formation of ice.
Monitor the temperature conditions. Too low a temperature in the refrigerator compartment can cause the water in the drainage channel to freeze before it has a chance to drain.
How to check the seal?
Pinch a piece of paper between the door and the body. If it is pulled out easily without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
Following these recommendations will allow your Atlant refrigerator to work efficiently, and the process of caring for it will become simple and fast.
Is it possible to use a vacuum cleaner for pumping out water?
Using a regular household vacuum cleaner to pump out water is strictly prohibited - this will lead to damage to the device and the risk of electric shock. There are special construction vacuum cleaners for water, but for a home refrigerator it is easier and safer to use a rubber bulb or syringe.
What to do if water flows under the refrigerator?
If water is pouring onto the floor, check whether the drainage tray above the compressor is overfilled, or whether the drainage tube is displaced. The cause may also be a blockage in the channel, due to which water overflows over the edge of the groove inside the chamber. Check the horizontal installation of the device.
How often does Atlant need to be completely defrosted?
Models with manual defrosting require shutdown 1-2 times a year. Refrigerators with a drip system (“crying wall”) need to be defrosted as needed, usually once every 6-8 months, or when a noticeable layer of ice appears. No Frost systems do not need defrosting, but it is recommended to carry out hygienic washing once a year.
What is the best way to wash the inside of the refrigerator?
It is optimal to use a weak solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or special products for household appliances without abrasives. Avoid products with a strong odor, as plastic absorbs aromas well, which will then be transferred to the products.