Faced with the appearance of water on the kitchen floor or the formation of puddles on the shelves of the refrigerator, many equipment owners Biryusa fall into panic. However, in most cases, the cause is a simple blockage of the condensate drainage system. Understanding where it is drainage hole and how it functions will allow you to quickly fix the problem without calling a technician.
This design element plays a critical role in the operation of the system No Frost or drip defrosting, ensuring the removal of moisture generated during operation of the unit. If the channel becomes clogged with crumbs, ice or dirt, the water simply has nowhere to go, and it begins to accumulate inside the chamber or flow out. In this article we will analyze in detail the drainage device, methods of its cleaning and prevention.
The principle of operation of the moisture removal system
In refrigerators of the brand Biryusa, as in most modern models, an automatic defrosting system is used. During operation of the compressor, frost forms on the rear wall of the chamber. When the unit goes into rest mode, the wall temperature rises and the ice melts into water. It is for the collection and removal of this liquid that a special drainage hole is provided.
Water flows down a groove at the bottom of the rear panel and through a narrow channel enters a special tray located above the compressor. There it safely evaporates under the influence of the heat of a running motor. If this path is blocked, a chain reaction begins: water overflows over the edge of the groove and ends up on the shelves or bottom of the refrigerator.
It is important to understand that the diameter of the outlet channel is extremely small, which makes it vulnerable to blockages. Even a small piece of food packaging or a lump of mucus can become a serious problem. Regular monitoring of the condition of this unit extends the life of the equipment and maintains the hygiene of the internal space.
The exact location of the drainage hole
Finding a drain is the first step to solving the problem. In refrigerators Turk regardless of the model (whether classic two-chamber or more modern versions), the water outlet is always located in refrigerator compartment. You don't need to look for it in the freezer or behind the back wall outside.
Open the main compartment door and carefully inspect the bottom of the back wall. The hole is a small round funnel with a diameter of about 1-1.5 cm. It is located strictly in the center or with a slight offset to one side, directly above the plastic groove that collects the flowing drops.
Sometimes the entrance to the drainage can be hidden by a decorative grille or plastic cover, especially in new series. If you don't see a clear hole, carefully remove the bottom panel or look underneath it. In some modifications, access to it is easier, in others it is necessary to remove the shelves of the lower tier for a better view.
Visually it looks like this:
- 📍 Located on the back wall inside the refrigerator compartment.
- 💧 Located at the lowest point of the chamber, above the groove.
- 🔍 Can be closed with a mesh or a plastic plug with a slot.
If you find ice or accumulation of debris in this place, then you are on the right path to eliminating the leak. This is where the primary plug most often forms, blocking the drain.
Causes of clogging and plug formation
Why does a system designed for the free flow of water stop working? The main reason lies in the human factor and the peculiarities of food storage. Small crumbs of bread, pieces of labels, particles of packaging from semi-finished products - all this inevitably ends up inside the chamber and over time rolls down into the drainage groove.
The second enemy of the system is biological plaque. In a warm and humid environment, bacteria and molds actively multiply inside the canal. They form slippery mucus, which narrows the lumen of the tube and eventually completely blocks it. Such a blockage is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor that spreads throughout the refrigerator.
⚠️ Attention: The formation of an ice plug inside the drain tube often indicates a malfunction of the thermostat or defrost heating element. If the water freezes right in the channel, it means that the defrosting cycle is broken, and the system does not have time to remove the melted liquid before the next cooling cycle.
It is also worth mentioning the deformation of the groove. If you pressed hard on the shelf or placed a heavy pan carelessly, the plastic could crack or shift, changing the angle. In this case, water simply will not flow into the hole, but will overflow.
For clarity, let's look at the main types of blockages in the table:
| Type of blockage | Symptoms | Difficulty of eliminating |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (crumbs, debris) | Water stands in the groove, debris is visible | Low |
| Biological (mold, mucus) | Unpleasant odor, water drains slowly | Medium |
| Ice plug | The hole is frozen, the water does not come out | High (defrost required) |
| Gutter displacement | Water pours past the hole | Medium (adjustment required) |
Tools for cleaning the drainage
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare the right tools. Using unsuitable items may damage the thin walls of the plastic tube, resulting in costly repairs. You don’t need a complex professional tool, just the available tools.
The main tool for mechanical cleaning is a long, flexible, but elastic wire. A special bottle brush or a piece of cable from an old computer mouse/keyboard is ideal for this purpose. The main requirement: the end of the wire must be blunt so as not to pierce the plastic.
You will also need:
- 🚿 A medical bulb (syringe) or a large-volume syringe (20 ml or more) without a needle.
- 🌡️ Warm water (not boiling water so as not to deform the plastic).
- 🧼 Baking soda solution or weak vinegar solution for disinfection.
- 🔦 Flashlight for better illumination of the lower part of the chamber.
Some masters use a thin tube from a dropper system, put on a syringe. This allows water or cleaning agent to be delivered directly deep into the channel, effectively washing away contaminants. Avoid using sharp knives, knitting needles or screwdrivers - the risk of piercing the thermal insulation circuit is too great.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the hole
The process of cleaning the drainage in the refrigerator Biryusa requires accuracy and consistency. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power supply. This is a safety measure that will also allow the ice (if any) to begin to melt naturally.
First, conduct a visual inspection and remove visible debris with your hands or tweezers. If the entrance to the drain is blocked by a crust of ice, let the refrigerator sit defrosted for several hours. Trying to pick off the ice with a knife is strictly prohibited.
Next follow the algorithm:
- Fill a syringe or bulb with warm water with a small amount of soda added.
- Insert the syringe nozzle tightly into the drainage hole.
- Press the piston sharply, but without excessive force, creating a hydraulic shock. This will help push the plug.
- If the water does not come out, use a flexible wire. Insert it into the hole with progressive movements, trying not to scratch the walls.
- Repeat rinsing with water until the liquid begins to flow freely with a characteristic gurgling sound.
It is important to control the process: the water must go into the compressor pan. You can hear it dripping from the back of the refrigerator. If you poured water, and it flowed out onto the floor, it means that the tube has jumped off or cracked, which requires more serious intervention.
☑️ Algorithm for cleaning the drainage
Disinfection and prevention of mold
Mechanical cleaning removes the plug, but does not always remove it