Owners of household appliances are often faced with the need to maintain internal unit systems, especially when moisture or an unpleasant odor appears.
Refrigerators of the brand Indesit are characterized by a drip defrosting system, in which the collection and removal of condensate play a key role in uninterrupted operation.
Understanding where it is located moisture collectorwill allow you to quickly eliminate a puddle on floor or carry out preventive cleaning without calling a specialist.
Design features of the moisture removal system
Refrigerators Indesit are designed to minimize the formation of ice on the back wall of the chamber.
B During the operation of the compressor, condensate forms on the wall, which flows into a special hole and enters the tank through a tube.
This particular tank, or tray, can be located in different places depending on the specific model of your unit.
In most classic models, a collection The evaporator is located directly above the compressor in the lower part of the housing.
The heat from the running motor promotes the natural evaporation of the collected water, so normally the pan should be dry or slightly damp.
If you find an overflow, it means that the balance between the volume of incoming water and the rate of its evaporation is disturbed.
⚠️ Attention: In some models with the system No Frost the tray may be built into the design of the rear box and not have a separate removable large tray.
The drainage system requires periodic monitoring, since clogged drainage channel leads to leaks.
Location tray in models with a rear grille
The most common design option, which can be found in refrigerators Indesit, involves an open arrangement of the evaporator element.
In this case plastic tray fixed directly above the compressor, which is usually hidden by a black metal grille behind.
To access it, you do not need to disassemble the insides of the chamber, just move the unit away from the wall.
Visually, this part is an oblong container of black or gray color, into which a drainage tube is inserted.
The tube can be is fixed rigidly or has a slight backlash, which allows you to direct the flow of water exactly to the center of the container.
Sometimes an additional plastic cover or deflector is installed on top of the tray for uniform heat distribution.
When inspecting the rear panel, pay attention to the integrity of the fasteners, since vibration of the compressor can weaken them over time.
If the tray is displaced, water will drip past, forming a puddle under the equipment.
Hidden location in the bottom panel
Modern series of refrigerators Indesit are often equipped with a decorative plinth at the bottom of the case.
This panel covers the compressor and tray, giving the unit a more aesthetic appearance and protecting the mechanisms from dust.
In this configuration water container is located inside this compartment, and to access it you will need to remove the front panel.
The panel can be secured with latches or screws located at the bottom or on the sides.
Be careful when removing so as not to damage the plastic clips, which over time become fragile.
After removal, you will see the compressor and the tray located above it, where the condensate drains.
Why does the water not evaporate?
Water may not have time to evaporate if the refrigerator is too close to the wall, air circulation is impaired, or the humidity in the room is too high and low temperature.
In models with a hidden tray, it is important to check not only the presence of water, but also the condition of the tray itself for cracks.
Instructions for removing and cleaning the container
Regular cleaning of the tray is necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Procedure removal requires care, since the part can be fastened quite tightly.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply for your safety.
☑️ Cleaning the tray
First remove the protective grille at the back or the decorative panel at the bottom, depending on the model.
Carefully disconnect the drainage tube, if it is not firmly fixed, and remove the pan.
Rinse the container with warm water using a mild detergent, avoiding abrasive sponges.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to remove scale inside the tray, so as not to damage the plastic and break the seal.
After cleaning, thoroughly dry the part and reinstall it, making sure that the drainage tube is in the correct position.
Make sure that the tray is horizontal and does not have distortions, which can lead to water overflowing over the edge.
Diagnostics of malfunctions and overflow
If you notice that the tray is overflowing faster than the water has time to evaporate, this is a signal of a malfunction.
One of the common causes is a clogged drainage hole in the chamber, causing water to pour over the edge of the groove.
Also, the problem may lie in a malfunction of the thermostat, which prevents the compressor from turning off, causing excessive formation of ice and water.
Check the position of the refrigerator: if it is tilted forward, water may flow out of the chamber faster than intended by the design.
The ideal position is a slight tilt back so that the door closes itself and the water flows into the drain.
The table below shows the main symptoms and possible causes of problems with the pan.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Water on the floor in the back | The tray is displaced or the drain is clogged | Adjust the tray, clean the tube |
| Ice in the pan | Evaporator heating element is faulty | Call a technician to replace the heating element |
| Unpleasant odor | Water stagnation and bacteria | Disinfect capacity |
| Cracks in the plastic | Mechanical damage or aging | Replace the pan with a new one |
Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious damage, including corrosion of the metal parts of the compressor.
Prevention and care of the system
For the moisture removal system to work flawlessly, it is enough to follow simple operating rules.
Do not place hot foods in the chamber, as this sharply increases the amount of condensation.
Regularly check the cleanliness of the drainage hole inside the refrigerator compartment using a special brush-brush.
Wipe the back wall of the chamber with a soft cloth so that food debris does not fall into the drain.
Watch the door seal: if it does not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber, causing abundant melting of ice.
Timely defrosting (for models with a drip system) at least once a year will extend the life of the entire unit.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of parts may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the specific modification of the refrigerator Indesit.
Use only mild detergents so that the chemicals do not corrode the plastic of the tray.
When a part needs to be replaced
The plastic from which the tray is made may, over time, lose its elasticity and crack.
If you find chips or cracks through which water flows out, the part must be replaced.
Operating the refrigerator with a damaged tray is unacceptable, as water may get on electrical parts compressor.
You can order an original spare part according to the model of your refrigerator, indicated on the nameplate inside the chamber.
Installing a new part is usually not difficult and takes a few minutes.
The main thing is to correctly direct the drainage tube so that the water gets directly into the center of the container.
If after replacement the problem persists, it is worth checking the operation of the thermostat and the amount of freon in the system.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator without a tray?
Strongly not recommended. Water will drip directly onto the hot compressor, which will cause the formation of steam, metal corrosion and a possible short circuit.
Why does the pan rust?
The original pans are made of heat-resistant plastic and cannot rust. Rust appears on the metal grate under the tray or at the bottom of the case if the water stagnates for a long time due to poor evaporation.
How often should you clean the tray?
It is enough to carry out preventive cleaning once every 6-12 months when the refrigerator is completely defrosted. A visual inspection should be done more often if you notice changes in the operation of the unit.
What to do if the drain tube is not removed from the pan?
Do not use force. Gently heat the junction with a hairdryer or simply cut off the very tip of the tube if it has become too rigid to remove it without damage.