The tray in the refrigerator Indesit is not just a plastic part, but a key element of the condensate drainage system. Over time, it becomes clogged with dust, mold and food residues, which leads to an unpleasant odor, leaks or even breakdown of the compressor. But how to get it out without breaking the fasteners? Many users are faced with a problem: the pan is either “stuck” to the body, or it is blocked by internal structural elements.
In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for models with a drip system and No Frostas well as tips on cleaning and installing the tray back. We took into account the nuances of popular series Indesit —from BIAA 13 to DF 5200—so that you can cope with the task without calling a specialist. And if your refrigerator “does not give in,” at the end of the article there is a section with typical problems and their solutions.
⚠️ Important: If your refrigerator Indesit was produced before 2010, the design of the tray may differ. In older models, it is sometimes secured with latches, which break when removed inaccurately. Check for the presence of metal brackets under the rear wall - they need to be bent with a screwdriver before removing the pallet.
1. Preparation: what to do before removing the tray
Before you reach under the refrigerator, make sure that you have not missed important parts. Improper preparation can lead to kitchen flooding or damage to the compressor. Here is a checklist of required actions:
Unplug the refrigerator from the outlet (pull out the plug, don't just turn it off with the button)
Free the lower shelves - they can interfere with the tilt of the equipment
Prepare a basin or towels in case of residual water in the pan
Wear gloves (in the tray often accumulates mold and bacteria)-->
If your Indesit equipped with a system No Frostbefore removing the tray be sure to defrost the freezer compartment. In models with a drip system (for example Indesit BI 16), it is enough to turn off the power for 1-2 hours - this time is enough for the condensation to flow into the tray.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tilt the refrigerator forward without first defrosting it! In systems No Frost there may be ice left in the drainage tube, which, when tilted, will block the drain and lead to water leaking onto the floor.
2. Where is the tray located in the Indesit refrigerator?
In 90% of models Indesit the tray is located at the back in the lower part of the casedirectly above the compressor. It is a flat plastic container of white or gray color, sometimes with stiffening ribs. In refrigerators with drip system the tray is visible immediately after removing the rear protective panel. In models No Frost it can be hidden under a decorative cover.
To accurately determine the location, look at the back wall of your Indesit:
- 🔍 Drip system: The tray is located under the evaporator (thin metal plate at the top of the back wall). Water flows through the tube directly into it.
- ❄️ No Frost: The tray is hidden behind a plastic panel with ventilation holes. Often it is integrated into a single unit with the compressor.
- 🔧 Old models (before 2012): The tray can be secured with screws or metal clamps. It is visible only after completely removing the back cover.
If you are not sure about the type of system, look at the technical data sheet Indesit or find the model on the sticker inside the refrigerator compartment (usually on the side wall). The model code begins with the letters:
BI —drip system, DF or TN — No Frost.
Drip (manual defrosting)
No Frost (automatic)
I don’t know, haven’t checked
Other type-->
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the pallet
The removal process depends on the design of your model. Below is a universal algorithm that is suitable for most refrigerators Indesit last 10 years. If your appliances are older, pay attention to section about older models.
For models with a drip system (BIAA, BIA, etc.)
Unplug the refrigerator and pull it out from the wall 50–60 cm for free access to the back panel.
Remove the lower decorative grille (if any) - it is secured with latches. Pry it off from the side with a flat-head screwdriver.
Unscrew the 2-4 screws holding the rear protective panel (usually located in the corners). In some models, the panel is held on by plastic clips - you need to carefully snap them off.
Under the panel you will see a tray - a white plastic tray with a tube coming from the evaporator. Do not pull it immediately! First, disconnect the drainage tube (it is simply removed from the pipe).
Gently pull the tray towards you, slightly rocking it from side to side. If it does not give in, check whether the fastening ribs are in the way (see photo below).
For No Frost models (DF, TN, etc.)
Defrost the refrigerator (at least 12 hours). In systems No Frost ice may accumulate in the drain tube.
Remove the back panel (it can be one piece or consist of two parts). In models Indesit DF 5200 the panel is secured with 6 screws.
Under the panel you will see a fan and an evaporator. The pan is located below, next to the compressor. It can be fastened with 1-2 screws.
Unscrew the screws (if any) and carefully slide the tray to the left or right - it is fixed with grooves. On some models, you must first remove the mounting bracket.
Disconnect the drain tube (it may be soldered - do not pull by force!). In No Frost the tube often bypasses the compressor.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit with No Frost and electronic control (for example, TN 3302), the tray can be part of a single module with a fan. Do not try to pull it out - just clean the accessible surface with a damp sponge.
4. Typical problems and how to avoid them
Even when carefully removing the pallet, users encounter difficulties. We have collected the most common of them and ways to solve them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The tray cannot be pulled out, all screws are unscrewed | Hidden latches or guides | Pull the pan up at an angle of 15–20° or move it to the left/right |
| The drainage tube broke during removal | Dry plastic or sudden movement | Replace the tube with silicone of the same diameter (sold in hardware stores) |
| After installing the pan, water flows past | The tube is not completely pushed onto the pipe | Check the connection and secure the tube with a clamp |
| The pan is cracked when removing | Fragile plastic in older models | Replace with a new one (the article number is indicated on the pallet itself) or use a sealant for temporary repair |
If you encounter a problem leakage after installing the pancheck:
- 💧 Is the drainage tube inserted correctly (it should extend into the pipe at least 1 cm).
- 🔧 Are there any distortions in the pallet - it should lie flat, without gaps.
- ❄️ Is ice clogged in the tube (relevant for No Frost).
What to do if the pallet is not on sale?
If the original pallet is for your model Indesit discontinued, you can:
1. Select a universal analogue in size (measure the old pallet).
2. Use a plastic food container of a suitable size, securing it with double-sided tape.
3. to the service center Indesit - sometimes they still have spare parts for old models.
5. Cleaning the tray: how and with what to wash
Removing the tray is half the battle. Now it needs to be properly cleaned to eliminate the smell and prevent the growth of bacteria. Never use abrasive detergents or metal sponges - they will damage the plastic. and will make the tray unsuitable for further use.
Recommended cleaning algorithm:
Rinse the tray under running water, removing visible dirt.
Soak it in a warm solution of soda (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) for 30–40 minutes.
To remove mold, use hydrogen peroxide. (3%). air or wipe with paper towels. or vinegar solution (1:1 with water)Apply for 10 minutes, then rinse.
Suitable for disinfection chlorhexidine or specialized products for refrigerators (for example, Top House).
Air dry the tray or wipe with paper towels. Do not install a wet tray - this will lead to corrosion of the metal parts underneath.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use products with chlorine (for example, "White") to clean the tray. and also leave a persistent chemical smell inside the refrigerator. Indesit products with chlorine (for example, "Whiteness"). They can react with the plastic and cause it to break down, as well as leave a lingering chemical odor inside the refrigerator.
6. Reinstalling the tray: nuances
It would seem that what could go wrong during reinstallation? In practice, users often encounter the fact that after assembly the refrigerator begins to leak or make unusual sounds. To avoid this, follow the proven procedure. diagram:
Make sure that the drainage tube is completely dry is inside. If there is water left in it, when you turn on the refrigerator, it may freeze and block the drain.
Check the integrity of the sealing rubber (if it is is) on the edges of the tray. If damaged, replace it with a new one.
Install the tray, aligning the grooves with the guides. In models No Frost it should “click” when fixed correctly.
Connect the drainage tube to the pipe In some refrigerators. data-i="188">(for example, Indesit (For example, BI 18) the tube is fixed with a plastic clamp - do not forget to snap it.
Make sure that the pan does not touch the compressor or fan (the No Frostgap should be at least 5 mm.
After installation, turn on the refrigerator and observe it for 2-3 hours. If after 30 minutes of operation you hear gurgling sounds, this is normal; this is how the ice in the drainage system thaws. But if water drips onto the floor, immediately turn off the equipment and check:
- 🔧 The tube is connected correctly.
- 💦 Level tray - it must be strictly horizontal.
- ❄️ Presence of ice in the tube (relevant for No Frost).
7. Features of old Indesit models (before 2012)
Refrigerators Indesit, released before 2012, often have unique design solutions that complicate access to the tray:
- 🔨 Metal brackets: In models Indesit C 132 And C 138 the tray is not attached to plastic latches, but to metal brackets that need to be bent with a screwdriver.
- 🔩 Screws with a non-standard head: There are “star” or “trefoil” screws. If you do not have such a tool, use it. a smaller flathead screwdriver, but proceed with caution.
- 🧊 No drain tube: In some older models, condensation flows directly into the pan through a gutter. When removing the pan, be prepared for a lot of water.
- 📏 Non-standard sizes: Trays for refrigerators before 2010 are often not interchangeable even within the same series. Always check the article number.
If yours Indesit refers to “dinosaurs” (for example, Indesit BG 16), before disassembling, take a photograph of the original position of all parts. In older models, the drainage system may be connected to the thermostat, and incorrect assembly will lead to malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Indesit made in the 90s (for example, Indesit S 101), the tray sometimes performs the function counterweight for the compressor. After removing it, the equipment may begin to vibrate. In this case, the pallet must be replaced with one of a similar weight.
8. When is it better to call a specialist
Not all problems with the pallet can be solved yourself. Indesitif:
- 🔧 The pan is cracked and you can’t find a replacement.
- 💦 After cleaning, the refrigerator continues to leak and the pan is constantly overflowing.
- ❄️ An ice plug has formed in the drain tube that cannot be removed manually.
- 🔌 When removing the pan, you damaged the electrical contacts of the compressor or fan.
- 🛠️ Your model Indesit is equipped with an electronic control unit, and after disassembly an error appeared on the panel (for example,
F05orE1).
The cost of a technician visiting to clean or replace the pan in 2026 ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the region. If the problem is related to the drainage system, the price can rise to 4,000–5,000 rubles (for example, when replacing a tube or cleaning it). evaporator).
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator Indesit is under warranty, do not try to remove the tray yourself! This will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center - cleaning the drainage system is included in the list of free work under warranty.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about trays in Indesit refrigerators
❓ How often do you need to clean the tray?
Recommended frequency - 1 time in 6 months. However, if open liquids (soups, milk) are often stored in the refrigerator or it is kept in a room with high humidity, cleaning should be done every 3 months. Signs that the tray requires urgent cleaning:
- 🤢 The appearance of an unpleasant odor from the refrigerator. refrigerator.
- 💦 Puddles under the refrigerator.
- 🍄 Visible mold on the back wall.
❓ Is it possible to operate the refrigerator without a tray?
Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Without a pan, condensate will flow directly onto the compressor, which will lead to:
- 🔥 Short circuit (water + electricity).
- 🛠️ Corrosion of metal parts.
- 🐀 The appearance of insects or rodents under the refrigerator.
If the tray is broken, use a temporary replacement made of food-grade plastic until you find the original part.
❓ Why does a lot of water accumulate in the tray?
There may be reasons several:
- 🔍 Clogged drain tube —clean it with a wire or rinse with warm water.
- ❄️ Faulty thermostat —the refrigerator works without stopping, and more condensation forms than usual.
- 🚪 Problems with the door seal —warm air penetrates inside, increasing humidity.
- 🧊 Ice in the tube (for No Frost) - defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours.
❓ Which side should the tray be installed?
In most models Indesit the tray has asymmetrical shape -one side is higher than the other. Install it so that:
- 🔽 The slope was towards the drain tube (usually this is the back edge).
- 🔧 The hole for the tube was located on the compressor side.
- 📏 The protrusions on the pan coincided with the grooves on the body.
If If in doubt, look at the water mark inside the tray - it will tell you the correct position.
❓ Is it possible to wash the tray in the dishwasher?
No, it is! High temperature and aggressive detergents will damage the plastic, making it fragile in the dishwasher. the tray may become deformed, and then it will not fit into place. Wash only by hand using soft agents. strictly prohibited! High temperatures and aggressive detergents will damage the plastic, making it brittle. In addition, the dishwasher can cause the tray to become deformed and will not fit into place. Wash only by hand using mild detergents.