Finding the location of the pallet in Stinol refrigerators often becomes a task with which equipment owners encounter when doing routine cleaning or trying to eliminate an unpleasant odor. Many users mistakenly believe that this is a removable part inside the cameras, but structurally evaporation tank usually hidden from view. Understanding the structure of your model Stinol is the first step to proper maintenance of the unit without the risk of damaging important components.
In most cases, especially in models with drip system defrosting, condensation flows down the back wall and falls into a special chute, from where it flows into the tube. It is this tube that leads to a plastic container fixed above the compressor. Heat of a running engine promotes rapid evaporation of moisture, so regular manual pumping of water is extremely rarely required. However, it is necessary to know where this unit is located in case of clogged drainage or mechanical damage.
It is important to immediately note that the design may differ depending on the year of manufacture and series refrigerator. In some older models, access to the container may be limited by decorative panels, while in new series it is open. If you notice water on the floor under the refrigeratorthis often indicates that the pan is overfilled or the drain tube has been displaced, which requires immediate intervention.
Design features of the water drainage system
The condensate drainage system in technology Stinol is designed with minimal user participation in mind. The basic principle of operation is the gravitational flow of water. When refrigerator compartment hones, the drops collect in the gutter and go into the drainage hole. Next, through a silicone or plastic tube, the liquid flows by gravity into a tray located in the lower part of the case.
The location of the tray is directly related to compressor. Since heat is required to effectively evaporate moisture, engineers placed a container directly above the motor-compressor. This solution allows you to recycle water naturally, without requiring the installation of additional heating elements, which saves energy. In models with No Frost the system may be different, since there moisture is removed through a heater in the evaporator, but even there there may be an emergency pan.
The material for manufacturing is heat-resistant plastic that can withstand heat from a running engine. Despite the strength, during long-term use or mechanical impact (for example, during careless transportation) cracksmay appear on the plastic. Also, over time, plastic can become brittle, especially if the refrigerator has been in overload mode for a long time.
Exact location: where to look for the tray
To find the tray, you do not need to disassemble the whole Stinol refrigerator. In 90% of cases it is located in the lower rear part of the unit. For visual detection, just move the equipment away from the wall and look into the niche where the compressor is located. You will see a black or gray plastic container into which a thin tube fits.
In some modifications, access to this area may be closed with a decorative cover or grille that protects the engine compartment. If you don't see the tray right away, carefully inspect the perimeter of the rear wall from below. Removing the protective panel usually requires unscrewing several screws, but often in models Stinol it is held in place by latches.
There is a misconception that the tray can be located inside the refrigerator compartment. This is wrong. Inside the chambers there can only be shelves, drawers and, in some cases, removable grooves for collecting moisture (in older models), but the main one is always located in the technical area. Confusion arises because users look for the “water tray” inside without finding it there. evaporator always placed in the technical area. The confusion comes from users searching for the "water tray" inside without finding it there.
⚠️ Attention: Before looking into the engine compartment, be sure to unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet. Working with electrical appliances near water and open live parts requires compliance with safety regulations.
For clarity, let's consider where the elements of the drainage system can be located in different types of construction:
| Type of refrigerator | Position of the tray | Accessibility | Service frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single compressor | Above the compressor at the back | Open or under the grille | Once every 1-2 years (cleaning) |
| Two-compressor | Common or two separate | Often covered with a casing | As the smell appears |
| No Frost (full) | Near the heating element evaporator | Requires disassembly of the wall | Rarely (only if clogged) |
| Small-capacity | Integrated into the body | Difficult access | Almost not required |
Instructions for removing and cleaning the container
If you find that the tray is full or emits an unpleasant odor, it must be removed and washed. The procedure does not require any special tools, other than perhaps a flathead screwdriver to remove the latches. First, make sure that refrigerator is defrosted and unplugged for at least 30 minutes.
Carefully remove the protective grille or engine compartment cover. The pallet in models Stinol often is simply inserted into grooves or secured to guides. Do not jerk it sharply to avoid damaging the suitable drainage tube. If the tube is not firmly secured, it may jump out of the hole in the tray if moved carelessly.
☑️ Preparing to clean the tray
Rinse the container with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive powders or hard brushes, which may scratch the plastic. The scratches will subsequently multiply bacteriacause odor. After washing, dry the pan thoroughly before reinstalling it.
⚠️ Attention: Never pour water directly onto the compressor or electrical contacts when washing the pan. Moisture that gets onto the terminals can cause a short circuit when the device is turned on.
Installation is performed in the reverse order. Make sure the drain tube fits snugly into the pan hole. If the gap is too large, water will drip past, forming a puddle on the floor. To seal, you can use a small piece of silicone sealant, but usually correct positioning is sufficient.
Typical problems and methods for eliminating them
One of the most common problems is clogging of the drain tube. If the hole is clogged with crumbs or mold, the water does not have time to go into the pan and overflows over the edge of the gutter inside the chamber. As a result, moisture flows down the front of the refrigerator onto the floor. This problem can be solved using a brush or soft wire.
The second common problem is displacement drain tube. Over time, the vibration of a running compressor can move the tube, and it will no longer fit into the pan hole. Water will start to drip directly onto the compressor or onto the floor. To fix it, you just need to correct the tube, returning it to its original position.
What to do if the pan is cracked?
If you find a crack in a plastic pan, do not rush to buy a new one. Small cracks can be repaired with epoxy glue or special repair plastic. However, if the crack is large or there are many of them, it is better to order an original spare part, since refrigerant vapors and heating can destroy a low-quality patch.
The third option is formation scale or mold inside the pallet itself. This happens if the water does not have time to completely evaporate (for example, when the humidity in the room is high or the doors are rarely opened). In this case, not just wiping is required, but disinfection. You can use a solution of chlorhexidine or a weak solution of vinegar.
If you notice that the pan is constantly full, although the refrigerator is operating normally, check that the doors are closed tightly. The entry of large amounts of warm air increases the volume of condensation, which the evaporation system may not be able to cope with. It is also worth checking seal for damage.
Replacement of the pallet: when necessary
Replacement of the pallet in Stinol refrigerator is rarely required, but there are situations when repair is impossible. Plastic degrades over time, especially when exposed to temperature changes and heat from the compressor. If you see that the material has begun to crumble or cracked in several places, it is better to replace the part.
You can purchase original spare parts at service centers or specialized stores. When ordering, it is important to know the exact model of your unit, since the geometry of the pallets for different series Stinol may differ. There are no universal solutions here, since the holes for the tube and mounting grooves are located individually.
The replacement process is similar to cleaning: remove the old one, install the new one. The main thing is not to confuse the orientation. The pallet has a certain shape, and it is usually impossible to insert it “back to front”, but there is no need to apply any force. It should fit into place easily and without gaps.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of parts may vary slightly depending on the specific modification of the refrigerator. Always check the technical documentation of your model before ordering spare parts.
Prevention and care of the drainage system
For the water drainage system to work flawlessly, it is enough to follow simple operating rules. Wipe the interior walls regularly refrigerator compartmentto remove any dirt that may get into the drainage hole. Do not place food close to the back wall so as not to block the water flow.
Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out preventive cleaning of the drainage channel. To do this, you can use a special soft brush or a cotton swab dipped in a disinfectant solution. This will prevent the formation of slimy plaque, which is the main cause clogging.
Also monitor the temperature. Too low a temperature can lead to the formation of an ice plug in the channel, even if the system is drip. The optimal temperature in the main chamber is from +2 to +5 degrees Celsius. Compliance with this regime will extend the life of not only the drainage system, but also the compressor. Proper care guarantees its long service life. The pan is a small but important detail that, if ignored, can lead to big problems such as a flood in the kitchen or a broken engine. Regular visual inspection of the engine compartment will help identify problems at an early stage. compressor.
Proper care with a Stinol refrigerator guarantees its long service life. The pan is a small but important detail that, if ignored, can lead to big problems such as a flood in the kitchen or a broken engine. Regular visual inspections of the engine compartment will help identify problems early.
Is it possible to wash the tray without removing it from the refrigerator?
Theoretically, you can try to scoop out the water and wipe accessible areas with a rag, but complete cleaning and It is impossible to disinfect the walls in this way. In addition, you risk flooding electrical parts with water. It is better to spend 10 minutes removing the part to be sure of the result.
Why is the tray full even though the refrigerator is new?
This can happen if you have just defrosted the refrigerator after purchase or a long period of inactivity. In this case, the volume of water exceeds the calculated one. Also, the reason may be high humidity in the room or frequent opening of doors, which causes more condensation to form than it has time to evaporate.
How to replace the tray if the original cannot be found?
As a temporary solution, you can use any flat container of a suitable size made of heat-resistant plastic or metal, placing it under the tube. However, this is unsightly and may be unsafe. It is better to look for universal models or contact a specialist who can adapt a similar part.
Does the tray make sounds when the refrigerator is operating?
The tray itself does not make sounds. However, if it is loose, it can vibrate along with the compressor, creating a rattling noise. Also, a "gurgling" or "hissing" sound sometimes comes from the sump area, but this is normal - it is the refrigerant boiling or water evaporating. If the sound is loud and annoying, check the fastening.