Refrigerator owners Biryusa often faced with the need for scheduled defrosting, especially when it comes to classic models with a drip defrosting system. At the same time, many users wonder which way the melt water moves and why sometimes it ends up on the kitchen floor and not in a special tank. Understanding the internal architecture of the unit is the key to preventing leaks and extending the life of the compressor.
Structurally, water formed from melted ice on the rear wall is directed by gravity into a channel specially designed for this purpose. This element is hidden from the user's eyes, located behind decorative panels or directly in the camera body. The main task of the system - collect moisture and take it to the evaporator located at the bottom of the device, where it safely evaporates without requiring human intervention.
However, ideal operation of the system is possible only with all its components are in good condition. A clogged, misaligned housing or icing of the drain hole can disrupt this natural process. In this article we will analyze in detail the drainage system, possible causes of malfunctions and how to fix them yourself.
The principle of operation of a drip defrosting system
Refrigerators Biryusaequipped with a drip system (or a “crying wall” system) operate on a cyclic principle. While the compressor is operating, a layer of frost actively grows on the rear inner wall of the main chamber. This occurs due to the condensation of moisture contained in the air on the coldest surface.
When the unit reaches the set temperature, the thermostat opens the circuit and the motor-compressor turns off. At this moment, the temperature of the evaporator begins to rise, and the ice turns into a liquid state. Water flows down the grooves in the lower part of the rear wall directly into the drainage hole. This is where the liquid begins to travel outside the storage chamber.
It is important to note that in models with manual defrosting (where the freezer the chamber also requires defrosting) the principle is similar, but the volumes of water can be much higher. If in the No Frost chamber the system removes condensate constantly in automatic mode, then in classic models Biryusa this process depends on on and off cycles.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that water flows along the front panel or collects in a puddle under the door, this indicates a violation slope of the body or overfilling of the groove due to too much ice.
The route of water movement: from the chamber to the tray
The path of melt water inside the refrigerator Biryusa is an engineered route. After the liquid has passed the threshold of the drainage hole in the chamber, it enters a plastic tube. This channel passes through the heat-insulating layer of the housing, going down to the compressor compartment.
A metal or plastic tray is installed in the lower part, usually above the motor-compressor. Water drips from the tube directly onto the hot surface of the compressor or into a container located next to it. The heat of a running engine promotes the rapid evaporation of moisture into the atmosphere.
The efficiency of evaporation depends on several factors:
- 🔥 The temperature of the compressor surface (the hotter it is, the faster the evaporation).
- 💧 The volume of incoming water (if the tray defrosts too quickly, it may overflow).
- 💨 Air circulation in the niche where the refrigerator is installed.
If the tube is bent or damaged, water may be trapped inside it. In winter, when the refrigerator is in an unheated country house, the moisture in the tube can freeze, creating an ice plug that completely blocks the drainage.
Drainage hole: device and typical blockages
The most vulnerable point of the entire drainage system is the inlet drainage hole. It is located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. Its diameter is small, which makes it susceptible to various types of contaminants.
The most common reason that water does not drain is food particles, crumbs or mucus formed due to the proliferation of bacteria in a warm and humid environment. Also, pieces of polyethylene from food packaging can get into the hole, which, when stuck, act as a filter for smaller debris.
To diagnose the condition of the hole, you do not need to disassemble the entire refrigerator. A visual inspection is sufficient:
- 👀 Check whether light is visible through the hole (you can illuminate it with a flashlight).
- 🧹 Assess for visible ice or dirt build-up on the edges.
- 🌬️ Try gently blowing into the tube (after clearing the entrance) to check permeability.
If the hole is clogged, water begins to overflow over the edge of the groove and flow onto the refrigerator shelves, spoiling the food. Regular hygiene of this area is a prerequisite for uninterrupted operation.
Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the drainage system
If you find that the water does not leave when defrosting the refrigerator Biryusa it is necessary to carry out a cleaning procedure. To do this, you will need a minimum set of tools: a soft syringe with warm water, a thin brush (or a special flexible cable) and a dry rag.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. This is a safety requirement and a necessary condition for defrosting to begin. Leave the doors open for at least 2-3 hours so that the main layer of ice melts.
☑️ Checklist before cleaning
Next follow the algorithm:
- Remove visible debris from the hole with your fingers or tweezers.
- Carefully insert the brush into the channel and make rotational movements, trying not to damage the walls of the tube.
- Fill the syringe with warm (not boiling water!) water and rinse the channel under pressure.
- If the water leaves with a characteristic gurgle and does not linger in the groove - the system free.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use sharp metal objects (knives, knitting needles) to pick at the drainage hole. You can pierce the thin wall of the tube or damage the internal cooling circuit, which will lead to a freon leak and expensive repairs.
Why water pours onto the floor: fault analysis
The situation when water ends up on the kitchen floor during defrosting can be caused not only by a blockage. There are a number of technical and operational reasons characteristic of equipment Biryusa.
One of the common reasons is incorrect installation of the refrigerator. If the unit is tilted backwards or tilted to one side, gravity causes water to flow not into the drain, but over the edge of the groove onto the shelf and then onto the floor. For correct operation, the refrigerator must have a slight tilt back.
Another reason is the displacement or jumping of the drain tube inside the case. This may occur during transportation or due to vibration. It is also impossible to exclude cracks in the evaporator tray itself, located above the compressor. If the tray is rotten or burst, water will drip past it directly onto the floor.
Let's compare the main symptoms and their causes in the table:
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Water in the chamber on the shelves | Clogged drainage hole | Cleaning with a brush and rinsing |
| Puddle under the refrigerator | Displacement of the tube or crack of the tray | Replacing the tray, repairing the tube |
| Water flows across the front panel | Incorrect body angle | Adjusting the support legs |
| Constant flow of water | Thermostat malfunction | Replacing the temperature sensor |
What to do if the tube has come loose inside the case?
If the drainage tube has come off the fitting inside the case, partial disassembly of the rear wall of the refrigerator is often required to put it back in place. In some models Biryusa access is possible by removing the decorative panel at the bottom. However, if you do not have the skills to repair household appliances, it is better to call a specialist so as not to damage the insulation or wiring.
Prevention and care of the water drainage system
To prevent the question “where does the water flow” from becoming a cause of panic, it is important to follow preventive measures. Regular maintenance allows you to avoid the formation of plugs and unpleasant odors that often accompany stagnation of moisture in the drainage.
It is recommended to carry out preventive flushing of the drainage system at least once every six months. To do this, you can use a weak solution of soda or special products for cleaning refrigerators. This will kill bacteria and dissolve fatty deposits.
Also watch the packaging of the products. Do not place open containers of liquid in the chamber and make sure that the bags do not touch the back wall where the evaporator is located. Food contact with the wall may block water from draining before it enters the hole.
Compliance with these simple rules will ensure that your refrigerator Biryusa will work efficiently, and melt water will go exactly where the engineers intended - into the evaporator, bypassing the floor of your kitchens.
Why does the water in the tray above the compressor not evaporate?
If there is a lot of water in the tray, it may not have time to evaporate. This often happens if the refrigerator is in a very humid room or if the compressor operates intermittently (rarely turns on). Also, the reason may be that the gap between the tube and the tray is too large, causing water to splash past.
Is it possible to pour hot water into the drainage to defrost ice?
It is not recommended to use boiling water, since a sharp temperature change can damage the plastic of the groove or tube. It is better to use warm water (40-50 degrees) and let the ice melt naturally or with the help of a hair dryer (at minimum power and from a safe distance).
How often do you need to defrost the Biryusa refrigerator?
For models with a drip system, the optimal defrosting frequency is 2 times a year. However, if the layer of frost on the rear wall exceeds 5-7 mm, defrosting must be carried out immediately, regardless of the timing. A thick layer of ice impairs heat transfer and increases energy consumption.