Household appliance owners Technicians often wonder where the moisture that forms on the back wall of the refrigerator goes. Modern models of the brand Atlant are equipped with a No Frost system or a “crying” evaporator, which effectively removes liquid without user intervention. Understanding how this mechanism works helps prevent puddles from appearing on the floor and extend the life of the unit.
The water that you see in the form of drops on the back panel flows into a special chute located at the bottom of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. From there it enters the drainage system, which removes the condensate beyond the visible zone. If this process is disrupted, moisture begins to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator or flow out, which signals the need for cleaning.
The main task of drainage is to drain melt water into a special tray located above the compressor at the bottom of the unit. There, under the influence of heat from the operation of the engine, the liquid safely evaporates into the atmosphere. The system is completely autonomous and does not require draining the water manually, as in old Soviet models.
The principle of operation of the moisture removal system
In refrigerators Atlant with a drip defrosting system, the process occurs cyclically. Periodically, the compressor turns off and the frost on the back wall begins to melt. The resulting water flows down the gutter, which is located directly above the vegetable shelf. It is important here that the drainage hole always remains free.
If you are wondering where the water goes from the Atlant two-chamber refrigerator, then the answer is simple: it passes through the drainage hole, goes down a plastic tube along the back wall of the case and enters the evaporation tank. This container is fixed directly above the motor-compressor. The heat from the running engine causes the water to evaporate, so there is no need to add or pour it out.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the water does not go away, but sits in the gutter, this is the first sign of a blockage. Do not try to pierce the hole with sharp metal objects to avoid damaging the tube.
In models with the system No Frost moisture is removed forcibly. The fan drives air through the evaporator, where it is dried and the condensate drains into the pan. Here, the drainage tube also goes into the container above the compressor, but the drainage process itself is faster and more invisible to the user.
Design of the drainage system in Atlant models
Structurally, drainage in technology Atlant is a funnel-shaped hole in the lower part of the back of the refrigeration chamber. The diameter of this hole is usually about 10-15 millimeters. It is through it that the main volume of melt water leaves the internal space.
Next, the liquid enters a flexible or rigid polymer tube. The design may differ in different series of refrigerators: in some models the tube is removable, in others it is built into the body. The main requirement for this element is tightness and the absence of kinks that could impede the flow of liquid.
Below is a table with the main elements of the drainage system and their functions:
| System element | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Collection gutter | Bottom of the rear wall | Collection of condensate at one point |
| Drainage hole | Center of the gutter | Login to the system outlet |
| Outlet pipe | Behind the rear panel | Downward transport of water |
| Evaporation tank | Above the compressor | Evaporation moisture |
Particular attention should be paid evaporation container. It is made of plastic or metal and does not have a drain hole. All water that gets there must evaporate completely. If the container overflows, it means that either the refrigerator’s operating cycle is broken, or the humidity in the room is too high.
Why the water does not drain: the main causes of blockages
The most common reason why water stops draining is a banal blockage. Crumbs from food, pieces of packaging or lumps of dirt often get into the drainage hole, which over time form a dense plug. Fatty deposits also contributes to the adhesion of debris.
The second reason may be freezing of the drainage tube. If the refrigerator is running on high or the thermostat is set too low, the water in the tube may freeze, forming an ice block. In this case, water will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment.
- 🧊 Formation of an ice plug inside the channel due to frequent defrosting.
- 🥦 Small particles of food (lettuce leaves, bread crumbs) getting into the gutter.
- 🏗️ Displacement refrigerator, due to which the angle of inclination is broken and the water does not flow by gravity.
- 🐜 Infestation of the drainage system with insects or mold (rare, but possible).
It is also worth checking the installation level of the unit. If the refrigerator Atlant is not level and is piled back, there will be nowhere for water to drain. It will remain in the gutter and overflow onto the shelves.
Instructions for clearing the drainage hole
To remove the blockage, you do not need a complex tool. It is enough to prepare a small container with warm water, a syringe (bulb) or a syringe without a needle, as well as a soft brush or a long flexible wire with a curved end. Before starting work, be sure unplug the refrigerator from the power supply.
First, visually inspect the drainage hole. If debris is visible, carefully remove it with tweezers or your fingers. Then fill a syringe or bulb with hot (but not boiling water) water and inject it into the hole under pressure. This will help soften fatty deposits and push through the plug.
☑️ Algorithm for cleaning the drainage
If the water stands and does not go away, you can use a special wire for cleaning. Insert it carefully, without sudden movements, so as not to pierce the wall of the tube. After cleaning, flush the channel with water again. If the water leaves quickly and with gurgling, then the problem is solved.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knitting needles, knives) for cleaning, as there is a high risk of damaging the plastic tube located behind the back wall. Repairs in this case will be expensive.
Features of cleaning the No Frost system
In refrigerators Atlant with the No Frost system, the drainage system is hidden deeper. The drain hole may be behind the back panel inside the chamber where access is restricted. Often, complete cleaning requires partial disassembly of the internal lining.
However, many models provide technological access. If you find water under the vegetable drawers, try carefully removing the decorative panel (if the design allows) and find the drainage channel. Cleaning is done in the same way: with warm water and a brush.
In difficult cases, when water freezes in a hidden drainage, it may be necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator. Leave the unit turned off for 12-24 hours with the doors open. The ice in the tubes will melt and the water will come out.
What to do if cleaning does not help?
If after thorough rinsing the water still stands, the tube may be kinked or displaced. In this case, you will need to move the refrigerator and check the integrity of the drain hose from the back.
Prevention and care of the refrigerator
To prevent the question “where does the water flow” from arising regularly, follow simple operating rules. Do not place open containers with liquid without lids in the refrigerator - this increases humidity and load on the drainage system. Also ensure the integrity of the door seals.
Regularly, at least once every six months, check the condition of the drainage hole. Wipe the gutter with a damp cloth to remove any deposits. This will take a couple of minutes, but will save you from troubles in the form of a puddle in the kitchen.
- 🧼 Wipe the back wall and gutter with each general cleaning.
- 🌡️ Do not set the temperature lower than that recommended by the manufacturer.
- 🚪 Close the door tightly after use.
- 📦 Do not fill the refrigerator to capacity with food, disrupting air circulation.
Compliance with these recommendations will ensure stable operation of the Atlant refrigerator for many years. Proper care of the drainage system is the key to a dry floor and fresh food. refrigerator Atlant for many years. Proper care of the drainage system is the key to dry floors and fresh food.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does water flow along the back wall and not into hole?
This can happen if the hole is clogged, or if food is too close to the back wall, blocking the drain. Also, the cause may be incorrect installation of the refrigerator (tilting forward).
Is it possible to use a cable to clean the drainage?
It is not recommended to use a hard metal cable, as it can damage the thin walls of the plastic tube. It is better to use a special soft brush or flexible wire with a limiter.
Where does the water go if I go on vacation?
Water will continue to evaporate from the tray above the compressor in normal mode while the refrigerator is connected to the network. If you turn off the refrigerator, it is better to remove the water from the tray manually before leaving.
How to understand that the drain tube has burst?
If you notice water not only inside, but also behind the refrigerator, on the floor behind it, and the hole inside is clean, the seal of the drain tube behind the rear panel may be broken.