Where does water flow in a Stinol refrigerator during defrosting: drainage device and typical problems

Have you noticed a puddle under the refrigerator Stinol after defrosting and are wondering where the melt water should go? Or the perhaps drain stopped working, and there is no clear explanation in the instructions? In this article we will analyze in detail how the condensate drainage system works in models Stinol (including popular series STN 165, STN 175, STN 190), why water can accumulate in unintended places and what to do about it.

Drain design in refrigerators with drip defrosting system (which is what most models use Stinol) seems simple only at first glance. In fact, there are nuances here: from the location of the drainage hole to the features of the evaporator. We will not limit ourselves to general phrases like “water flows into the pan” - but we will show exact diagram of the water path, point out the “weak points” of the system and give practical advice on eliminating blockages or leaks.

Important: if your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost (for example, models Stinol NF 330 or STN 200 NF), the moisture removal mechanism will be different - we will also talk about this in a separate section. And first, let's look at the classic drip system, which is the most common.

How melt water is drained in Stinol refrigerators with drip defrosting

In models Stinol with a drip system (for example, STN 167, STN 185) water formed when frost thaws on the back wall of the fridge compartment, flows down through special channels. Here is the step-by-step path of condensate:

1. Formation of droplets on the evaporator (rear wall of the chamber). While the compressor is operating, the evaporator temperature drops below 0°C, moisture from the air condenses and freezes.
2. Thaw when the compressor stops. The ice melts and water flows down the back wall.
3. Entering the drainage hole - a small round or slot-like hole in the bottom of the back wall (usually in the center or left).
4. Passage through a drainage tube - plastic or rubber tube with a diameter of 5–8 mm, which leads to a pan for collecting condensate.
5. Evaporation from the pan. The pan is located above the compressor, and the heat from its operation accelerates the evaporation of water.

The key element of the system is drainage hole. In models Stinol it is often covered with a small plastic cap or mesh to prevent debris from entering. However, even this protection does not always save you from blockages, especially if the refrigerator has not been cleaned for a long time.

Where is the water pan located and how does it work

The pan (or condensate collector) in refrigerators Stinol is located in bottom of the rear wall, directly above the compressor. Its tasks:

• 💧 Collection of melt water from a drainage tube.
• ☀️ Evaporation of liquid due to heat from the compressor (the temperature of the pan can reach 40–50°C).
• 🚫 Protection against overflow —if the system is working correctly, water should not accumulate in the pan for more than 1-2 days.

Externally, the pan looks like a plastic container of black or gray color, sometimes with a ribbed surface to increase the area evaporation. In some models (for example Stinol STN 195it may be hidden under a decorative panel - to get to it you will need to unscrew several screws.

Important! If the pan is overfilled or damaged, water begins to drip onto the floor. This is one of the most common causes of puddles under the refrigerator. Also, the problem may lie in wrong angle of inclination the refrigerator - if it is not level, the water does not flow into the pan, but pours out.

Why water does not go into the pan: 5 main reasons

If after defrosting water accumulates inside the refrigerator compartment, flows down the front wall or forms a puddle under the refrigerator, the problem lies in one of the following nodes:

In Stinol models with electronic control (for example, STN 200 E), clogged drainage may cause error E1 or E2 on the display. In this case, after cleaning, you need to reset the error - to do this, press the “Super” and “Fridge” buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.

How to clean the drainage hole in a Stinol refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

If there is water at the bottom of the refrigerator, first check the drainage hole. In models Stinol it is located in the center of the back wall, under a plastic cap. For cleaning you will need:

• 🧻 Cotton swabs or toothpicks.
• 🧴 Syringe (20 ml) or rubber bulb.
• 💦 Warm water with soda (1 tablespoon per glass).
• 🔧 Tweezers (if there is debris stuck in the hole).

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains

Remove all food from the bottom of the refrigerator compartment

Remove the plastic cap from the drainage hole

Clean the hole with a cotton swab or wire

Rinse the drainage with warm water from a syringe

Check whether the water goes into the pan (place a napkin)

Put the cap in place and turn on the refrigerator-->

If the blockage is serious and water does not go away even after washing, perhaps the debris has accumulated deeper - in the drainage tube. In this case:

1. Move the refrigerator away from the wall and find the outlet of the drainage tube at the back (usually at the bottom right).
2. Remove the tube from the mount and rinse under running water. If the blockage is severe, use a wire with a diameter of 2–3 mm.
3. Check whether the tube is damaged. If there are cracks, replace it.

⚠️ Attention! Do not use sharp metal objects (needles, knives) for cleaning - they can damage the plastic tube. Also, do not pour boiling water into the drainage: this may deform the parts.

Features of draining water in Stinol refrigerators with No Frost

In models with a system No Frost (for example, Stinol NF 330, STN 200 NF) the condensate drainage mechanism is different. There is no visible drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment, since defrosting occurs automatically due to air circulation and fan operation. However, water still forms - it flows down the back wall of the freezer into a special evaporation panlocated behind the rear panel.

Main differences of the system No Frost:

• 🌀 Moisture is removed not only from the refrigerator, but and from the freezer.
• 🔄 The drain tube is usually hidden behind a plastic panel and comes out into the same tray as in drip models.
• ❄️ If the fan or evaporator heater malfunctions, ice may form and block the drain.

If water appears in the refrigerator Stinol No Frost check:

1. Is the fan running (you should hear it when the door is open).
2. Is there ice on the back wall of the freezer (if there is, defrosting is required for 12-24 hours).
3. Is the drain tube damaged (in models No Frost it often runs inside the case).

⚠️ Attention! In refrigerators Stinol No Frost you cannot clean the drainage with sharp objects - this can damage the evaporator or fan. If clogged, it is better to use warm water through a syringe.

What to do if water flows from under the Stinol refrigerator

A puddle under the refrigerator is a signal that the drainage system has failed. Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn off the refrigerator unplug and wipe off the water.
2. Check the pan:
   • If it is full, the problem is in the drainage tube or incorrect tilt.
   • If the pan dry - the tube is displaced or cracked

Inspect the drainage hole in the refrigerator compartment. If it is clogged, clean it (see instructions above).

Check the door seal. Worn rubber allows warm air to pass through, causing excess condensation to form.

Make sure that the refrigerator is level.. Use a level - the front part should be 1-2 cm higher than the back.

If after all the manipulations the water continues to flow, more serious malfunctions are possible:

• 🔧 Crack in evaporator (in this case the part needs to be replaced).
• ❄️ Malfunction of the defrosting system (for models No Frost).
• 💔 Damage to the drain tube inside the housing (disassembly required).

Prevention of blockages and proper care of the drainage system

To avoid problems with water drainage, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Wash the refrigerator compartment at least once every 2-3 months. Use a soda solution (2 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) - this will prevent the formation of mold in the drainage.
• 🍎 Store food in closed containersOpen liquids (soups, sauces) increase humidity and load on the system. plum.
• 🔄 Defrost the refrigerator even if it is cold No Frost. Once every 6-12 months is enough for prevention.
• 📏 Keep an eye on the level. legs, if the refrigerator is not level.

For models Stinol with a drip system, it is especially important to prevent the formation of ice more than 5 mm thick. If frost accumulates faster than it thaws, check:

• 🔌 Door closing tightness (the seal may be in the way or the hinges are skewed).
• 🌡️ Temperature in the chamber (optimally +4...+5°C for the refrigerator compartment).
• 🔄 Frequency of compressor operation (if it turns on too often, this may indicate a leak freon).

What happens if you ignore the drainage blockage?

If you do not clean the drainage hole, bacteria and mold multiply in it over time, which leads to an unpleasant odor in the refrigerator. In addition, stagnant water can cause corrosion of metal parts. (for example, the evaporator) or a short circuit if it leaks into electrical components.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about draining water in Stinol refrigerators

Can you use vinegar or citric acid to clean the drain?

Yes, but with caution Dilute 1 tbsp. spoon of vinegar (or 1 teaspoon of citric acid) in a glass of warm water and rinse the drainage hole with a syringe. However, do not leave the solution for a long time - the acid can damage the plastic. After rinsing, be sure to rinse the system with clean water.

Why does the water still not go out after cleaning the drain?

Probable reasons:

1. The blockage is deeper than it seemed (for example, in the drain tube inside the case).
2. The tube is pinched or displaced during assembly.
3. The tray is cracked or overfilled.
4. The angle of the refrigerator is incorrect.

Try to rinse the tube under pressure (for example, using a bicycle pump connected to a hose). If this does not help, contact service.

How often should you clean the drainage hole in the Stinol refrigerator?

Recommended frequency - once every 3-6 months, even if there are no visible problems. If the refrigerator is used intensively (for example, in a large family) or stores a lot of liquid products (soups, milk, sauces), cleaning should be done more often - once every 2 months.

Is it possible to replace the drain tube yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but this requires partial disassembling the refrigerator. In models Stinol the tube is attached to the back wall and tray. To replace:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and remove all shelves.
2. Remove the back panel (you will need to unscrew the screws).
3. Disconnect the old one. tube from the drainage hole and pan.
4. Install a new tube (you can buy a universal one or an original one according to the model code).

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this to a specialist. The cost of replacing a tube in the service usually does not exceed 1,500–2,000 rubles.

Why not? In the Stinol No Frost refrigerator, ice forms on the back wall of the freezer?

In systems No Frost ice on the evaporator of the freezer may appear due to:

• Malfunction defrost heater (it turns on several times a day to melt frost).
• Failures defrost timer (does not give a command to turn on the heater).
• Exit building fan (air circulation is disrupted).
• Clogged drainage channel freezer chamber (water does not drain, freezes and forms ice).

For diagnostics, you will need to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours. If ice forms again, call a technician.