Owners of refrigeration equipment are often faced with a situation where excess moisture appears inside the chamber. If you notice that in the refrigerator Atlant on the back wall drops of water constantly flow, forming puddles at the bottom or flowing down the shelves, this indicates a malfunction of the condensate drainage system. Unlike No Frost systems, where moisture evaporates automatically, in models with drip defrosting, water must drain by gravity through a special hole.
Ignoring this problem can lead to spoilage of food, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and even failure of the compressor due to increased load. Atlant refrigerators famous their reliability, but they also require periodic attention to the condition of the drainage system. Understanding the physical processes occurring inside the chamber will help you quickly localize the malfunction.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of the formation of “tears” on the wall and how to eliminate them with your own hands. You do not have to immediately call a technician, since in most cases the problem is solved by simple cleaning or adjustment.
The principle of operation of the drip defrosting system
To understand why the problem occurs, you need to understand the design of the unit. Drip system (or a crying evaporator) works cyclically. While the compressor is operating, frost forms on the back wall of the chamber - this moisture from the air freezes on the cold evaporator. When the compressor is turned off, the wall temperature rises and the ice melts, turning into water.
In normal mode, this water flows through a groove into a drainage hole located at the bottom of the rear panel, and through a tube enters a container above the compressor, where it safely evaporates. If this well-functioning mechanism fails, the water does not have time to leave and begins to accumulate on the shelves or flow onto the floor.
The key element here is the temperature difference. If the cycle is broken, for example, the compressor runs too long or too often, the back wall does not have time to completely thaw, or, conversely, the water does not have time to evaporate. In models Atlant this process is controlled by a thermostat, and its incorrect operation is one of the common causes of abundant condensation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the short-term appearance of drops immediately after defrosting with a constant leak. In the first couple of hours after switching on, water on the wall is normal.
Clogged drainage hole: the most common cause
The most likely reason why drops of water constantly flow down in the refrigerator Atlant on the back wall is a banal blockage of the drainage channel. During operation, pieces of food, crumbs, mold or simply mucus may get into the hole, which clogs the narrow passage. The water stops flowing and overflows over the edge of the groove.
To eliminate this malfunction, complex tools are not required. You will need a small syringe with warm water, soft wire (you can use insulated flexible wire) or a brush. First, try to carefully clean the inlet hole, being careful not to push dirt deeper into the tube.
Then fill the syringe with warm water and rinse the channel under pressure. If the water flows freely, then the problem is solved. In difficult cases, when the blockage is deep, you may need to remove the back panel inside the chamber to gain access to the junction of the groove and the tube.
☑️ Algorithm for clearing the drain
After the procedure, be sure to wipe the back wall dry and monitor the behavior of the unit during days. If water begins to collect again, the tube may be pinched or damaged.
Failure of the door seal and seal operation
The second most common cause of excess moisture is the ingress of warm air from the outside. If sealing rubber band the door is worn out, cracked or simply dirty, it no longer fits tightly to the body. Warm air, saturated with vapor, continuously enters the chamber, settles on the cold wall and turns into water.
You can check the tightness in a simple way: clamp a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper falls out or is removed without resistance, it means there is not a tight seal in that area. Also inspect the rubber itself for cracks, creases and stickiness.
If the seal is simply dirty, just wash it with warm soapy water and wipe dry. If it becomes deformed, you can try to straighten it by heating it with a hairdryer (be careful not to overheat!). If the rubber has lost its elasticity or is torn, it will be required replacement of the seal, since gluing in this case will not give a long-term effect.
⚠️ Attention: Frequently leaving the door ajar or overloading the shelves, which prevents tight closure, also leads to the formation of ice and subsequent leaks.
Incorrect installation of products and poor circulation
Often users themselves create conditions for condensation to form by incorrectly positioning products. If shelves or food containers are pressed tightly against the back wall, the circulation of cold air is disrupted. As a result, the wall temperature in the contact zone becomes higher, ice does not form where it is needed, or, conversely, melts too actively, not having time to go into the drainage.
In addition, you cannot put hot or even just warm dishes in the refrigerator. The evaporation of moisture from a pot of soup creates a huge volume of steam, which instantly condenses on the walls. The drainage system of the Atlant refrigerator is simply not designed for such volumes of water in a short time.
Keep a minimum gap between the food and the back panel (at least 2-3 cm). This will ensure free movement of air flow and uniform cooling. Also make sure that the products do not block the ventilation holes (if your model has them).
Why can’t you put it hot?
Putting a hot product not only creates a flood, but also makes the compressor work harder, trying to reduce the temperature in the entire chamber, which leads to increased energy consumption and a shortened service life of the unit.
Incorrect operation of the thermostat and temperature conditions
If in the refrigerator Atlant on the back wall drops of water constantly flow down, and the drainage is clean and the door is closed tightly, you should pay attention to the settings and serviceability of the thermostat. If the set temperature is too low, the compressor runs almost non-stop. The back wall freezes strongly, becoming covered with a thick crust of ice.
During the short stop of the compressor, this ice does not have time to completely melt. The water flows down in a stream, but some of the moisture freezes again, forming snowdrifts that gradually block the outflow. The cycle is broken and water begins to pour into the chamber.
It is recommended to set the thermostat to the middle position (usually number 3 or 4 on the scale). If after adjustment the situation does not change within a day, it is possible that the temperature sensor itself or the temperature sensor has failed, and it does not give the command to turn off the compressor on time. The thermostat The optimal temperature in the main chamber of the refrigerator is +2...+4°C. Lower values lead to excessive freezing. thermostat or temperature sensor, and it does not give the command to turn off the compressor in time.
Diagnosis table of causes and methods of elimination
For the convenience of systematizing problems, we have compiled a table that will help you quickly determine the source of the malfunction. Pay attention to the nature of the symptoms.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Solution method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water is in the groove at the hole | Clogged drainage channel | Cleaning with a brush or water | Low |
| Ice crust on the entire wall | Thermostat malfunction | Replacing the thermostat | Medium |
| Water flows along the bottom of the door | Seal failure | Washing or replacing the seal | Medium |
| Abundant condensation after cooking | Inserting hot foods | Compliance with operating rules | Low |
| Water drips rarely, puddles no | High humidity in the room | Ventilation of the kitchen | Low |
When the help of a professional technician is required
Despite the fact that many problems can be solved independently, there are situations when without intervention a specialist is indispensable. If you have checked the drainage, seal and settings, but in the refrigerator Atlant on the back wall drops of water constantly flow and turn into ice, the problem may lie in a refrigerant leak.
When there is a freon leak, the compressor tries to compensate for the lack of cold and works continuously. This results in deep freezing of the evaporator. It is impossible to independently find the location of the leak and refill the system without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges, scales).
Also, the help of a specialist is needed if the compressor fails control module (in electronic models) or the compressor needs to be replaced. Attempts to repair complex components without qualifications can lead to final breakdown of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator and call a specialist.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator with faulty drainage?
Technically it is possible, but this will lead to constant dampness, the growth of bacteria, food spoilage and possible failure of electronics due to humidity.
Preventive measures for long service life of equipment
What is the problem of a “crying” refrigerator has not returned, it is important to follow simple rules of prevention. Regularly, at least once every six months, check the cleanliness of the drainage hole. Even if there is no obvious blockage, preventive rinsing with warm water will not hurt.
Keep the rubber seals clean. Grease and sticky stains destroy the rubber structure over time. Wipe them with a soft sponge and neutral detergent. Also, do not forget to periodically defrost the refrigerator completely (even if you have a drip system) to remove ice from hard-to-reach places.
Proper operation is the key to avoiding problems. Do not store food in open containers, allow food to cool before placing on the shelf, and do not overload the chambers. These simple steps will significantly extend the life of your Atlanta.
Why does the water in the refrigerator freeze and not drain away?
This happens if the temperature in the chamber is too low, or the drainage hole is partially clogged with ice. The water does not have time to drain and freezes right at the entrance to the channel, forming an ice plug.
Is it possible to use hot water to clean the drain?
You cannot use boiling water - it can deform the plastic tubes. The water should be warm (about 50-60 degrees), this is enough to dissolve the fat plug and melt the ice.
How often do you need to defrost the Atlant refrigerator with a drip system?
Despite the automatic defrosting of the evaporator, it is recommended to completely defrost the entire refrigerator (with disconnection from the network) 1-2 times a year for hygienic treatment and removal of ice from hidden cavities.
What to do if, after cleaning the drainage, the water still stands?
The drainage tube may be kinked or displaced. You will need access to the back of the refrigerator (from the outside) to check the integrity and position of the outlet pipe at the compressor.