Modern users often get used to No Frost systems and forget that the classic models of the Belarusian brand Atlant require periodic manual maintenance. Owners of such units regularly face the need to completely turn off the power to remove the ice crust on the evaporator. The main issue at this moment is organizing the collection of melt liquid so as not to turn the kitchen into a swimming pool.
Depending on the specific model and year of manufacture, the design of moisture removal can vary significantly. In some cases, water is collected in a special tray, in others it evaporates naturally, and in others it requires the installation of an external container. Understanding the structure of your model refrigerator will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises and damage to the floor covering.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to remove condensate and melt water in units of the brand Atlant. You will learn how to properly prepare the equipment for the procedure, where to put the liquid in different modifications and what to do if the standard system fails.
The principle of operation of the moisture removal system
The physics of the defrosting process is simple: heated air turns ice growths on the back wall into water. Gravity causes this liquid to flow down the inner surface of the chamber. The design of the refrigerator provides a special gutter or channel that directs the flow to a specific collection point.
In most models Atlant with a drip defrosting system, water flows into a small hole located in the lower part of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. The liquid then enters the drainage tube. It is the condition of this tube and the presence of an external receiver that determines whether the water will end up on the floor or in a special tray.
It is important to understand that in two-chamber models, the refrigerator and freezer compartments often have independent drainage systems. Water from the freezer can drain into a separate pan under the compressor, where it safely evaporates from the heat of the running engine. However, when defrosting manually, the volume of water may exceed the evaporation capacity.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to speed up the thawing of ice by scraping it with a knife or other sharp objects. This can lead to breakdown evaporator and release of freon, which will require expensive repairs.
The system can operate in two main modes: closed (the water evaporates itself) and open (collection in a container is required). The type of system you have depends on whether you have a removable plastic tray included or a built-in container under the compressor compartment.
Why doesn't water always go away on its own?
In older models or with a very thick layer of ice, the volume of melt water may be too large for rapid evaporation. In addition, if the drainage hole is clogged with crumbs or mold, water will begin to overflow over the edge of the gutter directly onto the refrigerator shelf.
Models with a drip defrosting system
The most common type of refrigerators Atlant are units with a so-called “crying” back wall. In such devices, moisture condenses on the back panel, freezes, and when the compressor stops, it thaws and flows down. Normally, this water enters the tray above the compressor.
With complete manual defrosting, the volume of water significantly exceeds ordinary condensate. In models that have a removable plastic tray (often it is inserted into a niche above the engine at the back or lies in the package with documents), the water should drain there. The tray has sufficient capacity to collect the main volume of liquid.
If the design does not provide a removable tank, the water flows into a metal pan welded to the frame above the compressor. Under normal conditions it evaporates. But when defrosting a large amount of ice, this tray may overflow, and water will begin to drip onto the floor through the ventilation holes.
- 🧊 Removable tray: designed to collect water, requires periodic emptying during defrosting.
- 💧 Evaporation pan: a metal container where water goes into the air cannot cope with large volumes when defrosting.
- 🚿 Drainage channel: the tube connecting the inner chamber and the outer pan is often clogged with debris.
Owners of models without a removable tray are advised to prepare in advance alternative methods of collecting water, since the standard pan can cannot withstand the load. This is especially true for older models, where the metal could be corroded.
Where is the drain hole located and how is it designed
The key element of the entire system is the drainage inlet. In refrigerators Atlant it is located in the lower part of the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment, often hidden behind a decorative panel or located in the recess of the gutter.
The diameter of this hole is usually about 1-2 centimeters. Inside there is a curved tube that prevents cold air from escaping, but allows water to pass through. It is through this node that the main communication between the internal volume and the outside world occurs during defrosting.
Often users do not see the water flowing out because the tube goes deep into the body. To understand where the water flows in your case, you can conduct a simple experiment: pour half a glass of water into the gutter at the back wall and see if it appears at the bottom of the refrigerator.
| System element | Location | Function | Risk blockage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gutter | Bottom of the rear wall inside | Collecting drops from the wall | Low |
| Inlet | Center gutters | Direction of water into the tube | High (crumbs, mold) |
| Drainage tube | Inside the housing, behind the wall | Transport of water to tray | Medium (ice, fat) |
| Receiving tray | Rear, above the compressor | Temporary storage/evaporation | Absent (only overflow) |
Regular checking of this unit allows you to avoid a situation where water pours over the edge of the gutter directly onto the shelves with products. For cleaning, it is enough to use a special brush-brush, which is often included, or a soft wire.
What to do if there is no standard tray or it is small
The situation when the standard container is overfilled or missing is the most common problem. The water, which does not have time to evaporate, begins to drip onto the floor. In this case, it is necessary to organize forced collection of liquid.
The most effective method is to use a hose. You will need a soft tube (for example, from a medical IV or a special hose for cleaning), one end of which is carefully inserted into the drainage hole inside the chamber.
Sequence of actions:1. Empty the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
2. Insert the end of the hose into the drain hole.
3. Lower the second end of the hose into a bucket or basin on the floor.
4. Make sure that the hose is not pinched and the water flows by gravity.
If you don’t have a hose at hand, you can use the “dry” defrosting method with frequent wiping. However, this is labor intensive. Another option is to install a wide, flat basin under the back of the refrigerator, but this only works if the water flows out rather than staying in.
⚠️ Attention: When using a hose, be careful not to damage the internal drainage elements. Do not push it with force, if you encounter resistance - it is better to clean the hole with a brush.
☑️ Preparing to collect water
Solving the problem of clogged drainage
Often the water does not go into the pan or out, but sits in a gutter inside the refrigerator. This is a sure sign that drainage hole clogged. The cause may be food crumbs, mold or ice plug.
To remove the ice plug, you can carefully pour warm (not boiling water!) water from a syringe or syringe into the hole. This will melt the ice inside the tube, and the water will noisily flow into the pan. If the blockage is mechanical, mechanical cleaning will be required.
Use a special brush, a cotton swab with cut lint or a soft wire with a bent end. Carefully insert the tool into the hole using a rotating motion to create a hole. After cleaning, be sure to flush the system with water to check.
- 🧼 Disinfection: after cleaning, it is useful to drop a little soda solution into the hole to kill bacteria and mold.
- 🌡️ Temperature conditions: use only warm water, hot water can deform plastic elements.
- 🔍 Visual control: look into the hole with a flashlight to assess the degree of contamination.
Regular prevention of blockages prolongs the life of the refrigerator. It is recommended to check the cleanliness of the drain every 3-4 months, even if there are no visible problems with the water yet.
Features of defrosting two-chamber models
In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant the process is complicated by the presence of a freezer. In models with manual defrosting of the freezer, water from it often flows into a common tray or is discharged through a separate channel.
If you defrost both chambers at the same time, the volume of water will be huge. The standard pan above the compressor is guaranteed to overflow. In such cases, it is strongly recommended to defrost the compartments in turn: first the refrigerator, then the freezer.
Water from the freezer may flow more slowly due to narrow channels. It is important to ensure that the flow is not blocked by pieces of ice that have broken off during melting. Sometimes you have to carefully (with a gloved hand) help large pieces of ice move towards the drain.
Some models Atlant have a design where water from the freezer does not come out at all and must be collected manually with sponges. Carefully read the instructions for your specific modification so as not to expect water to appear where it should not be.
Prevention and care of the system drainage
To prevent the question “where does the water go” from becoming a problem, it is necessary to regularly maintain the system. Cleanliness inside the refrigerator compartment is the key to proper drainage. Do not store food without packaging so that crumbs do not fall into the gutter.
Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out preventive flushing of the drainage tube. To do this, you can use a soft brush and warm water. This will only take 5 minutes, but will save you from a flood the next time you defrost.
It is also worth checking the position of the refrigerator. If it stands with a strong tilt back, water may not flow into the drain hole, but pour out through the threshold of the chamber onto the floor. Adjusting the legs will help correct the angle.
Remember that proper operation reduces the load on the compressor and keeps food fresh longer. The water drainage system is a simple but critically important unit that requires minimal but regular attention from the owner.
Is it possible to use a hair dryer to speed up the drainage of water?
You can use a hair dryer, but with great caution. Direct the warm air stream only at the ice, avoiding contact with plastic parts and seals, which can become deformed due to high temperature. Do not use the “hot air” mode constantly, it is better to alternate with cooling.
Why does the water in the pan smell?
An unpleasant odor indicates the growth of bacteria and mold in stagnant water or a dirty drainage channel. It is necessary to rinse the tray with a disinfectant solution and clean the tube with a brush with the addition of soda or a special product.
What to do if water flows along the outer wall of the refrigerator?
This may indicate damage to the internal drain tube or displacement of the refrigerator. Check to see if the tube has moved away from the receiving hole inside. If everything is visually intact, there may be a crack in the gutter body - then repair or sealing will be required.
How often does Atlant need to be defrosted?
The recommended frequency of complete defrosting for models with a drip system is 1-2 times a year, or when the thickness of the ice on the back wall exceeds 5-7 mm. More frequent defrosting is not required and may be a waste of time.