How to clean a refrigerator drain

A refrigerator with a drip defrosting system (crying wall) is equipped with a drainage hole through which melt water flows through a tube into a special reservoir. Along with it, crumbs, food and packaging residues, etc. can get into the drain. As a result, the drain is blocked, water accumulates in the lower part under the drawers, and an unpleasant odor may appear.

Cleaning is carried out in the following ways:

• De-energize the equipment and remove the boxes. If there is no ice around the hole, use a cotton swab or other suitable item (often supplied with the kit). After wiping with a syringe with warm, but not hot water, rinse the tube. If the water drains freely, the procedure is completed. Otherwise, you will have to completely defrost the refrigerator, since there is a possibility that the drainage tube will freeze.
• We completely defrost the equipment. We repeat the procedure of the first method and additionally carefully clean the channel using a piece of thin wire. This can be done from both ends of the drainage hose.

Instructions for cleaning the drain tube in devices with the No Frost system

If the refrigerator is equipped with a No frost system, then there is a small brush in the drain hole. As it is used, it, along with the drain, becomes clogged with dirt, preventing the normal flow of condensate. In addition, microorganisms can multiply in the hose, which violates sanitary standards for the use of refrigeration equipment.

Cleaning is done with the brush itself, after which it is pulled out and washed. For a better effect, you can dismantle the entire hose running along the back wall into a special drain tray and clean it. For these purposes, wire will again be useful. After all the work, the hose and brush are returned to their place.

Materials and devices to help quickly clean the drain hole

Special devices designed specifically for these purposes - brushes and brushes - will help speed up the cleaning process. These can be purchased from a refrigeration supply store or plumbing department. Available means in the form of cotton swabs, a piece of soft wire up to half a meter long, or a knitting needle are also suitable.

To flush the hose, you can use a syringe or a large-volume syringe. It is easy to blow out the drainage with a regular bicycle pump. The main thing is not to forget to wipe all surfaces of the refrigerator dry with a cloth after all procedures.

What to do to clean the drain hole less often

Cleaning the drain hole must be carried out for preventive purposes. However, the number of cleanings can be reduced by following basic rules for operating refrigeration equipment.

Firstly, carry out regular washing of internal surfaces, which will avoid the accumulation of small debris. Secondly, do not forget to return the device that covers the drainage hole. Third, try not to touch it with packaging material or products.

The use of special chemicals to kill bacteria

When flushing the drainage, it is useful to use a solution of soap and soda, which can be collected in a syringe and pushed through the hose. Disinfectants must also be used. Chlorine-containing preparations are suitable, however, the downside will be a strong smell. A good option is Dezavid, which can be pumped into the tube using the same large-volume syringe, after first capping the opposite end.

After some time, the product is drained and the system is washed with warm water. It is possible to use hydrogen peroxide 3%.

Reference! In addition to aggressive cleaning chemicals, peroxide will successfully remove microorganisms from various surfaces, including plastic elements of the refrigerator.

Reasons to call a specialist

If cleaning the drainage does not bring results, then there may be a more serious breakdown. If you notice that in addition to the accumulation of water, the compressor is running almost constantly, the freezer is covered with a thick layer of ice, the food is not cooled well, then there are several possible reasons: the seal on the door has deteriorated, the temperature sensor has broken, the evaporator heater has failed, etc.

Important! All of the specified refrigerator components require replacement, so the best option would be to call a technician to your home, who will determine the exact cause and carry out repair work.