The pallet of the dishwasher where is located - this question arises immediately after the appearance of a puddle on the floor or the activation of the leak protection system AquaStop. In most of the designs, whether Bosch, Electrolux or CandyThe pallet is a plastic container located at the very bottom of the device body, hidden under a decorative base. It is there that water flows in case of violation of the tightness of internal hoses, seals or when the tank is overflowing, launching an emergency mode of operation.
Understanding the exact location of this element is critical to the initial diagnosis and elimination of leakage. If you find water under the technique, you must immediately shut off the supply of liquid and turn off the power supply, after which you can proceed to inspect the lower part of the unit. Water in the pallet is a malfunction signal, ignoring which can lead to failure of electronics or pumps. Next, we will analyze in detail the design features of the bottom in various types of dishwashers.
Design features of the location of the bottom
In the classic design of the dishwasher, the pallet is an integral part of the base on which all the main nodes are attached. It is located below the level of the washing chamber and occupies the entire area of the bottom of the case, performing the function of a collection of emergency drains. In modern models with a system of full protection from leaks, a sensor float is installed in this compartment. AquaSensor or a mechanical switch that responds to a rise in fluid levels.
Depending on the brand and series, access to this area can be arranged in different ways. Some manufacturers, such as Siemens or NeffThe pallet is often made as a single unit with the bottom tray for baskets, but is functionally separated. For example, in some models, Indesit or HotpointThis is a separate removable bath made of polystyrene. It is important to understand that tightness This node is rarely broken, most often water gets there due to problems with the upper components.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to operate a dishwasher if there is water in the pallet and a leak indicator is on. This can lead to short circuit wiring laid along the bottom of the housing.
To visualize the location of the elements inside the housing, consider the following table, which indicates the main nodes located in close proximity to the pallet:
| Component | Positioning relative to the pallet | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Circulation pump | Fastening from the bottom or side of the pallet | Water supply to the sprayers |
| Leak sensor | Swimming in the water at the bottom of the pallet | Fixing the emergency fluid level |
| Drain hose | Passes through the pallet compartment | Diversion of dirty water to the sewer |
| TEH (heater) | Often integrated into the bottom or fixed from below | Heating water for washing |
Symptoms of water entering the lower compartment
Determine that the water got into the pallet, you can by a number of characteristic signs that appear even before the appearance of visible puddles on the kitchen floor. The first and most reliable indicator is the behavior of the technique itself: the machine can suddenly stop in the middle of the cycle, and the corresponding error code will light up on the control panel or the salt / rinse indicator will start flashing. Models. Bosch and Siemens Often a beam on the floor or a symbol flashes E15, E24.
Another sign is the continuous operation of the drainage pump. If you hear the characteristic pump buzzing even when the machine is turned off or in standby mode, this is a sure signal that the pump is not in a good position. defense He is trying to drain the water that has fallen into the pallet. The mechanism operates in a cyclic mode: it turns on for a minute, pauses and starts again, trying to lower the fluid level to a safe one.
You should also pay attention to the smell. The water stagnant in the pallet, mixed with the residues of detergent and food particles, begins to emit an unpleasant musty aroma that can spread through the kitchen. If you smell dampness or sewage coming from the bottom of the PMM case, this is an occasion to conduct an audit.
Instructions for access to the bottom space
To reach the pallet and assess the situation, you need to remove the bottom decorative panel, which is often called the socket. In most embedded models, this bar is attached to the door or directly to the body of the machine using latches or screws. To begin with, open the door of the dishwasher and inspect the ends: there may be fasteners that need to be twisted out with a screwdriver.
If there are no screws, the panel is held on plastic latches. Carefully pull the upper edge of the cap on yourself, trying not to make excessive efforts so as not to break the fixtures. In some models Electrolux and Zanussi You may need to first remove the upper cover of the body, unscrewing the two bolts from behind, and then move the entire casing back, gaining access to the sidewalls and bottom.
☑️ Cap removal procedure
After dismantling the panel, you will have a view of the technical compartment. Here you will see a thermal insulation material (often felt or foam) that can be wet. Isolation. It must be bent or removed to gain direct visual access to the plastic bottom-pall. This is where the water level and possible leakage sites will be seen.
Typical causes of leaks in the pallet
Having figured out where the tray of the dishwasher is and having reached it, it is important to understand the source of the problem. The most common cause is a violation of the tightness of the compounds. Rubber seals lose elasticity and crack over time, and the clamps on the hoses weaken from constant vibration during pumping and operation.
The second common cause is excess foam. Using inappropriate detergents (such as hand wash gels) or too much rinse leads to the formation of abundant foam, which overflows over the edge of the washing chamber and falls directly into the pallet. In this case, sensor It works falsely, counting foam for water.
⚠️ Note: If cracks are found on the plastic pallet itself (which is rare, usually due to mechanical impact or aging of plastic), simply replacing seals will not help - you will need to replace the entire bottom of the body or the machine as a whole.
Also, water can get inside through a faulty water intake valve or due to a clog in the drain system, when the water does not have time to leave and overflows through the throughpass valve. Often the problem lies in the hatch cuff: if it is contaminated or damaged, water will drain down the outside of the door directly into the lower compartment.
Water elimination methods and primary diagnosis
If your goal is simply to remove the water so that the machine can work again (for example, to wash dishes), you can use the method of dry start. To do this, you need to completely de-energize the device by pulling the plug from the socket. Then put old towels or rags on the floor at the machine installation site and gently tilt the dishwasher body forward (about 45 degrees).
The water in the pallet will flow out. After the liquid stops leaking, return the car to the vertical position, wipe the floor and turn on the equipment. If the leak was a one-time (for example, due to a pressure jump), the machine should work in normal mode. However, if water reappears after a few cycles, a deeper diagnosis will be required.
How to check the integrity of hoses
To check the hoses, visually examine them along the entire length. Look for microcracks, bloating, or traces of salt plaque that indicate the sites of previous leaks. Pay special attention to the places of connection with the pump and valve.
For accurate diagnosis, use a flashlight and a dry napkin. Swipe a napkin through all connections inside the pallet. If there are traces of moisture on the napkin, and the hoses are dry - the problem may be in the door seal or overflow of the tank. If you see drops hanging from a particular compound, then the tightness is broken there.
Prevention and care of the lower part of the PMM
Regular maintenance of the bottom of the dishwasher allows you to extend its service life and avoid expensive repairs. Once every six months it is recommended to remove the cap and check the condition. heat-insulation and hoses. Even a small amount of moisture at the bottom of the pallet left over from a microscopic leak can lead to corrosion of metal elements or mold.
It is important to monitor the cleanliness of the filters and spray nozzles. Clogs lead to increased pressure inside the system, which increases the risk of leaks through seals. Also, do not overload the car with detergents, as this is a direct way to foaming and water entering the emergency compartment.
Expert advice: When installing a new dishwasher, make sure it is strictly horizontal. The skewed body can disrupt the circulation of water and lead to its overflow over the edge of the tank into the pallet.
Timely replacement of worn seals and clamps is much cheaper than repairing burned electronics or replacing burned-out heat. If you notice the slightest signs of a malfunction, it is best to eliminate them early until the water has reached critical nodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a dishwasher if there is water in the pallet?
No, exploitation is impossible and dangerous. The machine will go into protection mode (emergency drain) and will not start the wash cycle. There is also a risk of short circuit.
Why does the car work after tilting, but after a week it is still water?
That means you have removed the consequence, but not the cause. Somewhere the leak is stored (hose, seal, valve) or condensate / foam is formed. The source of water supply must be sought and eliminated.
How do you know if the pallet itself has rotted?
Plastic rots very rarely. Most often it cracks from old age or mechanical stress. If through cracks on the plastic are visible during visual inspection, repair is possible only by replacing the part or using special water-resistant sealants (as a temporary solution).
How much water can fit in a pallet?
Volume depends on the model, but it is usually between 0.5 and 1.5 liters. The sensor is triggered at a very low level, often a few tablespoons are enough to activate the protection. AquaStop.
Main conclusion: The pallet is at the very bottom of the case under the decorative panel. The presence of water there is a malfunction signal that requires finding the source of the leak, not just pumping out the liquid.