If you have a manual defrost refrigerator and are experiencing a puddle of water under it instead of the water draining into the tray as intended, there could be a few possible reasons for this:
Clogged or blocked drain tube: The defrost water from the freezer compartment is typically drained through a small tube located at the back of the refrigerator. If this drain tube becomes clogged or blocked by debris, ice, or other substances, the water won't be able to flow properly and may end up collecting under the refrigerator. Cleaning or unclogging the drain tube should resolve the issue.
Misaligned or damaged drain tray: The drain tray or pan under the freezer compartment may be misaligned or damaged, preventing the water from collecting properly. Inspect the drain tray to ensure it is in the correct position and not cracked or broken. If needed, realign or replace the drain tray.
Excessive frost or ice buildup: During the manual defrosting process, if there is excessive frost or ice buildup in the freezer compartment, it can cause the defrost water to overflow or not drain properly into the tray. Ensure that you are performing the defrosting process correctly and thoroughly removing any accumulated ice or frost.
Incorrect placement of food items: If food items or containers are blocking the drainage path in the freezer compartment, it can obstruct the flow of defrost water into the drain tray. Ensure that food items are not placed directly over or in front of the drain opening.
If you've checked these potential issues and the problem persists, it may be best to reach out to Panasonic customer support or consult a professional appliance technician for further assistance. They will be able to provide specific troubleshooting guidance based on your refrigerator model and help resolve the issue.