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Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaks water
Common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaks water
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaks water are a clogged defrost drain, locked compressor or a defective water valve.
30% of the time it's the Defrost Drain
24% of the time it's the Compressor
12% of the time it's the Water Valve
34% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite refrigerator
Defrost Drain Replacement
When the defrost drain is clogged, frost and ice melting from the evaporator fins during the defrost cycle won’t be able to drain away, causing an overflow of water in the drain pan and leading to water leaking underneath the refrigerator. To prevent potential damage to the floor and refrigerator if leaks are noticed, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator to address and rectify the clogged defrost drain promptly.
Compressor Replacement
A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.
Water Valve Replacement
When a water valve is defective, it impacts the proper functioning of the water dispenser and ice maker. If the water valve fails to open, the ice maker won’t receive the water necessary to produce ice, and the dispenser won’t dispense water. Additionally, a defective valve may lead to water leakage, particularly near the water valve assembly. In some instances, a malfunctioning water valve can cause the water dispenser or ice maker to cease working entirely. If the water valve fails to close, water flowing into the ice maker may leak to the evaporator and fan, subsequently freezing into a solid block of ice. This impedes airflow, compromising the proper cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaks water issue
How is the leaks water problem fixed?
Correcting most leaks water problems usually involves replacing the defrost drain, compressor or water valve. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator that leaks water
When the refrigerator leaks water it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator leaks water diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.