Kenmore Refrigerator: leaking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing water pooling under or around your Kenmore refrigerator? This issue can occur during normal operation, particularly after defrost cycles or when using the ice/water dispenser. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective resolution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Air trapped in water dispenser lines can cause dripping; purging about 1 gallon of water through dispenser can help fix minor dispenser leaks.

Possible Causes

Clogged or Frozen Defrost Drain

How to Identify: Water pooling inside fridge or freezer floor; slow drainage from defrost cycle; possible ice or debris visible at drain opening.

Part: Defrost drain/drain tube

Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan

How to Identify: Water under fridge cabinet; visible cracks or misalignment when inspecting the pan beneath the unit; pan full of water.

Part: Drain pan

Faulty Water Supply Line or Connections

How to Identify: Water near back of fridge; dampness along water line; visible drips at connection points.

Part: Water supply line/fittings

Damaged Door Gasket Leading to Condensation

How to Identify: Warm air entering fridge; visible gaps, cracks, or tears in gasket; excess condensation inside.

Part: Door seal/gasket

Clogged or Damaged Water Filter Housing or Head

How to Identify: Leaks around filter area, especially after changing filter; cracked housing visible.

Part: Water filter housing/head

DIY Solutions

Clean the Defrost Drain

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, pipe cleaner or turkey baster
  1. Unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Locate the defrost drain inside freezer or back wall of fridge.
  3. Use warm water and a pipe cleaner or turkey baster to flush out debris/ice.
  4. Ensure free flow down the drain.
  5. Plug refrigerator back in and monitor for leaks.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working inside fridge.

Inspect and Replace Cracked Drain Pan

Moderate 30-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, replacement drain pan
  1. Unplug fridge and pull it away from wall.
  2. Locate drain pan beneath the unit.
  3. Inspect pan for cracks or misalignment.
  4. Replace with new pan and ensure seated correctly.
  5. Push fridge back and restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure stable fridge placement when sliding it out.

Check and Tighten Water Supply Line

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench
  1. Shut off water supply.
  2. Unplug fridge.
  3. Inspect water line from wall to fridge for cracks and drips.
  4. Tighten loose connections with wrench.
  5. Turn water back on and check for leaks.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water before adjusting.

Inspect and Clean/Replace Door Gasket

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: mild detergent, cloth, replacement gasket
  1. Unplug fridge.
  2. Inspect gasket for cracks or gaps.
  3. Clean gasket with mild detergent.
  4. Replace gasket if damaged following manufacturer instructions.
  5. Restore power.
⚠️ Safety First: Be gentle when removing old gasket.

Professional Repairs

Replace Faulty Water Supply/Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair Internal Water Filter Housing or Head

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Leak persists after clearing drain and checking DIY fixes
Water continues leaking from supply line after tightening or replacing hose
Signs of internal component failure such as valve or filter housing cracks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean defrost drain: Clogs leading to leaks
    Frequency: every 3-6 months
  • Replace water filter: Filter-related leaks and ensures proper flow
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator leaking?
Common causes include a clogged defrost drain, cracked drain pan, or faulty water supply connections.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator leaking myself?
You can clean the defrost drain, inspect the drain pan, or check the water supply line for leaks.
How much does it cost to fix leaking?
Professional repairs can cost between $30 to $150 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for leaking?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if leaks persist, it’s best to contact a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain line (3 mentions)
  • Broken water line or leaky valve assembly (1 mentions)
  • Cracked connectors (2 mentions)
  • Broken seal (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clear the drain line and prevent freezing with copper wire

    Success rate: 11.0%

  2. Replace cracked elbow connector

    Success rate: 11.0%

  3. Thaw the freezer and clean the drain line

    Success rate: 11.0%

  4. Check for split plastic hose at the water input nozzle

    Success rate: 11.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore Coldspot 106.73003511 Leaking
  2. Kenmore Refrigerator Leaking
  3. Refrigerator: top freezer need suggestions
  4. Refrigerator leaking
  5. 59672009015 Kenmore Refrigerator Leak
  6. Kenmore Refrigerator leaking
  7. Freezer leaks into fridge

Community Discussions

leaking connectors

Replace the cracked elbow connector with a suitable size.

DIY View on Reddit →

leaking and broken seal

LG and GE top freezers are recommended.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Refrigerator leaking when using water dispenser

Possible broken water line or leaky valve assembly

DIY View on Reddit →

leaking from connectors

Check SEARS parts direct for part numbers and an exploded view of the fridge.

DIY View on Reddit →

leaking water from the fridge

Clear the drain line and wrap a copper wire around the heater to prevent freezing.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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