What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On the Kenmore refrigerator model 79571306012, the bottom area is commonly called the machine compartment (or compressor compartment). It houses the main cooling hardware such as the compressor, condenser coils, condenser fan, and a drain pan, depending on the design. See the 79571306012 owner's manual for the exact component names used for your unit.
What you will typically find in the bottom section
In most bottom-mount refrigerators, the lower rear section contains the parts that remove heat from the sealed system and manage defrost water.
- Compressor (the pump that circulates refrigerant)
- Condenser coils (release heat to the room air)
- Condenser fan motor and blade (moves air across the coils)
- Drain pan (catches defrost water so it can evaporate)
- Access cover or rear service panel (protects the compartment)
Common names customers use (and what they mean)
| What people call it | What it usually refers to | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom vent/grille | Air intake or exhaust opening | Front bottom or rear bottom |
| Back bottom panel | Service cover for the machine compartment | Rear lower section |
| Motor area | Compressor and fan area | Rear lower section |
| Drain pan area | Pan under the cabinet | Under or behind the unit |
Why it matters
Knowing the correct name helps you troubleshoot and order the right parts. For example, if you are chasing a warm refrigerator, loud buzzing, or poor airflow, the issue often traces back to the machine compartment components (compressor, condenser fan, or airflow blockage).
When to check the bottom compartment
- Refrigerator is warm but the interior lights work
- You hear a rattling or grinding noise near the floor
- The unit runs constantly or seems to overheat
- You see water collecting under the refrigerator
If you are diagnosing cooling or ice issues, we also recommend reviewing Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems we see on Kenmore Elite refrigerators like model 79571306012 include weak or no cooling, ice maker or water dispenser issues, frost buildup from defrost or air leaks, and water leaking into the fresh food section or onto the floor. Use the 79571306012 owner's manual to match symptoms to your exact configuration.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coils, failed evaporator fan motor, airflow blocked by frost, or a sealed-system/compressor issue.
- Ice maker not making ice: low water pressure, frozen fill tube, or a failed ice maker module.
- Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, cracked drain tube, or a door left slightly ajar.
- Frost in freezer or moisture in fridge: door gasket not sealing, door alignment issues, or defrost sensor/heater problems.
- Clicking, buzzing, or loud fan noise: failing fan motor, compressor start components, or ice buildup contacting the fan.
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Set temps to typical targets: 37°F fresh food and 0°F freezer.
- Clean condenser coils and confirm the condenser fan (if equipped) runs.
- Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; it should run when the compressor runs.
- Check door seals with the “paper test” (paper should drag when pulled).
- Inspect the drain area for ice or standing water.
Parts that commonly solve these issues on 79571306012
| Symptom | Common part to inspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No ice | Ice maker assembly | Lg refrigerator ice maker assembly model AEQ72909603 AEQ72909603 |
| No water/ice fill | Water inlet valve assembly | Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly AJU55759303 |
| Frost/defrost trouble | Defrost sensor assembly | Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C |
| Leaks from defrost drain | Drain tube | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
Error codes and what they point to
If your display shows an error code, use the Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes guide to narrow the problem to a system (fan, defrost, sensor, communication) before ordering parts.
Why it matters
Catching airflow, defrost, and water-supply problems early helps prevent food spoilage, repeat icing, and compressor strain, and it usually reduces the number of parts you need to replace.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore refrigerator leaking underneath?
On the Kenmore 79571306012 bottom-mount refrigerator, leaking underneath is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain that overflows into the drain pan, or by a water supply leak feeding the ice maker or dispenser. We recommend checking the drain path first, then inspecting the inlet valve and tubing.
Quick checks (fastest to confirm)
- Unplug the refrigerator before removing panels or working near wiring.
- Pull the unit forward and look for water trails from the back to the front.
- Check whether the leak happens:
- After defrost cycles (often points to a defrost drain issue)
- Only when ice maker is on or water is dispensed (often points to a water supply issue)
- Inspect the drain pan for cracks, warping, or overflow.
- Look for ice buildup on the freezer floor or under the crisper area.
Most common causes and what to do
| Likely cause | What you typically see | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged or frozen defrost drain | Water under fridge, ice sheet in freezer bottom | Thaw and clear the drain with warm water; confirm water flows to the drain pan |
| Leaking water inlet valve or tubing | Drips at rear lower area, wet supply line | Inspect fittings and tubing; replace the valve if it seeps or won’t fully close |
| Ice maker fill leak or splash | Ice clumps, water near ice maker area | Check fill tube alignment and for cracks; clear ice blockage |
| Door not sealing well | Excess frost, frequent defrosting, intermittent puddles | Inspect gasket contact and door alignment; clean and warm the gasket to improve seal |
Parts that commonly relate to leaks on this model
If the leak is tied to the ice maker or water supply, these model-matched parts are common suspects:
- Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D (helps route defrost water to the drain pan)
- Refrigerator water inlet valve assembly AJU55759303 (controls water flow to the ice maker and dispenser)
- Refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005C (defrost system issues can contribute to drain freezing)
Why it matters
Water under a refrigerator can damage flooring and also lead to ice buildup that blocks airflow. Fixing the root cause (drain restriction, inlet valve seepage, or door sealing problems) prevents repeat leaks and helps the refrigerator maintain stable temperatures.
Reference for model-specific access and panel removal
Use the 79571306012 owner's manual for the safest way to remove interior panels, locate the drain area, and confirm normal operation for the defrost and ice maker systems.
Last updated: January 2026





