Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ02 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

No. On a Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ02 bottom-mount refrigerator, the cardboard-like panel at the bottom/rear area is a protective cover for components and airflow; it should stay in place during normal use. Only remove panels when a repair procedure in the owner's manual specifically calls for it.

What cardboard you should remove vs. what stays

During setup, we remove shipping and packing materials, but we keep protective covers that are part of the refrigerator.

• Remove exterior tape, foam, and plastic wrap from doors and shelves
• Remove any cardboard spacers used only for shipping inside the cabinet
• Keep the bottom/rear cover (often looks like cardboard or fiberboard)
• Keep the base grille installed after leveling and setup
• Recycle or dispose of packaging after installation

Why that bottom cover matters

That panel helps protect wiring and refrigeration components and supports proper airflow. Removing it can lead to:

• Reduced cooling efficiency
• More dust and debris reaching the condenser area
• Higher operating noise in some cases
• Greater risk of accidental damage when cleaning or moving the unit

Quick check: is it packaging or a permanent cover?

Use this simple guide.

What you see	Typical location	What to do
Loose cardboard inserts/spacers	Inside fresh food section or freezer drawer	Remove and recycle
Tape/glue residue	On doors, trim, shelves	Remove using mild dish soap and warm water
Firm panel fastened with screws/clips	Bottom rear or underneath	Leave installed

If you need access for cleaning or service

We follow the service steps in the owner's manual. If you are moving the refrigerator to clean behind it, protect the floor with cardboard or hardboard and pull the unit straight out (do not “walk” it).

Why it matters

Keeping the correct covers installed helps your WRX735SDHZ02 cool properly and protects key parts like the compressor, condenser area, and wiring.

Last updated: February 2026

Whirlpool refrigerators typically last 10 to 20 years, with about 10 to 15 years being the most common average for normal household use. For your Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ02 bottom-mount refrigerator, consistent maintenance and good airflow around the cabinet are what most often determine whether you reach the high end of that range.

What affects refrigerator lifespan the most

• Condenser coil cleanliness (dust buildup makes the compressor work harder)
• Door seal condition (air leaks force longer run times)
• Stable temperatures (37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer is the usual target)
• Vent clearance and airflow around the refrigerator
• Water system upkeep (filter changes reduce flow restrictions and valve strain)

Maintenance checklist that helps you reach 15 to 20 years

• Vacuum and brush dust from the condenser area every 6 to 12 months.
• Keep door gaskets clean; wipe with mild soap and water, then dry.
• Avoid overpacking; blocked vents cause warm spots and longer run times.
• Replace the water filter on schedule; for this model, use the filter, water EDR4RXD1.
• Use the care and cleaning schedule in the owner's manual.

Common “age milestones” (what we see most often)

Refrigerator age	What commonly shows up	What to do first
0 to 5 years	Minor adjustments, occasional ice/water issues	Check settings, purge air, replace filter
6 to 10 years	Fan noise, temperature swings, gasket wear	Clean coils, inspect gaskets, check airflow
10 to 15 years	More frequent repairs, cooling performance drops	Evaluate repair vs. replacement cost
15 to 20 years	Major sealed-system or control issues	Consider replacement planning

Why it matters

A refrigerator that runs longer than it should (from dirty coils, warm air leaks, or restricted airflow) puts extra load on key components like the compressor and controls. Simple upkeep often prevents the “runs constantly” cycle that shortens service life.

Parts and help for WRX735SDHZ02

If you are maintaining or repairing your WRX735SDHZ02, you can order model-matched replacement parts from the parts list for this refrigerator, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

The most common Whirlpool refrigerator problem is a cooling complaint: the fresh food section gets warm, the freezer temperature drifts, or the unit runs constantly. On the Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ02, the most frequent root causes are airflow and temperature-sensing issues (condenser coils, fans, thermistor) and ice maker or water system interruptions.

What “most common” looks like in real symptoms

• Refrigerator section warm but freezer still cold
• Freezer too warm, soft ice cream, slow ice production
• Refrigerator runs a lot, louder than normal, or cycles oddly
• Frost buildup on the back wall inside the freezer
• Ice maker stops making ice or makes small/hollow cubes

Quick checks we recommend first (no parts needed)

1. Confirm settings: Set refrigerator to about 37°F and freezer to about 0°F (typical targets).
2. Check airflow: Make sure vents are not blocked by food packages.
3. Clean condenser area: Dust on condenser coils reduces cooling and makes the compressor run longer.
4. Door seal check: Look for gaps, tears, or a door that does not close squarely.
5. Listen for fans: You should typically hear a fan running at times; a failed fan can cause warm temps.

Common causes and the parts that usually fix them

Problem area	What you notice	What typically fixes it
Temperature sensing	Temps swing, food freezes or warms unexpectedly	Replace the thermistor kit: refrigerator thermistor W10316760
Ice production	No ice, slow ice, odd cube size	Service the ice maker: refrigerator ice maker assembly WPW10300024
Water dispensing/ice fill	No water at dispenser, no water to ice maker	Diagnose/replace inlet valve: valve-dual w W11043013
Poor water flow/taste	Slow dispenser, bad taste/odor	Replace the filter: filter, water EDR4RXD1

Why it matters

Cooling problems usually start small (long run times, slightly warm temps) and then lead to food spoilage, heavy frost, or ice maker failures. Addressing airflow, seals, and water flow early helps your WRX735SDHZ02 stay efficient and consistent.

Helpful model-specific resources

• Use the owner's manual for temperature recommendations, control settings, and troubleshooting steps.
• If the display shows a fault or you suspect a sensor issue, use Whirlpool refrigerator error codes to narrow the problem quickly.

Ordering the right parts

We recommend ordering by the full model number WRX735SDHZ02 to ensure fit. You can order parts from the list for this model, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

On a Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ02 bottom-mount refrigerator, water leaking from the bottom is typically caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain, a drain pan that is shifted or overflowing, or a water-supply leak from the filter, tubing, or inlet valve. Use the WRX735SDHZ02 owner's manual for model-specific leveling and access steps.

Quick checks we recommend first

• Verify the cabinet is slightly tilted back so the doors self-close; adjust the front leveling legs if needed.
• Check whether the puddle grows when the dispenser runs or the ice maker fills (points to a supply leak).
• Look for ice buildup on the freezer floor or under the lower bin (points to a defrost drain issue).
• Reseat the water filter and confirm it is fully locked in place.
• Inspect the water line connection at the top hinge area if the doors were recently removed.

What the leak location usually means

Where you see water	Most likely cause	What to do next
Under freezer drawer; ice on freezer floor	Defrost drain clogged/frozen	Thaw the drain area, then flush with warm water until it drains to the pan.
Inside fresh food section near filter area	Filter not seated or filter head/tank leaking	Reseat the filter; replace the housing assembly if it will not seal.
Behind the refrigerator	Supply line or inlet valve seep	Tighten fittings; replace the valve if it drips or will not shut off cleanly.
Along door edge/front	Door not sealing; condensation	Clean and reshape gasket, then re-level doors.

Parts that commonly fix bottom leaks

• Water filter and seating issues: filter, water EDR4RXD1
• Leaks at the filter housing/tank area: assembly, water tank and head (includes bypass cartridge) W11346622
• Leaks at the rear water connection: valve-dual w W11043013

Why it matters

Bottom leaks can damage flooring and often indicate a drainage or sealing problem that increases run time and temperature swings.

You can order WRX735SDHZ02 replacement parts from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026