What is the bottom part of a refrigerator called?
On the Whirlpool WRF736SDAM11 bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom part” is most often the toe grille (kickplate) area at the very front, and the machine compartment behind/under it where key cooling components sit (such as the compressor and condenser area). For diagrams and access notes, use the WRF736SDAM11 installation guide.
People use different terms depending on what they mean:
- Toe grille / kickplate: the front grille at floor level
- Machine compartment: the service area behind the grille where cooling-system components are located
- Freezer drawer: the bottom storage compartment on a bottom-mount design
- Crisper area: the lowest drawers in the fresh-food section (inside the refrigerator)
On many Whirlpool bottom-mount models, removing the toe grille is the first step to reach service areas for cleaning or inspection.
- If you mean the front vented panel: check the refrigerator toe grille WPW10637671
- If you mean the cover that shields the service area: check the refrigerator machine compartment cover W11482027
- If you mean the cooling “heart” of the unit: that is the compressor (a sealed-system component)
| What you’re pointing at | Common name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Front panel at floor level | Toe grille / kickplate | Airflow and access to service area |
| Area behind the grille | Machine compartment | Houses cooling and electrical components |
| Bottom pull-out compartment | Freezer drawer | Frozen food storage |
| Lowest drawers inside fridge | Crisper drawers | Produce storage and humidity control |
Using the right name helps you find the correct diagram and replacement part faster, especially when ordering items like a grille, cover, drawer, or slide rail for Whirlpool WRF736SDAM11.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the water filter on a Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator?
On the Whirlpool WRF736SDAM11 bottom-mount refrigerator, the water filter is located inside the fresh food (refrigerator) compartment, typically in the upper-right area under a small cover or housing. The exact cover style and release method are shown in the WRF736SDAM11 user manual.
- Open the right refrigerator door and look along the top interior wall.
- Check for a small flip-down or pull-down filter cover.
- Look for a cylindrical filter cartridge seated horizontally.
- If you see a cover but it is missing or broken, the replacement is the refrigerator water filter cover WPW10277949.
- If the cover is present but the filter will not seat or lock, inspect the filter housing for damage.
| What you see inside the fridge | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A small hinged cover near the top | Filter is behind the cover | Open cover, then release the filter |
| A filter head with no cover | Cover is missing | Replace the cover if needed |
| A round cartridge that pops out | Push-button or push-to-eject style | Press to release, then pull out |
Knowing the filter location helps you replace it on schedule, restore water flow to the dispenser and ice maker, and reduce taste and odor issues caused by an overdue cartridge.
- Dispense and discard several glasses of water to flush air and carbon fines.
- Check for leaks around the filter area.
- Reset the filter status light (method varies by control panel; follow the WRF736SDAM11 user manual).
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator leaking from the bottom?
On Whirlpool model WRF736SDAM11, a leak from the bottom is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain; defrost water can overflow, run down inside the cabinet, and end up on the floor. We focus first on clearing the drain, then we check the water and ice system for seepage.
- Unplug the refrigerator or switch off power at the breaker.
- Look for ice or standing water on the freezer floor; this strongly points to a defrost drain problem.
- Thaw any ice in the drain trough and around the drain opening using warm air (hair dryer on low) and towels.
- Flush the drain opening with hot water until it flows freely to the drain pan underneath.
- Check the drain tube at the back of the refrigerator for a clog, kink, or debris.
If the puddle appears after the ice maker cycles or after using the dispenser, the leak is usually on the supply side.
- Inspect the household water line connection for drips.
- Check the tubing for cracks or loose fittings.
- Look for water tracks down the rear cabinet that pool underneath.
A common part involved in supply-side leaks is the refrigerator water inlet valve assembly WPW10341329.
| What you notice | Most likely source | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Ice sheet on freezer floor | Defrost drain frozen/clogged | Thaw and flush drain path |
| Water under crisper drawers | Drain overflow or refreezing | Clear drain; confirm doors seal |
| Puddle after ice maker runs | Water inlet valve or tubing | Inspect fittings; replace leaking part |
Bottom leaks can damage flooring and often mean water is not draining correctly; that can lead to recurring ice buildup and airflow problems that affect cooling performance.
For model-specific safety steps and access guidance, follow the WRF736SDAM11 installation guide and the WRF736SDAM11 user manual.
Last updated: January 2026





