Kenmore Elite 11172795120 refrigerator Parts

Most Kenmore Elite refrigerators, including the Kenmore Elite model 11172795120, typically last 10 to 15 years with normal household use and basic maintenance. Keeping airflow clear, doors sealing tightly, and the water system maintained helps you reach the upper end of that range.

A refrigerator’s life is usually determined by how hard the sealed system and fans have to work, plus how well the doors and defrost system stay in shape.

• 10 to 15 years is the normal expectation for modern refrigerators
• Heavy use (large family, frequent door openings) can shorten life
• Poor ventilation (dusty coils, tight cabinet fit) increases compressor run time
• Weak door gaskets cause warm air leaks and moisture buildup
• Water and ice issues (filter restrictions, valve problems) can create secondary failures

We recommend using the care and cleaning guidance in the owner's manual and sticking to a simple routine.

• Vacuum dust from the condenser area regularly (improves cooling efficiency)
• Confirm both doors close and seal evenly; clean gaskets with mild soap and water
• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked
• Replace the water filter on schedule if your unit uses one
• Level the refrigerator so doors self-close and don’t drift open

If your Kenmore Elite 11172795120 is over 10 years old, we typically see the best value in repairing only when the issue is straightforward (like a fan, gasket, or water system problem) and the sealed system is still cooling normally.

A refrigerator that is struggling to maintain temperature runs longer, uses more energy, and can shorten the life of major components. Small maintenance steps often prevent the “domino effect” that leads to bigger failures.

For model-specific parts and diagrams, start with the parts list for 11172795120, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Your Kenmore Elite refrigerator’s model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label; for this series it typically looks like 111.7279* (the last digits vary by color). On model 11172795120, confirm the exact number on the label and match it to the owner's manual.

Check these common label locations on Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerators:

• Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall (often near the crisper area)
• On the inside wall behind or beside the lower crisper drawers
• Along the door frame (fresh food door) near the gasket
• Inside the freezer compartment on a side wall
• Behind the lower toe grille or kick plate area (if your unit has one)

Kenmore model numbers often include a prefix and a series identifier. For this refrigerator family, the Use and Care Guide lists models as 111.7279*, where the asterisk indicates a color code.

Using the exact model number helps us match the correct Kenmore Elite refrigerator parts, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting steps. It also prevents ordering the wrong items such as a water filter, door gasket, or evaporator fan.

Once you find the label, compare it to the model shown on the Sears PartsDirect model page and the owner's manual so you’re using the exact match for parts and service information.

Last updated: February 2026

For Kenmore Elite model 11172795120, the most reliable way to get cubic feet is to look up the capacity in the specifications section of the owner's manual. If you cannot find it there, you can calculate a close estimate by measuring the usable interior space and converting cubic inches to cubic feet.

• Check the specs in the owner's manual for model 111.7279* coverage.
• Look for a rating/spec label inside the fresh food compartment (often on the interior liner); it may list capacity.
• Use the model number to match the correct product listing and specs on the parts page, then broaden your search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
• Measure and calculate interior volume for an estimate (helpful if shelves/bins differ from the published spec).

1. Empty the compartment enough to measure.
2. Measure interior width, height, and depth in inches (fresh food and freezer separately).
3. Multiply: width × height × depth = cubic inches.
4. Convert: cubic inches ÷ 1728 = cubic feet.

Kenmore model numbers (including the 111 prefix family) are primarily identifiers for the platform and configuration. Some model families may show patterns, but capacity is not consistently embedded in the digits, so the manual/spec listing is the dependable source.

If you are checking capacity because of cooling or display issues, error codes can point you in the right direction: Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.

Last updated: February 2026

Common problems on the Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 11172795120 include warm temperatures (fresh-food or freezer), frost or moisture from air leaks and frequent door openings, unusual fan or compressor noise, and water/ice issues related to the water line or filter. Use the 11172795120 owner's manual to match symptoms to the troubleshooting steps.

• Too warm or not cooling: airflow restriction, dirty condenser cover/vents, doors opened often, hot room
• Food freezing in refrigerator: items near an air vent, temperature set too cold, room too cold
• Frost or ice crystals: humid air from door openings, poor food packaging, door seal not sealing
• Noises: evaporator fan noise, condenser fan noise, normal compressor run sounds becoming louder
• Water/ice problems: water line connection, restricted filter, low flow to dispenser/ice maker

• Allow up to 24 hours after installation for temperatures to stabilize.
• Keep the refrigerator in a suitable room; it should not be operated above 110°F.
• Reduce long door openings; warm, humid air raises temperature and moisture.
• Store food sealed and keep containers dry to reduce condensation and frost.
• Vacuum the condenser cover and vents; do not remove the panel covering the condenser coil area.

Most cooling and frost complaints start as airflow, temperature-setting, or maintenance issues; correcting them early helps the compressor run more normally and prevents repeat warm-temperature and moisture problems.

You can also search by model number for diagrams and replacement parts on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 11172795120 is typically caused by a clogged defrost drain overflowing into the base, or a water-supply leak (water line, filter housing, or tubing) that runs down to the floor. Use the checks below to pinpoint the source.

• Clear water usually points to the defrost drain or water line; sticky/colored liquid is often a spill.
• Ice sheet on the freezer floor often indicates a defrost drain restriction.
• Water only under the unit can be a drain pan issue (shifted, cracked, or overfilled).
• Leak worsens after ice maker fills or dispensing points to tubing, fittings, or filter seating.
• If recently installed or moved, confirm the water line is connected to cold water only and water pressure is 30 to 125 psi (per the manual).

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Pull it out and inspect the rear lower area for wet fittings or tubing.
3. Check the drain pan for cracks and proper position.
4. Inspect the freezer bottom for ice; melt ice with warm towels, then clear the drain.
5. Restore power and monitor for several cycles (including ice maker fills).

Leaks can damage flooring and can also create ice buildup that restricts airflow, leading to warm temperatures.

Use the owner's manual for model-specific water line and care guidance. For prevention tips related to ice maker and dispenser leaks, see how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems. To find replacement parts by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026