What is a bottom mount fridge freezer?
A bottom-mount fridge freezer is a refrigerator design where the freezer compartment is on the bottom (often as a pull-out drawer) and the fresh-food section is on top. On your Kenmore Elite 11172699120, this layout keeps everyday refrigerated items at eye level and frozen foods below.
In most bottom-mount refrigerators, the freezer is a lower drawer and the refrigerator section uses shelves and door bins above.
Common features you will see:
- Pull-out freezer drawer with sliding rails
- Fresh-food shelves positioned higher for easier access
- Separate temperature controls for refrigerator and freezer (varies by model)
- Interior lighting and door switches
- Water filter status indicator on the control panel (on many models)
Bottom-mount models are built for convenience, especially if you use the refrigerator more than the freezer.
| Feature | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Fresh food on top | Less bending for milk, produce, leftovers |
| Freezer on bottom | Frozen items stored in a drawer, often deeper storage |
| Drawer-style access | You pull the freezer out instead of swinging a door |
This design affects how you load food, how cold air circulates, and how you service common areas like the freezer drawer rails and door seals. For example, if you ever need to remove the freezer drawer for cleaning or moving the unit, the steps and safety cautions are specific to drawer-style freezers.
- Use the owner's manual for model-specific details like control settings, freezer drawer removal, and safety guidance.
- If you see a code or indicator on the display, use Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes to match the code to likely causes and next steps.
Last updated: February 2026
What model is my Kenmore 11172699120 refrigerator?
Your refrigerator’s model is Kenmore ELITE 111.72699120 (often shown as 111.7269* on the rating label). You’ll find that label inside the fresh food section or freezer section, typically on an interior wall, behind a crisper drawer, or near the lower front kickplate area; confirm the exact location in the 11172699120 owner's manual.
Check these common spots on a Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator:
- Inside the refrigerator compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling or upper side wall of the fresh food section
- Inside the freezer compartment on an interior wall
- Behind or beside the lower crisper drawer area
- Near the front bottom area, behind the kickplate or toe grille
On the label, the model may appear in a few formats. These are all normal:
| What you see on the label | What it means |
|---|---|
| 111.72699120 | Full model number for your refrigerator |
| 111.7269* | Model family prefix used in the manual for related versions |
| 111.7269… | A shortened prefix followed by additional digits |
Using the exact model number matters when you’re looking up refrigerator parts, diagrams, or troubleshooting steps.
- Write down the full model number and serial number exactly as shown
- Take a clear photo of the label for reference
- Match every digit; one number off can pull the wrong parts list
- If the label is hard to read, clean it gently with a damp cloth and dry it
Kenmore model families can share similar doors, shelves, ice maker parts, and control boards, but the exact model number (111.72699120) is what ensures the correct fit and correct troubleshooting information.
Last updated: February 2026
How to raise a refrigerator off the floor?
To raise your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 11172699120 off the floor, we adjust the built-in front leveling legs (and rear rollers, if equipped) until the cabinet sits level and the doors seal correctly. For a bigger height change, we set the refrigerator on a rigid platform that still allows proper airflow.
- Remove the front base grille or kick plate (if your model has one).
- Use a wrench or screwdriver on the leveling leg adjusters.
- Turn both front legs evenly to raise the front; fine-tune one side to correct a tilt.
- Recheck door swing and gasket contact after each adjustment.
- Unplug the refrigerator before working near the bottom area.
- Avoid putting hands under the cabinet; sharp edges and electrical components are common.
- Raise the front slightly higher than the rear so doors self-close and seal.
- Keep the cabinet stable; no rocking at corners.
- Confirm the freezer drawer opens and closes smoothly after leveling.
Use a solid, non-compressible platform (not carpet padding or soft shims). A good platform is:
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood platform (properly supported) | Adding moderate height | Must be rigid and level; don’t block airflow under/to the rear. |
| Appliance dolly (temporary) | Moving, not permanent height | Use only for transport; don’t store the refrigerator on a dolly long-term. |
| Floor shims (hard plastic/wood) | Minor corrections | Use only to eliminate rocking; keep weight supported by legs/rollers. |
Correct height and leveling helps the doors seal, prevents warm air leaks (frost and temperature swings), and reduces strain on hinges and the freezer drawer alignment.
We follow the safety and handling guidance in the 11172699120 Owner's manual, especially for working around the bottom and moving the unit.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore 11172699120 refrigerators?
Common problems we see with the Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 11172699120 fall into four buckets: cooling issues, ice maker and water dispenser problems, water leaks, and unusual noise. Your owner's manual includes model-specific troubleshooting charts for cooling, ice and water, noise, and parts/features.
- Fridge warm, freezer OK (or temps fluctuate): airflow restriction, evaporator fan issue, or defrost system problem
- Both sections warm: condenser airflow problem, dirty condenser area, or a control/starting issue
- Ice maker not making ice: ice maker shutoff, frozen fill tube, low water supply, or inlet valve problem
- Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: clogged filter, air in the line, or low supply pressure
- Puddles inside or under the unit: defrost drain issue, door not sealing, or water line connection leak
- Rattling, buzzing, clicking: fan blade hitting ice, loose panels, or normal cycling noises becoming louder
Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or checking components, and keep vents clear as the manual warns.
- Confirm the unit is plugged into a properly grounded 3-prong outlet
- Make sure air vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages
- Clean dust from the condenser area (common cause of weak cooling)
- Verify doors close fully; check for gasket gaps and items preventing closure
- If ice and water act up, replace the water filter and purge air from the dispenser line
| Problem area | Where to look | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Cooling troubleshooting guide | Symptom-to-cause checks and settings guidance |
| Ice and water | Ice & water troubleshooting guide | Ice maker and dispenser diagnostics |
| Noise | Noise troubleshooting guide | Normal vs abnormal noise clues |
| Leaks/odors/maintenance | Care and cleaning | Cleaning steps and prevention tips |
Cooling, ice maker, and leak symptoms often share the same root causes: restricted airflow, poor heat rejection at the condenser, or water flow restrictions. Catching those early prevents food spoilage, ice buildup, and floor damage.
- Kenmore 111 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes
- How to replace the water filter in a Kenmore refrigerator
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Kenmore 11172699120 refrigerator leaking water out of the bottom?
Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite 11172699120 bottom-mount refrigerator is usually caused by a defrost drain that is clogged or frozen, or a water supply/dispenser leak that runs down and exits underneath. We focus first on the drain system, then the water line and inlet connections.
- Look for a sheet of ice or standing water under the crisper drawers; that points to a defrost drain issue.
- Check the freezer floor for ice buildup; a blocked drain often freezes and overflows during defrost.
- Inspect the water line connection at the back and the tubing path for drips.
- If you have an ice maker or dispenser, confirm the water line is connected to cold water only.
- Verify your home water pressure is in the normal range (the manual calls for 30 to 125 psi).
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What we do next |
|---|---|---|
| Water under deli/crisper area | Clogged/frozen defrost drain | Clear the drain opening and flush with hot water (after unplugging) |
| Water only when using dispenser/ice maker | Cracked/loose water tubing or fitting | Dry everything, run dispenser, watch for fresh drips along the tubing |
| Puddle near front corners | Door not sealing, excess condensation | Check gasket seal and door alignment |
| Water appears after moving fridge | Water line stressed or kinked | Re-seat line, remove kinks, confirm no rubbing/pinching |
- Unplug the refrigerator before accessing panels or working near wiring (we follow the safety guidance in the owner's manual).
- Check the defrost drain: remove items from the bottom of the fresh food section and look for water tracks from the rear wall.
- Melt and clear ice in the freezer floor area if present; then flush the drain with hot water.
- Inspect the water supply line behind the unit; tighten connections gently and look for slow seepage.
- Test for dispenser leaks: dispense water for 30 to 60 seconds and watch the tubing and fittings for drips.
A drain overflow or a small water line leak can keep soaking insulation and flooring, create recurring ice buildup, and lead to repeated puddles. Fixing the root cause stops the leak and helps the refrigerator cool consistently.
Last updated: February 2026





