Kenmore Elite 79579759901 bottom-mount refrigerator Parts

A Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator like model 79579759901 typically lasts 10 to 15 years. With steady maintenance (cleaning condenser coils, keeping door seals tight, and fixing small issues early), many units reach the upper end of that range.

Most refrigerators wear out based on heat load, airflow, and how hard the sealed system works. These factors have the biggest impact:

• Condenser cleanliness (dusty coils make the compressor run hotter and longer)
• Door gasket condition (air leaks cause longer run times and frost issues)
• Room temperature and ventilation (garages and tight enclosures shorten life)
• Ice maker and dispenser use (more cycling and water system wear)
• Defrost performance (ice buildup reduces airflow and cooling efficiency)

Use these habits to reduce compressor run time and prevent common failures:

• Vacuum and brush the condenser area regularly
• Keep vents inside the fresh food and freezer sections unblocked
• Set stable temps (avoid turning settings colder than needed)
• Replace cracked bins and rails so drawers close fully and seal properly
• Address water leaks quickly to prevent ice buildup and corrosion

Some repairs are routine; others can be expensive. Here is a practical way to think about it:

Model-specific parts that often relate to these symptoms include the lg refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C and the lg refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908.

Knowing the expected lifespan helps you decide when maintenance and targeted part replacement makes sense versus planning for replacement, especially once the refrigerator is past the 10-year mark.

For model-specific care and operating guidance, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes. Your Kenmore Elite bottom-mount refrigerator model 79579759901 will still dispense water and make ice without a water filter, but only if the filter housing is properly bypassed; otherwise you can get leaks, low water flow, or no water to the dispenser/ice maker. Check the owner's manual for the correct bypass method.

• Water is no longer filtered, so taste and odor can worsen.
• Sediment can reach the water inlet valve and ice maker, increasing clog risk.
• Water flow can drop if the filter head needs a bypass plug or a filter installed to open the internal valve.
• You may see dripping at the filter head if the seal is not seated.

1. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator.
2. Dispense water for a few seconds to relieve pressure.
3. Remove the filter.
4. Install the manufacturer-approved bypass (or reinstall a filter) as described in the owner's manual.
5. Turn water back on and check for leaks for 2 to 3 minutes.

Running unfiltered water can shorten the life of water-system parts (valves, tubing, ice maker) by allowing sediment and mineral buildup. Using the correct bypass keeps the system sealed and maintains normal water flow.

Last updated: February 2026

On Kenmore Elite model 79579759901, DH (often shown as Er dH) indicates a defrost heating problem: the control is not sensing the expected temperature rise during the defrost cycle. This is usually caused by a failed defrost heater, defrost sensor, wiring issue, or a control problem; see the owner's manual for model-specific error code details.

• Power reset: unplug the refrigerator (or switch off the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power.
• Confirm doors fully close; a door left ajar can worsen frost buildup and trigger defrost-related symptoms.
• Look for heavy frost on the rear freezer panel; thick frost points to a defrost system failure.
• Listen for the evaporator fan; if airflow is weak, cooling and defrost performance suffer.
• Check for water/ice under the crisper or freezer; a clogged drain can refreeze and contribute to icing.

In this model family, Er dH is most often tied to the defrost heater circuit or the temperature sensing used to confirm defrost heat.

When the defrost system cannot clear frost, ice builds up on the evaporator and blocks airflow. That forces longer run times, causes warm refrigerator temperatures, and can lead to repeated DH/Er dH errors.

• Unplug the refrigerator before removing covers or handling wiring.
• If you plan to use a meter, follow a proven procedure such as our how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.
• If you find burned connectors, damaged wiring, or signs of overheating, stop and have the repair completed by a qualified technician.

Last updated: February 2026

Water leaking from the bottom of your Kenmore Elite 79579759901 bottom-mount refrigerator is almost always caused by a defrost drain that is clogged or frozen, which forces defrost water to overflow into the fresh food section and down to the floor. Less often, a leak comes from the dispenser water line or inlet valve.

• 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 a hump of ice; that often means the drain trough is backing up.
• Inspect the water filter area and tubing connections for drips.
• Pull the refrigerator out and look for water trails near the back bottom.
• If the leak happens only when dispensing water or making ice, focus on the water supply circuit.

During defrost, water should flow through a drain hole into a drain tube and down to the drain pan. When the drain is blocked by ice, food debris, or sludge, water overflows and leaks out the bottom.

• Unplug the refrigerator.
• Remove the freezer drawer/baskets as needed to access the drain trough.
• Melt ice in the drain area using warm water (not boiling) and a turkey baster.
• Flush the drain until water runs freely to the drain pan.
• If the drain tube is split, loose, or restricted, replace it with the correct part for this model: refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D.

If the leak is tied to ice maker fill or water dispensing, check these areas:

Parts that commonly apply to these leaks on this model include refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602 and lg refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908.

A drain or water-line leak can soak insulation, cause recurring ice buildup, and lead to odors or floor damage. Fixing the root cause also prevents repeat leaks after you mop up the water.

For component locations, access steps, and safety notes for Kenmore Elite 79579759901, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: February 2026

On the Kenmore Elite 79579759901 bottom-mount refrigerator, the most common problems we see are cooling issues (warm fridge or freezer), water or ice dispenser failures, unusual fan noise, and frost or water leaks caused by airflow or defrost drainage problems. Use the owner's manual to confirm control settings and diagnostic steps for your exact symptom.

• Not cooling or weak cooling: dirty condenser area, failed evaporator fan, temperature sensor issue, or sealed-system/compressor trouble
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply restriction, inlet valve problem, frozen fill tube, or dispenser/ice maker control issue
• Water dispenser slow or not dispensing: kinked tubing, frozen line, or inlet valve not opening
• Loud humming, rattling, or clicking: condenser fan or evaporator fan problems, ice buildup hitting the fan blade
• Water leaking inside or under the unit: clogged/iced defrost drain, cracked drain tube, or misrouted drain
• Lights not working or door alarm issues: door switch or light board problems

• Verify temperature settings and allow 24 hours after changes for stabilization.
• Make sure doors close fully; check for torn gaskets and overpacked shelves.
• Clean dust from the condenser area (restricted airflow causes warm temps).
• Listen for the evaporator fan in the freezer; no fan sound often points to a fan motor or ice blockage.
• If you see water under the crisper or on the freezer floor, inspect the drain path for ice.

Catching airflow, defrost-drain, and water-supply problems early helps prevent food spoilage, recurring ice buildup, and water damage. It also reduces strain on the compressor and fans.

Last updated: February 2026