Why is there ice on the bottom of my freezer side by side?
Ice building up on the freezer floor is almost always caused by a defrost drain that is partially or fully clogged, so defrost water cannot flow to the drain pan and instead refreezes at the bottom. On Kenmore Elite model 79578733800, clearing the drain path and restoring airflow typically fixes it; see the 79578733800 owner's manual for safety and access guidance.
What to check first (quick diagnosis)
- Look for a sheet of ice on the freezer floor or under the lower drawer/basket.
- Check for water dripping, then freezing again after a defrost cycle.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking air vents; blocked vents can create moisture and temperature problems.
- Confirm the freezer door closes fully and is not being held open by bins or packages.
- If you see frost on food, reduce door openings and check the door seal.
How we recommend clearing a clogged defrost drain
- Unplug the refrigerator (controls set to OFF do not remove power to the light circuit).
- Remove the freezer contents and any lower baskets/drawers.
- Melt the ice at the bottom using warm air (hair dryer on low) or hot towels.
- Locate the drain opening under the evaporator area and flush it with hot water.
- For stubborn slime buildup, flush with a mix of 1 teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups hot water, then flush again with plain hot water.
- Verify water flows freely to the drain pan.
Parts that commonly relate to this symptom
| Symptom | Most common cause | Related part to inspect |
|---|---|---|
| Ice sheet on freezer floor | Clogged/iced drain path | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
| Frost and moisture issues | Poor airflow or door not sealing | Refrigerator door gasket MDS64172919 |
Why it matters
When the drain is restricted, defrost water has nowhere to go, so it refreezes and can eventually cause recurring ice buildup, odors, and temperature swings. Keeping vents clear and the door sealing properly helps prevent repeat clogs.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
Common problems on the Kenmore Elite 79578733800 bottom-mount refrigerator include weak or uneven cooling, frost or ice buildup, water leaks, dispenser or ice maker issues, and unusual noises. Many fixes start with cleaning condenser coils, confirming door gaskets seal, and adjusting temperature controls using the 79578733800 owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what usually causes them
- Not cooling well: dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, or a failed evaporator fan motor
- Freezer frost or ice crystals on food: door not closing fully, frequent door openings, or a defrost system problem
- Water under the refrigerator or in the freezer: clogged/iced drain path or a damaged drain tube
- Ice maker has bad taste or odor: old ice, unwrapped foods, or mineral-heavy water; discard early batches after installation
- Buzzing/clicking noises: condenser fan issues, compressor start components, or ice maker cycling
Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts
- Clean the condenser coils (dust buildup can raise temps and increase run time).
- Check door sealing: look for gaps, torn gasket areas, or gaskets sticking; clean the gasket and mating surface.
- Verify airflow: keep packages from blocking vents in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Adjust temperatures correctly: change the refrigerator control first, then wait 24 hours before judging results; adjust the freezer next if needed.
- Look for drain issues: if you see puddles or ice near the bottom, inspect the drain area.
Parts that commonly solve these problems on this model
| Symptom | Part that often relates | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Warm refrigerator or freezer | Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C | Circulates cold air through compartments |
| Water leaks or ice buildup from drainage | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D | Routes defrost water to the drain system |
| No water to dispenser or ice maker | Refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908 | Opens to supply water when called for |
Why it matters
Cooling, frost, and leak complaints often share the same root causes: restricted airflow, poor door sealing, or a blocked drain. Fixing those basics first prevents unnecessary part replacement and helps the compressor run a normal amount of time.
Last updated: January 2026
What does er ff mean on Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On the Kenmore Elite 79578733800 bottom-mount refrigerator, the ER FF code indicates a problem with the freezer evaporator fan (the fan that moves cold air through the freezer and into the fresh food section). Start by checking for ice buildup or anything blocking airflow, then follow the troubleshooting steps in the 79578733800 owner's manual.
What to check first (quick troubleshooting)
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Listen for the fan: open the freezer and listen for a fan running (some models pause the fan with the door open).
- Check for frost or ice: heavy frost on the freezer back panel often points to airflow restriction.
- Clear vents: make sure packages are not blocking freezer air vents or the return vents.
- Confirm temperatures: set the freezer near 0°F and refrigerator near 37°F, then allow 24 hours to stabilize.
Common causes of ER FF
| Likely cause | What you may notice | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ice buildup restricting the fan | Buzzing, rubbing, or fan noise; warming fridge | Defrost and correct the underlying defrost/airflow issue |
| Failed evaporator fan motor | No airflow, warming refrigerator section | Replace the fan motor (model-specific part varies) |
| Fan blade damage or obstruction | Clicking, rattling, intermittent airflow | Inspect and replace the blade if needed |
| Control or wiring issue | Error returns quickly after reset | Inspect harness connections; service may be needed |
Parts that are often involved
If you confirm the fan is not running or is noisy, these model-matched parts are commonly related:
- Refrigerator evaporator fan motor 4681JB1027C (drives airflow across the evaporator)
- Refrigerator evaporator fan blade 5901JA1021A (moves air; can crack or rub if iced)
Why it matters
That evaporator fan is what distributes cold air. When it slows down or stops, the freezer may still feel cold at first, but the refrigerator section typically warms up and food can spoil.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking water out of the bottom?
On the Kenmore Elite 79578733800 bottom-mount refrigerator, water leaking from the bottom is usually caused by a defrost drain that is clogged and overflowing into the drain pan area, or a leak in the dispenser/ice maker water supply line or connection. Use the steps below to pinpoint the source and stop the leak; see the 79578733800 owner's manual for model-specific access and safety notes.
Quick checks that usually find the leak
- Look for a sheet of ice or standing water on the freezer floor; this points to a defrost drain issue.
- Check the water line connections at the back for drips after dispensing water or after an ice maker fill.
- Inspect the 1/4-inch tubing for cracks, kinks, or rubbing points.
- Confirm the refrigerator is level; a tilt can make water run forward and out.
- Check door gaskets for gaps that cause excess frost (which later melts and overwhelms the drain).
Most common cause: clogged defrost drain
During defrost, meltwater should flow through the drain and into the drain pan; if the drain is blocked, water backs up and can leak out the bottom.
What to do
- Unplug the refrigerator before working inside.
- Remove the freezer drawer/bins as needed to access the drain area.
- Melt any ice with warm air (hair dryer on low) and flush the drain with hot water.
- Clear the drain tube if it is restricted; replacing a damaged tube can help.
Related part (if the tube is damaged): Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D
Water supply leak: tubing or inlet valve
The manual’s water line section emphasizes checking for drips at connections and tightening any fittings that leak.
- If the leak appears only when dispensing water or making ice, inspect the refrigerator water tubing MJU62070602 for splits and check compression fittings.
- If you see seepage at the valve body or fittings, the inlet valve may be leaking: refrigerator water inlet valve MJX41178908.
Leak source guide
| Symptom | Most likely source | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Water/ice under freezer drawer | Clogged defrost drain | Defrost and flush drain path |
| Drips behind unit | Water line connection | Tighten fitting; re-seat tubing |
| Leak during ice maker fill | Inlet valve or tubing | Inspect valve and tubing; replace if leaking |
Why it matters
Bottom leaks can lead to floor damage and can also indicate airflow or defrost drainage problems that reduce cooling performance over time.
Last updated: January 2026





