Where is the drip pan on a Kenmore Elite refrigerator?
On Kenmore Elite model 79572092310, the drip pan (drain pan) is typically located at the bottom of the refrigerator near the compressor area, accessible from the rear lower section. Many versions slide out after removing a lower rear access cover or panel; check the 79572092310 owner's manual for the exact access method.
- Unplug the refrigerator before reaching near the compressor or condenser fan.
- Pull the refrigerator straight out to create working space behind it.
- Look for a lower rear access cover near the floor; remove the screws and set the panel aside.
- Locate the shallow plastic pan sitting under the condenser/compressor area.
- Slide the pan out carefully; keep it level to avoid spills.
- Wash with warm water and mild dish soap.
- For odors, wipe with a baking soda and water solution.
- Dry completely before reinstalling to reduce mildew smells.
- Reinstall the pan fully seated so it does not rattle.
| Symptom | What it often means | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Musty odor near fridge | Standing water or residue in pan | Clean pan; confirm it is seated flat |
| Water on floor | Pan overflow or drain issue | Check freezer drain tube and drain path |
| Buzzing/rattle after moving fridge | Pan or rear cover not secured | Re-seat pan; tighten rear panel screws |
The drip pan collects defrost water so it can evaporate from condenser heat. If it is dirty, cracked, or not positioned correctly, you can get odors, leaks, or vibration noises.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my refrigerator not getting cold at the bottom?
If your Kenmore Elite refrigerator model 79572092310 is warm at the bottom, the most common causes are restricted airflow (blocked vents or an iced-up evaporator area) or poor heat release from dirty condenser coils. Start with simple airflow and cleaning checks, then move to fan and defrost troubleshooting using the 79572092310 owner's manual.
- Make sure food packages are not blocking interior air vents (especially near the back wall).
- Set temperatures to typical targets: 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer.
- Confirm the doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around.
- Clean dust and pet hair from the condenser area (back or underneath, depending on your layout).
- Allow 24 hours after adjustments or heavy loading for temperatures to stabilize.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What you can do first |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer is cold but refrigerator bottom is warm | Airflow restriction or evaporator fan issue | Clear vents; listen for fan; check for frost buildup |
| Both sections are warm, compressor runs a lot | Dirty condenser coils or poor ventilation around cabinet | Clean coils; ensure airflow around the refrigerator |
| Frost/ice on back wall or freezer panel | Defrost system problem | Defrost manually; then check sensor/heater circuit |
| Water pooling, then cooling gets worse | Drain restriction leading to ice buildup | Clear drain path; inspect drain tube |
We match troubleshooting to the most common failure points on this model:
- Dirty or damaged condenser area: a bent or clogged coil can reduce cooling efficiency; see refrigerator condenser coil ACG73645004.
- Defrost sensing problems: if the evaporator ices over, cold air cannot circulate; see refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005R.
- Drain icing issues: a restricted drain can contribute to ice buildup; see refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D.
Bottom-area warming usually means cold air is not circulating correctly. Fixing airflow and heat removal early helps prevent food spoilage, excessive compressor run time, and recurring frost or ice buildup.
Last updated: January 2026
Why is my Kenmore Elite refrigerator leaking water out of the bottom?
On Kenmore Elite model 79572092310, water leaking out of the bottom is most often caused by a clogged or frozen defrost drain. When meltwater cannot flow to the drain pan, it backs up, refreezes, and eventually spills into the freezer or fresh food section and onto the floor. See the drain and defrost information in the 79572092310 owner's manual.
- Defrost drain clogged with food debris, sludge, or ice
- Drain tube restricted where it exits to the drain pan area
- Door left ajar or weak door seal causing excess frost and heavy defrost water
- Ice maker or water line seepage that runs down and exits at the front
- Drain pan shifted or cracked (less common)
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove freezer drawer/bins and the rear freezer panel (if needed) to access the drain trough.
- Melt ice in the trough and around the drain hole using warm water (a turkey baster works well).
- Flush until water flows freely to the drain pan.
- If the drain tube is restricted, inspect and clear the outlet; replace the tube if it is damaged.
If you need the drain tube for this model, we recommend matching by model number and diagram; a common related part is the refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D.
| Symptom | More likely cause | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Water appears after a defrost cycle; ice sheet on freezer floor | Defrost drain frozen/clogged | Drain trough and drain hole behind rear freezer panel |
| Water only when dispenser is used or ice maker fills | Water tubing or fitting leak | Behind unit and at inlet connections |
| Water under crisper drawers in fresh food section | Drain backing up into air channel | Drain path and evaporator cover area |
A blocked drain can create recurring ice buildup, warm temperatures from restricted airflow, and water damage on the floor. Clearing the drain restores normal defrost drainage and helps prevent repeat leaks.
For ongoing dispenser or ice maker issues, follow the steps in how to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the common problems with Kenmore Elite refrigerators?
For Kenmore Elite model 79572092310, the most common problems we see are poor cooling, ice maker or water dispenser issues, frost buildup from defrost or airflow problems, and water leaks from a clogged defrost drain. Many fixes start with basic maintenance and a few targeted part checks using the 79572092310 owner's manual.
- Not cooling or warm temperatures: dirty condenser coil, restricted airflow, evaporator fan issues, or sealed-system problems
- Ice maker not making ice: low water supply, frozen fill tube, failed ice maker assembly, or dispenser/auger problems
- Water dispenser slow or not working: clogged water filter, kinked water line, or frozen internal tubing
- Frost buildup or freezer icing: defrost sensor/thermistor issues, door not sealing, or blocked air vents
- Water pooling inside or under the refrigerator: clogged defrost drain or drain tube
- Unusual noises (buzzing, clicking, rattling): fan blade hitting ice, compressor start components, or loose panels/bins
- Confirm controls are set correctly and vents are not blocked by food packages.
- Clean dust from the condenser area; restricted heat release is a top cause of warm temps.
- Replace routine filtration items on schedule:
- Water filter: genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter 9690 AGF80300801
- Air filter (if equipped): lg refrigerator air filter ADQ73214408
- If you have puddles, inspect and clear the drain path; a common service part is the refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D.
- If frost keeps returning, test the defrost sensing components such as the refrigerator defrost sensor assembly 6615JB2005R.
| Symptom | Most likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm fridge/freezer | Heat rejection or airflow | Refrigerator condenser coil ACG73645004 |
| No ice production | Ice maker system | Ice maker assembly (AEQ73110203) - refrigerator ice making component by lg AEQ73110203 |
| Cubes not dispensing | Dispenser/auger drive | Refrigerator auger motor EAU59551204 |
| Leaking water | Defrost drain path | Refrigerator drain tube 5251JA3003D |
Catching airflow, filtration, and drain issues early helps prevent food spoilage, repeat icing, and compressor overwork. Simple maintenance (coil cleaning, filter changes, clearing the drain) solves a large share of “not cooling” and “leaking” complaints on bottom-mount refrigerators.
For model-specific troubleshooting steps and control settings, use the 79572092310 owner's manual. For display or diagnostic codes, use Kenmore 795 model bottom freezer refrigerator error codes.
Last updated: January 2026





