Kenmore Refrigerator dripping water inside

Common reasons your Kenmore Refrigerator dripping water inside

The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator is dripping water inside are a clogged defrost drain, a defective water valve, or a cracked dispenser water tubing.

  • 38%

    38% of the time it's the
    Defrost Drain

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Dispenser Water Tubing

  • 45%

    45% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore refrigerator

Defrost Drain Replacement

When the defrost drain is clogged, frost and ice melting from the evaporator fins during the defrost cycle won't be able to drain away, causing an overflow of water in the drain pan and leading to water leaking underneath the refrigerator. To prevent potential damage to the floor and refrigerator if leaks are noticed, have a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator to address and rectify the clogged defrost drain promptly.

Water Valve Replacement

When a water valve is defective, it impacts the proper functioning of the water dispenser and icemaker. If the water valve fails to open, the icemaker won't receive the water necessary to produce ice, and the dispenser won't dispense water. Additionally, a defective valve may lead to water leakage, particularly near the water valve assembly. In some instances, a malfunctioning water valve can cause the water dispenser or icemaker to cease working entirely. If the water valve fails to close, water flowing into the icemaker may leak to the evaporator and fan, subsequently freezing into a solid block of ice. This impedes airflow, compromising the proper cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Dispenser Water Tubing Replacement

Cracked refrigerator dispenser water tubing will result in water leaking around the dispenser area, leading to puddles or moisture accumulation on the exterior of the refrigerator. This leakage can result in decreased water flow to the dispenser. You might also notice water dripping from the dispenser nozzle or pooling in the dispenser tray. In some cases, a crack in the tubing can introduce contaminants or compromise the water's purity, affecting its taste and odor. Promptly addressing a cracked water tube with a Sears Home Services professional is crucial in preventing possible water damage.

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore refrigerator dripping water inside issue

How is the refrigerator dripping water inside issue fixed?

Correcting most refrigerator dripping water inside issues involves replacing the defrost drain, water valve, or dispenser water tubing. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator dripping water inside problem

When a refrigerator is dripping water inside, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator dripping water inside diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

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Jake is a great person.

He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.


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Great job

Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.


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Service appointment

Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again


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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore refrigerator dripping water inside?
A clogged defrost drain or faulty door seal can cause water to drip inside the fridge.
Could a clogged defrost drain cause water to drip inside my refrigerator?
Yes, if the defrost drain is clogged, water can leak inside the fridge. Clear the drain to fix the issue.
How can I fix my Kenmore refrigerator if it’s dripping water inside?
Check the defrost drain and door seals for any blockages or damage. Clearing the drain and replacing the seal can fix the problem.
What should I do if my refrigerator still drips water after cleaning the defrost drain?
If the issue persists, further inspection of the door seal or water system is necessary. Have a service technician examine and repair the refrigerator if you're unable to find and fix the leak on your own.

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Glossary Terms

A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

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