An ice maker is a handy appliance; nothing beats having some ice-cold water on a warm day. Also, ice cubes in a glass of juice or whiskey never hurt anyone.
But like other appliances, it may develop faults.
Kenmore refrigerator ice maker may begin to malfunction, which will cause water to leak from the ice maker.
Usually, it’s not easy to put the finger on what exactly could be responsible for the leak. However, the water could be leaking from both the ice maker and the water dispenser most of the time.
Several factors can cause the Kenmore refrigerator ice maker to leak water, a clogged drainage tube, or a buildup of ice within the ice maker may be responsible for the leak. In addition, an unsecured water line or punctured water line can also cause a leak.
Kenmore Refrigerator Leaking Water From Ice Dispenser?
Your ice maker leaking could be annoying and messy; most of the time, there are prevalent causes of ice dispenser leaks.
#1. There is An Ice Jam
There is an ice jam, most likely, there is a lot of accumulated ice in your ice tray or bin, and the ice is jammed up from not dispensing; usually, ice forms in average-sized cubes.
But the cubes may melt and refreeze in large nondescript shapes. As such, the new large chunks of ice may no longer be able to come out of the dispenser.
If your ice maker has not dispensed the ice and has built up for some time, it may not easily come out of the dispenser.
But it can melt, and the melting water will manifest as tiny droplets of water from the hostage ice and leak out of the dispenser. And there you have it, dripping water from the dispenser.
#2. Clogged Condensation Drain
The condensation drain is meant to drain excess liquid or melted ice from the freezer and fridge and keep things in ship shape.
However, sometimes the condensation drains itself ices over, it cannot drain the fridge, and there will be a leak.
#3. A Badly Installed Ice Maker
An ice maker could leak if the components are no longer in alignment, make sure that all the parts fit together perfectly so that there is no room for a leak.
Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Leaking Water From Ice Maker?
So, here are several things that could cause your Kenmore elite refrigerator ice maker to leak.
#1. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water dispenser is responsible for controlling the water that goes into both the ice maker and the dispenser.
So, if the water inlet valve is defective, it could let too much water into the ice maker. This causes the tray to overflow and leak water.
Try replacing the inlet valve altogether; also, you’ll notice that if the inlet valve is the culprit, the water dispenser may also be dripping water.
You can find a new one online or call a technician to replace the valve for you.
#2. High Water Pressure
High water pressure may also be responsible for a leaky ice maker; if the water pressure is too high, it can also cause the ice maker to leak or even flood.
Water pressure of 100 PSI and above can cause the refrigerator water valve not to fit perfectly.
This can make the water dispenser, ice maker leak, or even flood in more severe circumstances.
Why Is My Kenmore Ice Maker Leaking Water?
Your Kenmore ice maker leaking water could be very sucky because Kenmore products are usually very dependable.
So what could be responsible for the leak?
- The water tank assembly could be responsible for the leak in your Kenmore ice maker. If there are any holes in the water tank assembly, they can cause leakage.
However, the holes can be tiny, so look carefully for them. - The water inlet valve may also cause a leak. If it is not tightly connected to the water supply line, or if it is cracked or has a loose-fitting, water can leak from it.
Scrutinize it for cracks and ensure it is tightly connected to the supply line. - Freezing defrosts drain. If the defrost drain of your Kenmore Refrigerator is frozen or clogged, the water will be unable to flow out.
As a result, it will outpour and fill up the down part of the compartment; once the drain compartment is overflowing, the water will provide lea to the floor.
What Causes Water To Leak From Ice Maker?
The faults that can cause water to leak from your ice maker include:
#1. A Clogged Defrost Drain
Every refrigerator and ice maker has a defrost drain; manufacturers install their appliances so that any excess water can flow out of the fridge quickly and neatly without making any mess.
Usually, when the machine goes into its usual defrost cycle, it forms a lot of water. The cycle goes on for some time to clean up any excess ice.
However, the defrost drain may clog and freeze. The clogging could result from food particles stored in the refrigerator and other dirt and debris finding their way into the drain and clogging it.
Usually, the water will back up when it can’t flow into the drain, and it will leak to the floor instead.
Additionally, the defrost drain may be frozen. The water that passes through it is usually very close to freezing temperatures.
And since the drain does not have a heater, it can heat up fast and cause a clog. As a result, the water backs up and leaks into the floor.
#2. An Incorrectly Set Fill Level
Ice Makers are set to receive a steady supply of water to make ice cubes; most machines are designed to allow you to dictate the water supply so that you can get the exact size and shape of ice cubes you want.
In addition, you can constantly adjust the ice fill level by turning a knob in the ice maker.
Sometimes, the ice maker is filled up with more water than it can turn into ice.
And when it is left unchecked for too long, the water will fill the ice maker and leak into the compartment and then to the floor. Then you have a mess on your hands.
#3. Damaged And Losses Fittings And Hoses.
The fittings and hoses within and around the appliance, some of the fittings and hoses connect the machine to the household’s water supply.
Then some of the hoses carry the water from the refrigerator, through a water filter, and into the ice maker.
Thus, if the fittings become loose and frictions cause the hoses to develop holes, they can leak water to the floor.
Ice makers are manufactured to function very simply, water goes into the ice maker, and ice cubes fall out.
A leaky ice maker can affect your ice production, make a mess and generally annoy you. I get it; it’s simply a no-win situation.
It’s even worse when you can’t figure out the issue, and it could be challenging to know what could cause the leakage.
How Do You Fix A Kenmore Ice Maker That Leaks?
If your Kenmore ice maker is leaking, the fix could depend on the cause of the leak. However, there are some quick fixes.
- Most of the time, the leakage that you experience comes from the water line that supplies water into the ice maker. So, try to tighten all the spots where the water line is connected.
- You also need to break up the ice jams in the ice makers. If ice refreezes into a non-cube shape and cannot get down the chute, it can melt and leak into the floor; you need to break it up.
You can use the handle of a wooden spoon or pour warm water over the ice jam. - Make sure you clear out your condensation drain. A thin layer of ice may have formed over it, which could be the cause of the leak.
Conclusion
There could be several reasons why your refrigerator ice maker could be leaking.
For example, loose-fitting or damaged hoses, incorrectly set water filler and clogged defrost drain, and high water pressure could cause water to leak from the ice maker.
However, it is not difficult to fix the Kenmore ice maker. You just need to tighten the waterline or break up the ice jams in the ice maker most of the time.
