How to replace ice maker water line on whirlpool refrigerator

A Whirlpool refrigerator with an ice maker and water dispenser comes equipped with a dual inlet valve that allows water to feed from the supply line to the appliance. The water dispenser side of the valve opens when you depress the water lever in the door of the refrigerator. The ice maker side of the valve opens at the beginning of the ice-making cycle to fill the ice tray. If your refrigerator fails to make ice, dispense water or begins to leak water from the rear of the appliance, the ice and water valve needs replacing.

1. Pull your Whirlpool refrigerator far enough away from the wall so you can unplug the appliance and access the water supply line. Rotate the ice and water supply valve to the “off” position. Continue to pull the refrigerator from its original position until you can fit behind the appliance.

2. Loosen the water supply line compression nut with pliers, if applicable. Turn the nut counterclockwise with your fingers until you can remove the supply line from the ice and water valve near the bottom of the refrigerator. Some water may drip from the line once you remove it.

3. Look for the 1/4-inch hex-head screws holding the access panel to the bottom of the refrigerator. Use a nut driver to remove the screws. Pull the heavy cardboard panel from the appliance and set it aside. Your Whirlpool model may have a smaller access panel that does not require removing the entire panel from the back of the refrigerator. Remove the screws from the smaller area, then fold the panel back along the perforated line. Do not tear the panel along the perforation.

4. Remove the two hex-head screws holding the valve to the body of the refrigerator. Pull the original valve from the refrigerator to access the wire harnesses. Pull the harnesses off the valve. The harnesses have two different-size connectors, so you cannot mix them up when installing them on the new valve.

5. Disconnect the water and ice maker lines from the original valve by twisting the connectors on the ends of the lines counterclockwise. Discard the original ice and water valve.

6. Push the original ice and water lines in the replacement valve. The lines and connectors are different sizes, so you cannot install the lines incorrectly. Twist the connectors clockwise with your fingers. Use pliers to tighten them. Do not overtighten the connectors, as this could strip the threads.

7. Connect the two wire harnesses to the terminals on the side of the replacement ice and water valve. Line up the screw holes in the valve bracket with the screw holes in the body of the refrigerator. Secure the replacement valve with the hex-head screws you removed from the original valve.

8. Replace the access panel on the back of the refrigerator. Secure the panel with the hex-head screws you removed earlier.

9. Connect the water supply line to the replacement valve. Tighten the connector with pliers. Rotate the water valve to the “on” position.

10. Plug the Whirlpool refrigerator back into the wall outlet. Slide the appliance back into its original position.

Your refrigerator stores dinner leftovers and keeps food fresh for your family’s next meal, making it one of the most important appliances in your home. Whether upgrading from an old model or installing a brand new one, you will need to install a water supply line to enjoy crisp water and ice. Get an idea of how to install a new line on your own by reviewing the guide below, then dive into your model’s installation instructions for full details. 

Read on for tips on how to install a refrigerator water line.

How to connect a water line to your fridge

Before installing your refrigerator water line, there are a few supplies you will need. Keep in mind that this is a general overview of water line installation, and different units may require different steps or supplies. Consult your installation instructions for information specific to your refrigerator model. Read on to learn how to connect a kitchen water supply line to the water line inlet on the back of your refrigerator.

IMPORTANT: Plumbing shall be installed in accordance with the International Plumbing Code and any local codes and ordinances.

Supplies

• Tee fitting

• ¼-inch copper water supply tubing

Tools

• Flat-blade screwdriver

• 2 adjustable wrenches

• ¼” nut driver

Step 1: Turn off the water supply

Once you have unplugged the unit’s power supply, locate the water supply below the sink and turn it clockwise to shut it off. Allow the remaining water to flush from the line by turning on your faucet until the water finishes draining.

Step 2: Connect tubing to the water supply

Use a ¼” soft copper tubing, ensuring you have the proper length. Cut both ends square and slip the compression sleeve and nut onto the tubing. Insert the end of the tubing into the water supply outlet as far as it will go and screw the compression nut onto the outlet with an adjustable wrench.

Step 3: Flush out the tubing

Place the free end of the tubing into a small bucket or sink and turn on the water supply. Allow water to flush through the tubing until it is clear to prevent possible water valve malfunction. Once complete, turn off the water supply and bend the tubing to meet the water line inlet located on the back of the refrigerator cabinet.

Step 4: Connect the water supply tubing to the refrigerator

Once you have reached the back of the unit, remove the short, black plastic piece from the end of the water line inlet and connect the water line tubing, tightening the nut into place using a wrench. Be sure not to over-tighten. Install a water supply tube clamp around the water supply line to reduce strain on the coupling.

Step 5: Turn on the water supply

Locate the water supply valve beneath the sink and turn it back on by twisting it counterclockwise. Check for leaks at all connection points of the tubing and tighten the connections as needed. Once you have checked that there are no leaks, push the unit back into place and reconnect its power supply.

What size line is used when installing a refrigerator water line?

When it comes to installing your new refrigerator, the tubing used to connect the water supply to your unit should have a ¼-inch diameter. This will enable the tubing to connect to the refrigerator’s supply fitting.

• Use copper tubing to prevent off taste and odor in water and ice.

• Tubing should only be installed in areas where temperatures will remain above freezing.

• Flush out several gallons of water to rid the line of any air and residual contaminants.

• Dispose of the first two batches of ice from your ice maker.

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