How to replace a refrigerator water valve

This repair guide gives easy-to-follow instructions for replacing the water inlet valve on a refrigerator. The water valve controls the flow of water to the ice maker and water dispenser. If the water inlet valve fails, it won't open to allow water flow, or it lets water flow constantly even when the refrigerator is unplugged. If the water inlet valve is defective, replace it with a manufacturer-approved fridge part.

These instructions work for replacing the water inlet valve on Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Haier refrigerators.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power and water supply

Safely store any food that could deteriorate while the refrigerator is shut off. Then unplug the refrigerator or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator. 

Close the water supply cut-off valve for the ice maker. The valve is often on the wall behind the refrigerator, but could be attached to a water pipe under the kitchen sink or in the basement below the fridge.

2. Disconnect the water supply line

Pull the refrigerator away from the wall far enough so you can access the water line connection and work on the back of the refrigerator. Place a towel under the water valve assembly to catch water. Loosen the nut on the supply water line until the water line is free. 

Tip: If needed, refer to the owner's manual for additional guidance with disconnecting the water line.

3. Remove the back panel

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the lower service panel on the back of the refrigerator. Remove the panel.

4. Remove the mounting bracket

Remove the screw that secures the mounting bracket to the frame of the refrigerator.

5. Remove the valve assembly

Press the back of the locking tab on the wire harness to release the tab. Pull the wire harness plug off the valve. 

Remove the black plastic C-clip from the collar of the water line connection. Push the collar in and simultaneously pull the water line from the inlet water valve assembly.

6. Install the new valve assembly

Push the water line into the fitting on the new water valve assembly. Reinstall the C-clip on the collar of the fitting. 

Tip: Push the water line as far as possible into the fitting. Tug on the water line to make sure it’s seated properly.

7. Reconnect the wire harness

Push the wire harness plug back onto the spades of the water valve assembly. Push the plug in until the locking tabs snap into place. 

8. Mount the new valve

Position the bracket of the new valve assembly so that the mounting holes line up. Reinstall the mounting screw and tighten firmly.

9. Reinstall the service panel

Position the lower service panel on the back of the refrigerator so that the screw holes line up. Insert the screws and tighten firmly.

10. Reconnect the water supply line

Wrap a small amount of pipe thread tape around the water supply line fitting on the back of the water valve. Fit the water line into the water valve assembly and tighten the compression nut firmly. 

Open the water supply cut-off valve. If the fitting leaks, tighten the compression nut and check again. 

11. Restore electrical power

Plug in the refrigerator or turn on the house circuit breaker to restore power.