How to replace the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator
This DIY repair guide gives step-by-step instructions for replacing the water inlet valve in a top-freezer refrigerator. The water inlet valve is at the back of the refrigerator near the bottom and controls water flow to the ice maker. A coil on the water valve opens to allow water to flow into the refrigerator and closes to stop the water flow. If the valve fails to open, water stops flowing to the refrigerator. If it fails to close, water continuously flows into the ice maker. Replace a failed water valve using the manufacturer-approved replacement part.
These instructions work for replacing the water inlet valve on Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Frigidaire, Electrolux and Haier refrigerators.
Replacing a refrigerator water inlet valve video.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
- 02.
Disconnect the refrigerator water supply line
Close the water supply cut-off valve for the refrigerator.
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.
Place a towel under the water valve assembly to catch water.
Loosen the compression nut on the supply water line until the water line is free.
PHOTO: Shut off the water supply valve.
PHOTO: Disconnect the water supply line.
- 03.
Remove the rear compartment cover
Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.
PHOTO: Remove the rear cover.
- 04.
Remove the water inlet valve
Remove the screws from the mounting bracket and pull the water inlet valve out.
Unplug the wire harness from the water inlet valve.
Disconnect the ice maker water supply line by pressing in the fitting collar and pulling the water line out of the valve outlet.
Tip: Some fittings may have a C-clip on the valve outlet collar. Remove the C-clip before pressing the collar in.
PHOTO: Remove the bracket screws.
PHOTO: Unplug the valve wires.
PHOTO: Disconnect the ice maker water supply line.
- 05.
Install the new water inlet valve
Push the ice maker water supply line into the valve outlet fitting.
Reconnect the wire harness on the new water inlet valve.
Position the new water inlet valve in the cabinet and install the screws in the mounting bracket.
Tip: Push the ice maker water supply line as far as possible into the fitting. Tug on the water line to make sure it’s seated correctly. Reinstall the C-clip if present.
PHOTO: Connect the ice maker water supply line.
PHOTO: Connect the wires.
PHOTO: Attach the water inlet valve.
- 06.
Reinstall the rear compartment cover
Position the rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator and reinstall the mounting screws.
PHOTO: Reinstall the rear cover.
- 07.
Reconnect the refrigerator water supply line
Connect the water line onto the water inlet valve fitting and tighten the compression nut firmly.
Open the water supply cut-off valve.
If the fitting leaks, tighten the compression nut and check again.
PHOTO: Connect the water supply line.
PHOTO: Open the water supply valve.
- 08.
Restore electrical power
Plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back into place.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
See how to install the water filter on your GE refrigerator, no matter the filter type or refrigerator style.…
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Get tips and advice on replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator.…