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How to Service Refrigerator Ice Makers

By Home & Garden Last updated Monday, July/22/2024

Leaks

1). Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet and pull it away from the wall. Turn off the water supply at the main line. Pull the water line hooked into the refrigerator off the connection.
2). Locate the water filter near the bottom of the refrigerator and remove it. Insert the replacement water filter. If the hose looks worn out or damaged, discard it and attach a replacement tube to the water line and refrigerator. Turn on the water supply once the hose is in place. Plug in the refrigerator and move it back into place against the wall. If the leak persists, replace the valve.
3). Unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply. Locate the valve on the outside of the refrigerator door or in it. The valve has a plastic cover held in place by screws. Unscrew the plastic cover to expose the valve. Take a digital photo of the valve so you have a reference for installing the replacement.
4). Disconnect the valve from the water line and the refrigerator. Install the replacement valve, following the digital photo. Plug the refrigerator back in and turn on the water supply.

1). Find the L-shaped wire in your ice maker and pull it down. This wire keeps the ice maker from overfilling the ice cube trays. If it gets stuck in the off position, your ice maker will not fill the ice cube tray with water. The wire should be hanging down into the ice cube tray.
2). Make some ice with your ice maker and inspect the ice cubes to see if they are as large as the ice cube tray allows. If your ice cubes are smaller than expected, the water filter is clogged and must be replaced. The old, clogged filter keeps the trays from filling completely by slowing the flow of water into the ice maker.
3). Unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall so you can access the back. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the water line hooked into the refrigerator. Remove the water filter (near the bottom of the refrigerator) and insert a replacement. Reconnect the water hose and turn on the water supply. Plug in the refrigerator and push it back against the wall.