How to Replace a Fridge Water Line Valve

In the world of convenience, refrigerator makers have long tried to keep up with the convenience trend. This trend is all about making life a little easier for all people. It is why we have fast-food restaurants, T.V. dinners, microwaves, and so on.

When it comes to refrigerators, there are ice makers and water dispensers right in the door, so you do not even have to pull the door open to get cold water to drink. You just put the glass to the dispenser, and it is done.

However, even these modern upgrades break or malfunction. To learn how to fix a water line valve so your convenience continues, just continue to read our article. It has the instructions you need to do the job right.

The Steps to Replace the Water Valve

There are several steps you need to take in order to get this job done right. The good news is that like most fridge repair tasks, it should not take a long time to get done.

Step 1 – Gather your tools and you should bring your toolbox just to be on the safe side. It is best to be prepared even if you have too many tools at hand. Turn off the water supply to your fridge.

Step 2 – Unplug your fridge and move it away from the wall. Give yourself plenty of space to work and move about. It is easy to make mistakes when you are cramped and have a small amount of space to work in.

Step 3 – Remove the backing from the fridge. This could be cardboard so be careful when you handle it. How many screws you have to remove will depend on the model of the fridge. make sure to place all screws in a safe spot where they won’t get lost or kicked.

Step 4 – Look for the water valve. This device should be located in the bottom portion of your fridge. If you can’t find it use your owner’s manual to help you.

Step 5 – Remove the screws holding the water valve assembly to the frame of the fridge, then pull the valve out away from the fridge.

Step 6 – Once that is done, look for the electrical harnesses. There should be two of them and they should each have one pin holding them in place. Remove those pins and pull the tubing out from its spot.

You will see some water leak out. This is normal and always happens when working with waterlines and tubing.

Step 7 – Get ready to install the new water valve. These water valves come with an extra piece which is not always needed. If you use it or not depends on the model and make of your fridge.

Look at the old water valve to see if you need this extra piece or not. If not, discard it.

Step 8 – After pulling the tubing off the old water valve, insert them onto the new one. You shouldn’t have to force the tubing on. Just be firm and make sure they do not move around when you are done. You also want a snug fit.

Step 9 – Reverse your removal steps and place everything back in the new valve like it was in the old one. You should go slow when taking the parts of the old valve, so you can remember how they need to go on the new one.

Step 10 – Push the tubing back into the fridge bottom and attach the valve to the frame of the fridge. Turn the water back on and look for signs of leaks. If there are none, put the cardboard backing in place.

If there is a leak re-check your work to find out what is causing them and take the right steps to stop them. You may have to cut the tubing ends to get a better fit but do not cut off too much.

Step 11 – Plug your fridge back in, move it back into place and get yourself a cold glass of water. You have earned it as your job is done. Don’t forget to put your tools away.

PRO TIP:

When you follow instructions, take your time, and go step by step, you will find that most fridge repairs are quite simple. Anyone can do these repairs and in the long run, you can save money by doing it yourself.

These tasks only sound scary but once you get started you will see how easy they are to complete.