Water Inlet Valve:

No Ice or Water

How to Replace a Top-Freezer Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve

Replacing a refrigerator water inlet valve video.

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.

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

Tools Required:

Work gloves

Nut driver set

Wrench set

Time Required:

15 minutes or less

Instructions

  1. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. Disconnect the refrigerator water supply line

  3. Close the water supply cut-off valve for the refrigerator.

  4. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall.

  5. Place a towel under the water valve assembly to catch water.

  6. Loosen the compression nut on the supply water line until the water line is free.

  7. Disconnect the water supply line.

  8. Remove the rear compartment cover

  9. Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and then remove the cover.

  10. Remove the rear cover.

  11. Remove the water inlet valve

  12. Remove the screws from the mounting bracket and pull the water inlet valve out.

  13. Unplug the wire harness from the water inlet valve.

  14. Disconnect the ice maker water supply line by pressing in the fitting collar and pulling the water line out of the valve outlet.

  15. Remove the C-clip before pressing the collar in.

  16. Disconnect the ice maker water supply line.

  17. Install the new water inlet valve

  18. Push the ice maker water supply line into the valve outlet fitting

  19. Reconnect the wire harness on the new water inlet valve.

  20. 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.


  1. Reconnect the refrigerator water supply line

  2. Connect the water line onto the water inlet valve fitting and tighten the compression nut firmly.

  3. Open the water supply cut-off valve.

  4. If the fitting leaks, tighten the compression nut and check again.

  5. Restore electrical power

  6. Plug in the refrigerator and push the refrigerator back into place.