How to Repair a Refrigerator Water Line Leak Like a Pro
- Assess the Problem. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall, make sure you’re not standing in water, and unplug it so that you can work safely.
- Measure and Shop. Measure the length of line that needs replacing, and close the refrigerator water line shut-off valve.
- Assemble the Line and Connectors. Double-check your measurements, and cut the replacement line to size. Push each end of the line into a coupling connector until it’s snug.
- Cut the Bad, Connect the Good. Cut and remove the bad length of plastic tubing. ...
- Turn On the Water. Turn on the water, and wait a few minutes. ...
How do you fix a refrigerator water line?
Refrigerator Water Line Leak: A Step-By-Step Fixing Guide
- Understand Why Refrigerators Leak. If you were to consult a professional, these are the three areas they would examine first. ...
- Purchase the Correct Supplies. Whether you identify an issue with the pipes, the refrigerator and/or valve connection, make sure you buy the correct equipment to address the issues.
- Locate the Valve Connection. ...
How do you replace a water valve in a refrigerator?
- Use either a self-tap saddle valve or a tee stop valve. ...
- Self-tap saddle valves are often the type of valve included in supply line kits. ...
- When using a tee stop valve, you will have to remove a section of the sink’s water supply pipe. ...
How to repair a leaking refrigerator?
Method 2 Method 2 of 4: Levelling the Fridge
- Check the fridge’s horizontal positioning with a spirit level. Position the level side-to-side on the fridge’s interior floor.
- Turn the level front-to-back and confirm the fridge leans back slightly. ...
- Remove the grille from the bottom front of the appliance. ...
- Turn the adjustable legs and use your level to position the fridge correctly. ...
How to hook up a water line to your refrigerator?
You'll need to make sure you have on hand:
- Enough copper piping to reach from the refrigerator to the closest and most convenient cold water source
- A T-fitting, which you can install in the cold water line to make a split that will feed to the refrigerator
- The connection piece that will link the copper tubing to the inlet to the refrigerator
Can you patch a refrigerator water line?
If you need to fix a refrigerator water line leak in copper tubing, the steps are basically the same as repairing a plastic water line. Identify the damaged length of line, remove it with a tubing cutter, and replace it with copper tubing secured with brass unions at each end of the fix.
How do you fix a leaky refrigerator water line?
0:071:07Troubleshoot Refrigerator Water Leaks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a box cutter or pair of scissors. Cut a straight half inch piece off of the tube. AndMoreUsing a box cutter or pair of scissors. Cut a straight half inch piece off of the tube. And reconnect ensuring that the tube is firmly pressed into place reattach the grill base.
How do you repair a plastic water line to a refrigerator?
0:064:46How to fix a leaking refrigerator ice maker water line...Part 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt comes in a little plastic container like this quick connect it says coupling okay and this isMoreIt comes in a little plastic container like this quick connect it says coupling okay and this is quarter-inch.
How do you repair a refrigerator line?
0:283:54How to Fix ANY Fridge Water Line - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what i have are these extensions or some adapters. Where i could plug it into the end there cutMoreAnd what i have are these extensions or some adapters. Where i could plug it into the end there cut out the bad part of the old hose. And extend it with the new hose.
What causes fridge water line to leak?
Why is my fridge water line leaking? This is often a sign the inlet valve is clogged. Debris and food can clog the valve and lead to a drip. The valve will need to be cleaned or replaced.
What causes refrigerators to leak water?
Fridge leaks are the result of leaky water supply lines and/or inlet valves. Check your water supply line if you notice poor ice making or a poor flow with your water dispenser. Before you further, unplug the refrigerator and find a place to store your perishables.
How do you fix plastic tubing?
0:511:51How to Repair a Plastic Plumbing Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we're going to take a little bit and put it onto each. Piece. Now we're going to take. Put oneMoreNow we're going to take a little bit and put it onto each. Piece. Now we're going to take. Put one side over the damaged. Area take the other side. And click it into place.
How do you splice a plastic water line?
Apply PVC glue to the existing pipe on each side of the cut, as well as one end of the new pipe. Also glue the inside of the "T"-shaped coupling. Push the existing pipe on each side of the cut into the coupling's ends. Push the new pipe into the remaining end of the coupling--hold for 30 seconds.
How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator water line?
A typical water line costs between $65 and $170 to run.
How often should you replace refrigerator water line?
every 5 yearsWater, water everywhere is NOT a good thing when a water line fails. So, the “when to replace it” answer is every 5 years.
How do you repair a copper water line on a refrigerator?
0:043:26How to Fix a Broken Copper Refrigerator Line - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we'll do is we'll figure out where the damaged area is and we'll want to cut back past theMoreSo what we'll do is we'll figure out where the damaged area is and we'll want to cut back past the damaged area because the damaged area is actually bent out of shape.
How do you repair a copper water line on a refrigerator?
0:043:26How to Fix a Broken Copper Refrigerator Line - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what we'll do is we'll figure out where the damaged area is and we'll want to cut back past theMoreSo what we'll do is we'll figure out where the damaged area is and we'll want to cut back past the damaged area because the damaged area is actually bent out of shape.
How do I fix my leaking water dispenser?
1:543:59How to Fix a Leaking Water Dispenser/Water Cooler (It may be ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the quick fix to fixing most of cooler leaks would be to change the bottle. Taking out taking offMoreSo the quick fix to fixing most of cooler leaks would be to change the bottle. Taking out taking off the existing bottle. And putting on a new bottle uh in its place monitor it for about 24.
Signs Of A Broken Refrigerator Water Line
The most obvious sign that you’ve got a problem with your refrigerator’s water line is a leak at the back of the refrigerator. You may also notice leaking inside the refrigerator, at the water filter. If you’re getting leaks, check the length of the line for cracks, and replace it if you find any.
Finding The Right Replacement Part
To find a compatible water line, type your appliance’s model number into the search bar at AppliancePartsPros.com. We’ve got genuine OEM parts for every major brand, and they’ll be delivered to your door in just a few days. Once you have your model number search below:
How To Replace A Refrigerator Water Line
In this tutorial, we replaced the water line on an LG/Kenmore-made French door refrigerator. Replacing a water line is roughly the same job regardless of your refrigerator’s brand, so you may be able to use this particular guide to help you with this job.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations on another successful do-it-yourself repair! If you need a closer look at any of the steps we’ve laid out here, don’t forget to check out the how-to video or visit our YouTube channel for guides to replacing the water line in other brands and styles of refrigerator.
What to do if you identify an issue with the pipes, the refrigerator and/or valve connection?
Whether you identify an issue with the pipes, the refrigerator and/or valve connection, make sure you buy the correct equipment to address the issues. Check out these devices to help you get started:
Why does my refrigerator keep leaking?
This can occur because of friction with another line or simply long-time use. This can also occur due to issues with your shut-off valve or refrigerator connection. However, with the following steps for repairing each of these key issues, you can make your refrigerator work correctly.
How to loosen a fridge nut?
Follow the above steps to loosen the nut connecting the fridge to the line. You can purchase new copper tubing from your local hardware store. When you slide the tube into the union, tighten the nut to ensure that the connection does not leak. Be careful not to crimp the copper tubing when handling it.
How to stop a copper line from leaking?
You may be able to quickly stop the leak by tightening the nut that connects the copper line to the shut-off valve. To tighten the nut appropriately, use an adjustable wrench and turn clockwise. If the leak ceases when you tighten it, you have likely fixed the issue!
What is a ferrule in a refrigerator?
A ferrule looks like a small metal band. It strengthens and secures the connection pipe and the fridge. Turn the nut counterclockwise and slide it off and remove the copper line. You can then use a tubing cutter to cut the end off of the copper tube.
How long does a refrigerator water line last?
A refrigerator water line should last for many years, but if it begins to leak it’s time to replace it with a new one. Many home improvement and hardware stores offer kits made of copper tubing, or flexible braided or plastic piping. The choice is yours, but the copper tubing typically lasts longer. The installation kits include all the fittings ...
How do I disconnect the water line under my sink?
Loosen the compression nut on the saddle valve under the sink, using an adjustable wrench, to disconnect the old water line from the water supply. The saddle valve is two pieces of metal strapped on a pipe. It has a small handle on the top of it.
How to connect a refrigerator to a refrigerator?
Slide a compression nut onto the end of copper or plastic tubing along with a ferrule. Press the plastic sleeve into the end of plastic tubing.These items are in the assembly kit. Attach the compression nut to the wall supply valve. Tighten it by hand, then turn it one-quarter turn with an adjustable wrench. Repeat this process for the connection on the refrigerator.
Do you need to use all fittings in a refrigerator installation kit?
The installation kits include all the fittings you need. Since you are replacing an old line, you may not need to use all the fittings in the kit. You must pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access water line connections on it.
Why is my refrigerator water line freezing?
It is quite common for refrigerator water lines to freeze, causing them not to function properly. When your water dispenser stops working properly , the cause could easily be a frozen water line.
How to get frozen water out of a water line?
You can blow the air from a hairdryer up the line to warm the line and melt the frozen blockage. Try the hairdryer for 5 minutes and then press the dispenser and your blockage should be removed.
Why is my water line not working?
Another common cause of water line failure is a dirty or clogged filter. When a filter is clogged or dirty, water cannot pass through it causing the water dispenser not to function properly.
Why does my refrigerator disconnect?
Refrigerators can sometimes shift or be moved which can cause the connections to disconnect. Start by looking behind the refrigerator to verify that the water line is connected to the wall connection and to the refrigerator. If either connection is loose, firmly connect them again.
How to remove water from refrigerator?
Find the water dispenser line and unscrew the screws holding it in place. Then hold the water button at the front of your fridge down to see if any water comes through. If it does, it's likely there was an air clog in the line which should now be removed.
Why is my Samsung refrigerator water line slow?
However, according to Samsung, a slowing or stopping of water flow from your refrigerator could also be because of some different factors. These include leaks in the freezer compartment, a bad water connection or a filter that needs to be replaced.
Why is my water dispenser clogged?
Reasons for Clogged Dispenser Line. According to Repair Clinic, there are a few ways in which your refrigerator's water dispenser line can become blocked. The main two culprits are a blockage of either air or ice. Air blockage usually leads to low pressure and dribbling water flow, while an ice blockage will usually halt the flow ...
How to tell if water line is clogged?
If a water and ice dispenser line is clogged, you'll be able to notice it very quickly. According to GE Appliances, you may either notice a slowing of the water flow or find it has stopped completely. Either of these symptoms could indicate a clogged refrigerator water line.
What happens if you have an ice blockage in your water line?
Air blockage usually leads to low pressure and dribbling water flow, while an ice blockage will usually halt the flow of water completely. If you check your water dispenser line and find no blockage, though, it's likely something else is going wrong in your water supply line. A faulty valve is one of the main culprits, as Part Select explains.
How long does it take for ice to melt in a fridge?
If that's the case, you'll want to leave your fridge unplugged for a little longer to allow this ice to melt — around two hours should suffice.
Can a water dispenser hose be fixed?
But as with any additional features of a fridge, a water dispenser hose is prone to problems over time. If you end up with a clogged refrigerator water line, though, it can usually be fixed fairly easily at home.
