The water line in any refrigerator is vital to how well the dispenser and ice maker work. Learn how to solve KitchenAid refrigerator water line issues and follow the guide to make necessary connections.
Table of Contents
How to Replace the Water Line to a KitchenAid Refrigerator
Disconnect the refrigerator from the electric power by unplugging it from the wall outlet or turning off the circuit breaker. Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator by shutting off the main water supply valve.
Depending on your house’s layout, you will find the valve on the wall behind the refrigerator, under the sink, or in the basement. Get an assistant to help you move the refrigerator away from the surrounding walls. Doing this creates space behind it so you can replace the water line.
Next, remove the access panel at the bottom back of the refrigerator or over the water inlet valve. This step depends on the refrigerator model; some models only require removing the panel over the water inlet valve. Others require removing the entire back access panel.
Lay a towel or place a container next to the valve before disconnecting the water line. It serves to collect the leftover water in the line, so it does not drop on the floor. Now, use a 5/16 open-ended wrench to unlock the locking collar on the inlet valve and pull the line out.
Go up the back of the refrigerator and remove the cover over the other end of the water line where it inserts into the inlet nozzle. Also, remove the water line from the clamps or retainer clips along the back of the appliance.
Get a pair of pliers, press the clamp at the top, and release the line from the inlet nozzle at the top of the refrigerator’s back. Now, you can pull the old water line out of the refrigerator and completely remove it. You must have a new water line at this point, so remove the metal insert from the old water line. The new one will need it for a proper connection.
Note: Skip the steps above if the water line is a brand-new installation. Continue to the next steps.
Cut the new water line to make it the same length as the old one. Measure it with the old one to get the correct length, and use a knife to cut the extra off. Insert the metal insert into one end of the new line and fix it into the ice maker inlet nozzle at the top back of the refrigerator. You may need pliers to open the clamp slightly, so you can easily insert the water line.
Tighten the clamp over the nozzle and line, and put the line into the clips along the refrigerator’s back to keep it from dangling. Now, carefully insert the other end of the line into the port of the inlet valve; ensure you push it in all the way. Secure the locking collar on the valve to tighten the connection. Put the valve back into its housing and replace the access panel.
Replace the cover over the inlet nozzle and thread the screws to secure it. Finally, turn the water supply on through the main valve and reconnect the refrigerator to electric power. Then, test the water line to see how secure the connection is.
Notes: Follow all the steps above if you want to replace the water line in your KitchenAid refrigerator. Also, check your refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions for connecting the water line for your model.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Line Froze – What to Do
Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet and open the refrigerator doors. Leave them open for some hours until the water line thaws. That may mean storing perishable foods in another refrigerator for preservation.
If this option is unavailable, you can thaw the line with a hair dryer set at low heat to protect the plastic material of the water line. Use the dryer carefully, and do not let water drip into the open backend because of electrocution or damage to the appliance.
Additionally, increase the refrigerator and freezer temperatures if they are too low for the outdoor weather. The water line may freeze because of excessively low temperatures, especially in winter. The refrigerator cools faster during this time.
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Water Dispenser Water Line Frozen in KitchenAid Refrigerator
Remove the base grill from the bottom front of the refrigerator and unhook the water line under the refrigerator. Do this by separating the tabs connecting the dispenser water line to the main water supply line. Channel the line into a container or place it on a towel in case of melting ice.
Put another container under the other water line going to the refrigerator’s back and depress the water dispenser lever. If water comes out of the water line, you know the other line on the towel or container is frozen, and you need to thaw it.
Another method is to blow air into the detached line; if it does not go through, the line is blocked. There are several methods of thawing the water line: use a Water Line Buddy or a hair dryer, or allow the ice to melt naturally. If you must use a hair dryer, set it to medium or low heat, and place it a few inches away from the plastic line.
To thaw the line naturally means allowing the warm room air to melt the ice while the line is disconnected. Check the freezer temperature and increase it by one or two degrees to reduce the cold air, which may cause the frozen line. Also, try using the dispenser more often or disconnect the water supply if not in use.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Line Frozen
Ensure you unplug the refrigerator and turn off the water supply to the ice maker. Locate the two screws holding the machine to the freezer wall and loosen them, but do not completely remove them. Next, remove the screw under the ice maker, lift the bracket off the top screws to lower, and remove the machine from the freezer.
The fill tube comes in from outside the refrigerator through the freezer’s back wall. It feeds water from the main supply to the ice mold. Check to see if there is an ice obstruction at the tip; use a small sharp object to pluck the ice out and clear the tube. If the rest of the tube is blocked with ice, use a hair dryer or Water Line Buddy to clear it.
Keep the freezer at moderate temperatures to prevent a repeat of the frozen fill tube. As with the water dispenser water line, low freezer temperature can cause the water line to the ice maker to freeze. Increase the temperature by a few degrees, especially if the weather is already cold. Doing this fixes the root of the problem.
It may also stem from warm air leaking in through the ice maker if it is cracked or the gasket is compromised. Check the ice maker for possible leaks and seal it with food-grade sealant. And replace the gasket if weak or torn.
Note: Your refrigerator’s user manual may contain other instructions on fixing a frozen ice maker or water dispenser water line. Therefore, read the instructions and carefully follow the steps.
Air in KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Line – Quick Fix
Put a glass or container under the water dispenser nozzle and press the dispenser lever or button. Hold it for about five seconds and release it. Wait five seconds and put the container under the nozzle again, pressing the dispenser lever or button for an additional five seconds. Repeat the process until water starts flowing from the nozzle.
The first few dispenser lever or button presses may not produce water if there is a lot of air in the water line. Keep activating the dispenser until the water flows. When it begins to flow, keep dispensing water for five seconds and give a five-second break. In other words, dispense water for five seconds and take a break for five seconds.
Do this for two minutes after the water starts flowing. You may need a large container nearby to empty the glass because of the large volume of water you will likely dispense during this time. You must clear the water line of air every time you replace the water filter or if it is a new installation.
Trapped air in the water line generates noise and builds pressure, which may affect how the water system works. Note that excessive pressure may damage the water line or dispenser system.
How to Connect a Water Line to a KitchenAid Refrigerator
A refrigerator typically has a water line from the main supply under the sink or the back of the refrigerator to the water inlet valve. Then, there is another water line from the valve to the ice maker or water dispenser. We have explained how to connect or replace the water line from the refrigerator to the inlet valve, but how do you connect a water line from the main water source to the refrigerator?
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and turn off the water supply to the house. But turn on any faucet to run water through the water pipe and clean it. Get a quarter-turn shut-off valve or something similar, served by a ½-inch supply line in the house. This supply line size is the minimum for creating enough water flow to the refrigerator.
Next, get a quarter-inch OD soft copper line and connect it to the refrigerator and the shut-off valve. Cut both ends of the copper line square so that it can fit the slots on the valve and appliance. Also, the line must be long enough to stretch between the refrigerator and the valve without straining it.
Now, slide the compression sleeve and nut onto the copper line and insert one end into the outlet as far as it will go. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the compression nut but do not make it too tight. Put the line’s free end into a container and turn the main water supply on to flush it. Leave it running until the water is clear. Then, turn off the water supply valve on the water pipe and completely drain the water line before making the final connection.
Bend the copper line to connect to the inlet of the water line; ensure there is a roll of copper line left for easy refrigerator movement. Next, remove the cap on the inlet valve, attach the line to the port, and secure it with a compression sleeve and nut. Tighten the nut but do not make it too tight. Pull on the copper line to ensure it is securely connected.
Secure the copper line roll to the back of the refrigerator using a P-clamp. Now, turn on the water supply and run water through the copper line to check for possible leaks, especially at the connection points. Tighten the nuts if there are leaks, but ensure you do not overtighten them to avoid damage. Reconnect the refrigerator to electric power when everything is secure and working well.
Can We Use a KitchenAid Refrigerator Without Water Line Hookup?
You can use your KitchenAid refrigerator without connecting the water line. But that means using the appliance without the water dispenser and ice maker if it has these accessories. Ensure you do not turn on the ice maker without the water supply because it can lower the freezer temperature and cause excessive freezing. Also, it may eventually damage the ice maker.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Line Leak – Solved
You must check all the connection points on the water line to see if they leak water. Check the compression nut points and the water inlet valve. A faulty inlet valve will continually drip water even when the water line is in good working condition. And if the water line is the plastic type that connects to the ice maker or water dispenser, it may be that the plastic material is damaged.
In such a case, replace the entire water line, ensuring you get the right fit and length for the appliance. But if the copper line leaks, tighten the compression nut to cut off the leaks. You may also want to close the main water supply valve slightly if the force of the water is too high. There may be leaks when the pressure is too high, and slightly closing the main source may reduce the force. Turn off the water if you do not use the ice maker, water dispenser, or both.
How to Clean a KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Line – Steps
Ensure you turn off the refrigerator from electric power before attempting to clean the water line. Also, turn off the water from the main source to avoid flooding the area if you accidentally turn on the valve while cleaning. Distilled vinegar works best for cleaning the water line, and you may want to take the opportunity to clean the water tank. Follow the steps in this article on cleaning a refrigerator water line to complete the process.
One of the most overlooked areas in a refrigerator is the water line. Many refrigerator users do not know the water can be cleaned, so they overlook it. However, its crucial role in the refrigerator’s water supply makes regularly cleaning it vital. Clean it once every three months to clear the dirt, slime, and microbes clogging it. Otherwise, your water and ice may eventually become unhealthy for consumption.
Water Line Freezes in the Door of a KitchenAid Refrigerator
Unplug the refrigerator for a few hours and allow the water line in the door to thaw naturally. You may also want to use a Water Line Buddy to clear the water line if you need a faster solution. However, you must disconnect the line from under the refrigerator before using the device the clear it.
Alternatively, remove the water line from the door for a thorough thawing process. Afterward, increase the freezer temperature by a few degrees to prevent the water line from freezing again in the future. The temperature is the likeliest reason for the frozen line in the refrigerator door. Another possibility is that the door insulation is compromised and can no longer keep the moisture out.
Consequently, the water line becomes frozen when the cold freezer temperature meets the moisture in the door. Therefore, ensure you seal any gaps or openings in the door insulation to protect the water line. Also, check the door gasket for wear or tear. This can cause warm, moisture-laden air to encourage freezing in the freezer door.
Try checking the dispenser door flap to see if it is weak or open. An open or weak door flap lets in moisture and air that freeze the water line and may also affect the water tank. Additionally, consider installing a water line heater; clip it onto the wiring in the control panel where it can warm the line.
The last effort to fix this problem is replacing the water inlet valve and filter, especially if the water line keeps freezing. It may be that they do not supply water fast enough, causing the water in the line to freeze over time. So, a new filter, inlet valve, or both can fix the problem.
Ensure you regularly use the dispenser because irregular use can cause freezing if water remains in the water line for a long time and the freezer keeps running. Turn off the water and dispenser if you do not regularly use them. Before repairing any damage to the door insulation or taking preventive steps, try removing the water line to clear it.
How to Disconnect a KitchenAid Refrigerator Door Water Line
Unplug the refrigerator’s power cord from the wall outlet and turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Remove the dispenser’s front panel by releasing it using a flat-head screwdriver. Lower the panel and disconnect the wire connectors, noting their orientation for when you need to put the cover back.
Next, get a 5/16-inch wrench to release the locking ring from the water line and disconnect it from the spigot. Detach the line from the retaining clip in the sub-panel and go to the top hinge on the door on that side. Remove the screw on the hinge cover using a Phillips-head screwdriver to expose the hinge.
Use the wrench from earlier to release the locking ring on the water line on the top hinge. Now, you can pull the water line out of the door from the top.
KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Line from Filter to Ice Maker Blocked – What to Do
If the water line connecting the water filter to the ice maker in your KitchenAid refrigerator is blocked, it may be due to low freezer temperature. Setting the freezer low is good for food preservation, but there is a recommended point, even for making ice. Adjusting the temperature lower than 0 degrees Fahrenheit may affect the refrigerator and freezer, especially the ice maker and water lines.
In such a situation, increase the freezer temperature to a warmer point until the ice blocking the water line thaws. You can lower it again afterward, but do not exceed the recommended range. Alternatively, remove the water line and manually remove the obstruction. Afterward, you can reinstall it in the refrigerator.
Turn off the refrigerator and move it away from the surrounding walls. You may need an assistant to help you to move it because of a refrigerator’s weight. If the brake feet are locked to the floor, remove the base grill to unlock them before moving the refrigerator. Create enough space at the back for you to remove the access panel and reach the water line and inlet valve.
Use an adjustable wrench to unthread the compression nut on the main water supply line and release it from the inlet valve at the back of the refrigerator. Next, remove the screws holding the access panel in place and set the panel with the screws aside. Depress the retaining tab on the water filter line using a 7/26-inch wrench so that you can separate the line from the inlet valve.
Remove the water line from the clamps or peel the tape back to release it. Next, open the refrigerator door and remove the water filter. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the upper panel in place and detach it from the refrigerator. Disconnect the LED light wire harness from the panel before removing it.
Release the water filter supply line clasp to detach the line from the filter and upper housing. Now, go to the refrigerator’s back again and remove the insulator block so that you can fully pull the water line out from inside the refrigerator. You can comfortably defrost the water line or remove any obstruction to ease the water flow.
How Long is the Water Line for a KitchenAid Refrigerator?
There is no specific length for the water line that feeds water into a KitchenAid refrigerator. Your home’s layout and the distance from the main water supply to the refrigerator are vital to the water line’s length. You must also check the refrigerator type and size to know how to connect the line from the inlet valve to the ice maker or dispenser.
The same is true for the size of the water line. Typically, the water line’s size is indicated in the refrigerator’s user guide. A new refrigerator also comes with a water line, so you can use that to determine the size for your specific model. Alternatively, check the user manual for the length and size of the water line in your KitchenAid refrigerator or contact the KitchenAid Service Center for further assistance.
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