How to Replace an Ice Maker in Your Whirlpool Refrigerator

The Ice Maker Replacement Process Takes Two to Four Hours

Replacing a Whirlpool ice maker is a task you can do yourself with basic tools and the right part number. The job involves disconnecting the water line, removing the old assembly, and installing the new one in its place. Most people finish in an afternoon without calling a technician.

The first step is finding your exact model number on the refrigerator's nameplate—usually on the wall inside the fridge or on the back exterior. Write it down. Then contact Whirlpool directly or visit their parts website to order the correct ice maker assembly for your model. Using the wrong part can mean the water line won't connect properly or the assembly won't fit the mounting bracket.

Before you start, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Most units have a shutoff valve under the sink or behind the fridge where the water line connects. If you cannot find it, you can also turn off the main water supply to the house. This prevents water from spraying when you disconnect the line.

Key Takeaways

• Find your Whirlpool model number on the nameplate inside or outside the refrigerator before ordering a replacement ice maker.
• Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve before disconnecting any water lines to avoid leaks and water damage.
• The old ice maker is held in place by a single mounting bracket and two screws that you remove with a Phillips head screwdriver.
• The water inlet tube connects to the new ice maker with a compression fitting that hand-tightens first, then receives a quarter-turn with a wrench.
• After installation, run water through the ice maker for 5 to 10 minutes before using the ice to flush out air and debris from the line.

Gather Your Tools and the Correct Replacement Part

You need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench or 7/16-inch wrench, and a bucket or towel to catch water. Have the replacement ice maker assembly on hand before you begin. Whirlpool ice makers are model-specific, so ordering the wrong part wastes time and money.

The part number is printed on your current ice maker or listed in your refrigerator's user manual. If you have the manual, search for "ice maker assembly" or "ice maker replacement." If not, call Whirlpool's customer service line with your model number and they will give you the correct part number. You can also find it on the Whirlpool website by entering your model number in their parts lookup tool.

Order the part from Whirlpool directly, an authorized dealer, or a major appliance parts retailer. Shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days. While you wait, locate the water shutoff valve behind your refrigerator or under the sink so you know where it is when you are ready to work.

Disconnect the Water Supply and Remove the Old Ice Maker

Turn off the water at the shutoff valve by turning the handle clockwise until it stops. If the valve is stiff, use an adjustable wrench to turn it gently—do not force it or you may break the valve. Open the ice maker door or access panel on your refrigerator to see the water line connection.

Place a bucket or towel under the water line connection to catch any water still in the line. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen the compression fitting where the water line connects to the ice maker. Turn it counterclockwise by hand first, then use the wrench for the final quarter-turn. The line should come free without spraying if you turned off the water correctly.

Now remove the mounting bracket. Most Whirlpool ice makers are held by two Phillips head screws on the bracket. Remove both screws and set them aside in a small cup so you do not lose them. Slide the old ice maker out of its slot and set it aside. You may see a small amount of water drip—this is normal and expected.

Install the New Ice Maker Assembly

Slide the new ice maker into the mounting bracket slot, making sure it sits flat and level. The bracket should align with the screw holes on the back of the new assembly. Insert the two Phillips head screws and tighten them by hand first, then use your screwdriver to snug them down. Do not over-tighten—snug is enough.

Now reconnect the water line. Take the inlet tube from the new ice maker and connect it to the water supply line using the compression fitting. Hand-tighten the fitting first by turning it clockwise. Once it is hand-tight, use your adjustable wrench to turn it another quarter-turn clockwise. This creates a watertight seal without crushing the fitting.

Turn the water shutoff valve back on by turning the handle counterclockwise. Listen for water flowing into the ice maker—you should hear a brief humming or clicking sound as the water inlet valve opens and closes. If you hear spraying or see water dripping from the connection, turn the water off immediately and tighten the fitting another quarter-turn with your wrench.

Test the Ice Maker and Flush the System

Let the ice maker run for 5 to 10 minutes before using any ice. During this time, water flows through the line and ice maker to remove air bubbles and any debris from manufacturing. The first batch of ice may look cloudy or taste slightly off—this is normal. Discard the first two or three batches of ice cubes.

Check the water connection one more time after 10 minutes of operation. Look for any drips or moisture around the compression fitting. If everything is dry, the connection is good. If you see water, turn off the water supply and tighten the fitting another quarter-turn, then test again.

Your new ice maker should begin producing ice within 24 hours. If it does not, check that the water supply is on, the inlet tube is not kinked, and the ice maker is level. A tilted ice maker may not fill properly or may overflow.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error is over-tightening the compression fitting. This can crack the fitting or damage the water line, causing leaks that appear days later. Hand-tighten first, then use your wrench for only a quarter-turn. If water still leaks after that, turn off the water and try another quarter-turn—do not force it.

Another mistake is forgetting to turn off the water before disconnecting the line. Even with the ice maker off, water pressure in the line can spray out and soak your kitchen floor. Always locate and use the shutoff valve first.

Some people install the ice maker without checking that it is level. A tilted ice maker will not fill evenly and may produce misshapen ice or overflow. Use a small level on top of the assembly to verify it sits flat before tightening the mounting screws.

When to Call a Technician Instead

If you cannot find the water shutoff valve or it will not turn, do not force it. Call a plumber or Whirlpool service to locate it or have them turn it off for you. A broken shutoff valve can lead to water damage that costs far more than a service call.

If the compression fitting leaks after you have tightened it a full turn beyond hand-tight, the fitting itself may be damaged. Turn off the water and contact Whirlpool to request a replacement fitting or assembly. Continuing to tighten will not fix a damaged fitting and may make it worse.

If the new ice maker does not produce ice after 24 hours and the water supply is on, the inlet valve may be faulty or the water line may be kinked inside the refrigerator wall. This requires opening the refrigerator cabinet, which is beyond a basic replacement. Contact Whirlpool service or a local appliance technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator before replacing the ice maker?

No, you do not need to turn off the refrigerator itself. You only need to turn off the water supply. The refrigerator can stay on and running while you work. Turning off the power is not necessary and will only warm your food.

What if water leaks from the connection after I install the new ice maker?

Turn off the water supply immediately. Check that the compression fitting is tight by using your wrench to turn it another quarter-turn clockwise. If it still leaks after that, the fitting may be damaged. Contact Whirlpool to request a replacement fitting or a new ice maker assembly.

How long does it take for the new ice maker to start producing ice?

Most Whirlpool ice makers begin producing ice within 24 hours of installation. The first batch may be cloudy or taste slightly off because air is still in the line. Discard the first two or three batches and use ice from the fourth batch onward.

Can I use the old ice maker in a different Whirlpool refrigerator?

Only if that refrigerator has the exact same model number. Ice makers are designed for specific Whirlpool models and the mounting bracket and water connections vary. Installing an ice maker from a different model may not fit or may not connect to the water line properly.

What should I do if the ice maker is level but still not producing ice?

Check that the water shutoff valve is fully open and the inlet tube is not kinked or pinched. Look inside the refrigerator to make sure the tube is not bent sharply where it enters the ice maker. If the tube is kinked, gently straighten it. If the ice maker still does not work after 24 hours, contact Whirlpool service.