How to Replace an Ice Maker on Your Samsung Refrigerator

You can replace a Samsung ice maker yourself in about 30 minutes with basic tools

A Samsung ice maker that stops producing ice or leaks water usually needs replacement rather than repair. The part itself costs between $150 and $300 depending on your model, and the job requires only a screwdriver, a wrench, and the ability to turn off water at the source. Samsung designs these units to come out cleanly without special skills or a service call.

The exact steps depend on whether your model has the ice maker inside the freezer compartment (most common) or behind a panel at the back. Either way, you will disconnect water, remove fasteners, slide the unit out, and install the new one in reverse order. The hardest part is usually finding your model number and ordering the correct replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Your Samsung model number appears on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall above the vegetable drawer or on the back wall, and you need it to order the correct ice maker.
• Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator at the wall valve before you disconnect anything, or you will have a leak.
• Most Samsung ice makers are held in place by two or three screws and one water line connection that you can disconnect by hand or with a wrench depending on the fitting type.
• The new ice maker comes with an installation kit that includes the water line connector and any brackets you need; follow the kit instructions rather than guessing at the connection.
• After installation, run water through the system for 5 to 10 minutes before you expect ice, because air in the line will produce hollow or cloudy cubes at first.

Find your model number and order the replacement part

Open your refrigerator and look for a sticker with the model number printed on it. On most Samsung models, this sticker is on the inside wall above the vegetable drawer, or on the back wall near the top. The model number usually starts with "RF" or "RS" and is followed by numbers and letters. Write it down or take a photo.

Go to Samsung's parts website or call a parts supplier like Appliance Factory Parts or Repair Clinic and give them your model number. They will show you the correct ice maker assembly for your refrigerator. Order it along with the installation kit if it is not included. Delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days. While you wait, your ice maker will not work, so plan the replacement for a time when you can go without ice for a few days.

Shut off the water supply before you start

Locate the water shut-off valve behind your refrigerator. It is usually on the wall or under the sink, connected to the copper or plastic line that runs to the back of the fridge. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Do not force it; a quarter turn is usually enough.

Open the freezer and look for the ice maker. If water is currently leaking from it, place a towel underneath to catch drips. Gently pull the ice bucket out if there is one. You should now see the ice maker unit itself, either mounted on the wall or behind a removable panel. This is the part you are about to remove.

Disconnect the water line and remove the old ice maker

Look at where the water line connects to the ice maker. On most Samsung models, the connection is a push-fit or a compression fitting. If it is a push-fit (the line just slides in), you can usually pull it straight out by hand. If it is a compression fitting (a nut you can see), use an adjustable wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise while you hold the fitting steady with your other hand. Have a small cup or towel ready to catch any water that drips out.

Once the water line is free, look for the screws holding the ice maker to the wall or bracket. Most Samsung models have two or three screws on the sides or back. Use your screwdriver to remove them. Gently slide the ice maker straight out toward you. Do not pull at an angle or you may damage the mounting bracket. Set the old unit aside.

Install the new ice maker and reconnect the water line

Take the new ice maker out of its box and check that it matches your model number. Look at the installation kit that came with it. Most kits include a new water line connector, a bracket, and instructions specific to your model. Read those instructions first, because some Samsung models have slightly different connection methods.

Slide the new ice maker into the space where the old one was, aligning it with the mounting bracket. Insert and tighten the screws by hand first, then use your screwdriver to snug them down. Do not over-tighten; you only need them tight enough that the unit does not move.

Now reconnect the water line using the connector from the installation kit. If the kit includes a new compression fitting, screw it onto the water inlet on the back of the ice maker by hand first, then use your wrench to tighten it another half turn. If the kit includes a push-fit connector, push the water line firmly into it until you hear or feel a click. Tug gently on the line to make sure it is seated.

Turn the water back on and run the system

Go back to the water shut-off valve and turn it counterclockwise to open it. Listen for water flowing into the ice maker. You should hear a brief humming sound as the system pressurizes. Check under the ice maker for any drips. If you see water leaking from the connection, turn the valve off again and tighten the fitting another quarter turn with your wrench.

Once the water is on and there are no leaks, close the freezer door and let the ice maker run for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, air is being pushed out of the water line. The first batch of ice cubes will likely be hollow, cloudy, or misshapen. This is normal. Discard the first two or three batches and the ice should clear up after that.

Troubleshoot if the ice maker still does not work

If the new ice maker is installed but still not producing ice, check these things in order. First, make sure the water valve is fully open and the line is not kinked or frozen. Second, confirm that the ice maker is turned on—there is usually a switch or button on the unit itself or a control on the refrigerator's display panel. Third, listen for the sound of water filling the mold. If you hear nothing, the water line may not be connected tightly enough.

If water is flowing but ice is not forming, the freezer temperature may be too warm. Samsung ice makers need the freezer set to 0°F or below. Check your refrigerator's temperature settings and adjust if needed. Wait 24 hours for the freezer to reach the correct temperature, then check again. If you still have no ice after 24 hours and the water line is connected, the new ice maker may be defective and you should contact the supplier about a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you do not need to turn off the refrigerator itself. You only need to turn off the water supply at the wall valve. Leaving the fridge on keeps the freezer cold while you work, which is actually helpful because a warm freezer can cause ice to melt and make a mess.

What if I cannot find the water shut-off valve?

The valve is usually behind the refrigerator on the wall, or under the sink in the cabinet below. If you cannot find it there, check the basement or crawl space if your home has one—the main water line may run through there. If you still cannot locate it, you can shut off the main water supply to your entire house, though this is a last resort.

Can I use the old water line or do I have to use the new one in the kit?

Use the new water line and connector from the installation kit. The old line may be kinked, cracked, or the wrong size for the new ice maker. Using the kit parts ensures a proper fit and reduces the risk of leaks.

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

The ice maker should start filling and freezing within a few minutes of turning the water back on. The first batch of cubes takes about 2 to 4 hours to freeze solid. Discard the first few batches because they will be cloudy or hollow from air in the line.

What if the ice maker leaks after I install it?

Turn off the water valve immediately and check the water line connection. If it is a compression fitting, tighten it another quarter turn with your wrench. If it is a push-fit connector, pull the line out and push it back in firmly until you hear a click. If the leak continues, the connector may be defective and you should order a replacement from the parts supplier.