Water Pressure Slows Quickly in a GE Hotpoint Refrigerator Water Dispenser

Cause of Slow Water Pressure

• Because the water lines that feed your Hotpoint refrigerator are only 1/4-inch in diameter, they have a tendency to bend very easily. Bends and kinks in the line will greatly reduce the amount of pressure that's available to the water dispenser and ice maker, if applicable. Bends and kinks are caused when the refrigerator is moved or pushed too closely against the wall. Water lines might also be bent during maintenance or cleaning without realizing it.

Repairing Kinks

• It's important to straighten out any kinks to restore water pressure. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall with at least 3 feet of working space behind it. Get behind the refrigerator with a flashlight and trace the small water line that connects at the back of the refrigerator all the way to the valve connection in the wall. Inspect the entire length of the line looking for kinks or sharp bends. Straighten bent or kinked lines so that the hose maintains its diameter all the way from the wall to the refrigerator. Any kinks, even small ones, will greatly reduce the amount of water pressure that's available to the refrigerator water dispenser.

Checking the Supply Valve

• While you are inspecting the water line for kinks, it's also a good idea to make sure the small valve that supplies water to the line is open all the way. The valve is located in the wall and has a small T-handle on top. Turn this handle counterclockwise until it stops. This will ensure the valve is open all the way and providing as much water pressure as possible to the supply line and the refrigerator.

Putting the Refrigerator Back in Place

• When you are finished inspecting water lines and opening the valve, it's important that you not recreate the same problem when pushing the appliance back against the wall. Push the refrigerator back to the wall slowly while someone else keeps an eye on the water line. If the line begins to bend or crush as the refrigerator moves, stop and reposition the line before starting again. As long as the water line is straight, it should not have any problems maintaining steady water pressure.