A Leaking Valve in a GE Ice Maker

Saddle Valve

• The supply line connects to the water supply underneath the sink via a saddle valve. Saddle valves are welded to the copper supply line coming through the wall. Leaks from a saddle valve require cutting out the saddle valve using a copper pipe cutter. Once the valve is removed, a new valve is soldered into place using flux and a propane torch. Soldering takes practice. Before performing a soldering job, it is best to practice on a small piece of copper.

Self-Tapping Valves

• Self-tapping valves are a special type of valve used mainly for plastic lines leading to the GE refrigerator. The valve has two brackets that fit over the water supply line and are held tight by a screw set. The handle of the self-tapping valve is turned until the valve punctures the supply line. The handle, when turned counterclockwise, releases water. A leaking saddle valve can be replaced by turning off the water line, unscrewing the valve and tightening a new one around the water supply line.

Water Inlet Valve

• The water inlet valve is usually located at the back of the GE refrigerator. The valve has a solenoid, a small electronic device that sends an electronic signal to the ice maker when the ice release lever is pressed at the front of the fridge. The valve releases water into the ice maker when the ice maker is running low.

Leaks

• Tighten any couplings on the water inlet valve to stop leaks from appearing. Turn off the water supply if leaks still appear. Remove the compression nut from the water inlet valve and wrap the threads of the valve with Teflon tape. The Teflon tape creates a watertight seal between the threads. If the valve sill leaks it needs to be removed from your GE fridge and replaced with a certified GE replacement part.