How to Replace a Water Line In a GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator

GE side-by-side refrigerators often include an automatic ice maker, as well as an ice dispenser and water fountain built into the freezer door. To make the ice and dispense water, the refrigerator requires a water supply. Most modern homes have a water supply valve installed on the wall behind the refrigerator, connecting to the refrigerator's water inlet valve via a water supply line. The water supply line is made of either copper or plastic; the latter must be replaced every few years to ensure that it does not rupture.

Adjustable wrench
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Move the refrigerator away from the wall and then unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
- 2
  Turn off the water supply valve by turning the handle clockwise until tight.
- 3
  Loosen the water line compression nut connected to the water inlet valve on the rear of the refrigerator. Remove the water line and then place the end in a bucket to catch the water contained in the line.
- 4
  Loosen the water line compression nut securing the water line to the water supply valve on the wall. Remove the water line.
- 5
  Pull the ferrules and compression nuts off of the old water line, if they are removable.
- 6
  Place a compression nut onto one end of the new water line, if the new water line does not have a compression nut already installed. Ensure that the threading faces the end of the line.
- 7
  Insert a ferrule into the end of the new water line, if the new water line does not have a ferrule installed.
- 8
  Insert the end of the water line into the end of the water supply line that leads into the water inlet valve on the rear of the refrigerator. Tighten the compression nut by hand and then turn the nut an additional turn using an adjustable wrench.
- 9
  Install the compression nut and ferrule onto the other end of the water line and then insert the water line into the water supply valve. Tighten the nut by hand and then tighten an additional turn using an adjustable wrench.
- 10
  Turn on the water supply valve and check both connections for leaks. Tighten the connections as needed if leaks are found.
- 11
  Plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet and then move the appliance back against the wall.

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