Can I Flush My Refrigerator Water Lines?

Basic Water Line Flush

• The water lines may need to be flushed after the water filter is changed or after the refrigerator is installed. This can be accomplished without disconnecting the water line. Hold a container under the water, and press down on the lever. The water may spurt at first while air is cleared from the line. After the water starts to flow, continue dispensing water for an additional three or four minutes to flush out any debris or sediment in the water line.

Non-Filter Refrigerators

• On refrigerators that do not have a water filter in the upper refrigerator compartment or in the toe grille, the water system is usually located in the refrigerator compartment behind the crispers. Pull out the crisper drawers to access the water reservoir. Disconnect the water tube from the reservoir and hold the end of the water tube in an emtpy container. Press the water dispenser lever and allow the water to flow out of the water tube into the container. Watch the water that flows out for any discoloration or debris. Once that water is totally clear of debris or residue, release the water dispenser lever. Remove the reservoir from the refrigerator, empty the reservoir of any excess water and replace the reservoir in the refrigerator. Reconnect the water line to the reservoir. Locate the water line connection under the freezer door, and disconnect the water line. Hold the end of the water line in a container and press the water dispenser again. Monitor the water that flows out of the tube, and when the water comes out clear, release the water dispenser lever. Reconnect the water line, and close the refrigerator and freezer doors. Flush the water dispenser into an empty container one more time until the water runs clear.

Filter Refrigerators

• The process for flushing the water line for refrigerators with a water filter in the refrigerator compartment or toe grille is different from the process for non-filter models. Disconnect power to the refrigerator. Turn off the automatic ice maker, and wait for all the ice to empty into the ice bin. Disconnect the water line from the water inlet valve on the rear of the refrigerator. Hold up the disconnected end of the water line, and slowly pour clean water into the water line. Continue to hold up the water line until the water finishes flowing through the water line, then reconnect the water line to the water inlet valve. Close the refrigerator door, reconnect power and flush the line by dispensing water from the water dispenser on the front of the freezer. Continue dispensing for several minutes to run the water through the lines.

Mold in the Water Line

• If there is mold in the water line on filter refrigerator models, plain water will not resolve the problem. Instead of pouring water into the disconnected water line, pour a chlorinated water mixture or soapy water into the water line. Reconnect the water line to the inlet valve, and let the cleaning solution sit in the water line for approximately 30 minutes. Flush the cleaning solution out of the water line by distributing water through the water dispenser until the water runs clear. Note that if there is mold in the water line on non-filter refrigerator models, the manufacturer should be contacted for professional service or replacement, because a cleaning solution cannot be poured through its water line to remove the mold.