How to Disconnect the Hose on a Refrigerator Door

Electrical Safety

• Before working on any electrical appliance, it's always a good idea to shut off the power. In the case of a refrigerator, this may prove troublesome if the power socket is in a hard to reach location, such as behind the appliance. If you cannot reach the socket, cut the power to the refrigerator at the main circuit breaker by flipping the switch to the off position.

Water Supply

• When disconnecting the hose from a refrigerator door, it's also a good idea to cut the water supply for the refrigerator to help prevent leaks. Look beneath the nearest sink for the water supply hose from the refrigerator connected to the water supply valve. Rotate the handle on the end of the water supply clockwise until you feel it stop to cut the water.

Toe Panel Removal

• Most refrigerators will have a grill or toe panel placed between the bottom of the refrigerator door and the floor. This panel provides access to the drip pan underneath the appliance as well as the coils for cleaning. In order to gain access to the water hoses, the kick panel needs to be removed. These may be held in place with screws or bolts or they may be simply clipped onto the refrigerator chassis. Remove the toe panel and set aside.

Hose Connections

• The hose for the refrigerator door will be located in the corner beneath the refrigerator. You may need to open the door in order to access the hose, depending on your refrigerator model. The hose may be locked into place with a collar, which requires that you either slide the collar back before pulling the hoses apart or twist, counterclockwise or clockwise, a coupling. No matter what type of connection the hose has, there may be some leakage when disconnecting it, so have a towel ready to wipe up the water.