How to Fix a Frozen Water Tank in a Side by Side Refrigerator

Check the refrigerator's thermostat setting; the fresh food compartment should be set no lower than 37 Fahrenheit, or 3 Celsius. If your appliance has a digital thermostat that lets you set a specific temperature, make the changes using the control panel. You might need a thermometer to accurately set dial-controlled models. Wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the desired temperature. The tank should thaw out over the next few days.

Keep the crisper drawers at least half full if your model has separate temperature controls for the fruit and vegetable storage areas. Selecting the coldest setting and leaving the drawers empty causes cold air to pool in the bottom of the appliance, resulting in the water tank freezing. To thaw the tank, select the highest temperature setting for each crisper drawer.

Move your food to an alternate location, and unplug the refrigerator for 24 hours. Open the fresh food and freezer compartment doors to allow room temperature air to enter the appliance and thaw the tank faster. Place an old towel in front of the doors to catch any ice melting from the appliance.