How to Replace the Tube in a Whirlpool Refrigerator Door

Disconnect the power to the refrigerator.

Remove the drip tray from the bottom of the ice and water dispenser. Hold the drip tray against the front of the refrigerator, below the edge of the dispenser housing. Insert the blade of a flat-head screwdriver into one of the slots in the bottom of the dispenser housing. Rest the shaft of the screwdriver against the drip tray, and pry out on the dispenser until the panel opens. Unplug the switch connector, and remove the panel.

Unplug the three wire connectors and the green ground wire. Remove the two hex-head screws located at the bottom of the panel with a nut driver. Remove the panel from the front of the refrigerator.

Open the freezer and refrigerator doors. Remove the two Phillips-head screws holding the grill to the base of the refrigerator. Pull the grill off the front of the refrigerator. Place a shallow pan in front of the refrigerator to catch water when you disconnect the dispenser tube.

Unscrew the dispenser tube from the union located under the front edge of the refrigerator. Use pliers to loosen the tube from the union, and remove the nut from the end of the tube. Catch any water in the shallow pan.

Slide the tube through the wire tie on the hinge of the refrigerator door. Tape the end of the new tube to the bottom end of the old tube. Pull the top end of the old tube out of the dispenser opening, feeding the new tube into the refrigerator door until it extends out of the dispenser.

Remove the bracket from the end of the old tube. Slide it onto the new tube, leaving approximately 1 inch of tubing extending through the bracket. Install the bracket and tubing in the dispenser opening. Insert the panel in the opening. Install and tighten the two hex-head screws. Plug in the wire connectors and ground wire.

Plug in the switch connector, and snap the panel over the dispenser opening. Place the drip tray in the bottom of the dispenser.

Slide the nut over the bottom of the new tube. Insert the end of the tube into the union, and tighten the nut securely. Place the grill on the base of the refrigerator. Install and tighten the two retaining screws. Close the doors, and plug in the refrigerator.