How to Thaw a Frozen Refrigerator Water Supply Line

Refrigerators equipped with an automatic ice maker must connect to a steady water supply for making ice. Most refrigerators use a standard 1/4-inch supply line that extends from the back of the appliance to a cold water pipe, typically the plumbing under the kitchen sink. The water supply line may occasionally freeze and become blocked, which can happen if ice is not used for a period of time. The mechanical ice maker stands dormant because the ice bin is full, but the freezer continues to operate. Over time, the water in the supply line begins to freeze and becomes blocked. A hair dryer can thaw the pipe, but use extreme caution when operating an electrical appliance around water.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Bucket
• Electric hair dryer
• Plastic cup

Instructions

1. Close the small valve knob clockwise on the water supply line where it connects to the main pipe under your sink. This shuts off the water flow to the freezer while you thaw the line.

2. Remove the ice bin inside the freezer and empty the ice into a sink or use it in a portable cooler or ice chest.

3. Unplug the refrigerator power cord and slide the appliance a few feet away from the wall.

4. Disconnect the coupler nut on the end of the water supply line where it attaches to the threaded pipe on the back of your refrigerator's freezer panel, twisting the nut with pliers. Work gingerly to twist the coupler since the line may be brittle from the frozen water inside.

5. Lower the water line into a bucket to catch water as the ice melts inside the line.

6. Plug in an electric hair dryer to the outlet behind the refrigerator and adjust the dryer to the highest heat setting.

7. Turn on the hair dryer and direct the hot air stream onto the pipe on the back of the freezer to melt the ice. Hold a plastic cup or small container under the pipe to catch water as it drips.

8. Direct the hair dryer on the frozen end of the water line once the freezer pipe is clear. Thaw time depends on how far the ice has backed up inside the water line. Alternatively, leave the water line in the bucket to thaw on its own if you don't want to crouch behind your refrigerator brandishing a hair dryer.

9. Replace the ice bin in the freezer when the water line is clear.

10. Reattach the water line to the back of the freezer, turning the coupler nut clockwise by hand as far as you can. Seal the connection with one-half turn of the pliers.

11. Dry your hands before reconnecting the refrigerator power cord to the outlet.

12. Unscrew the water supply line shut-off valve under the sink.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the hair dryer lear of dripping water while thawing the water line to avoid risk of electric shock.

References

• Home Resource: Ice Maker Repair - Frozen Water Line