How to Replace a Water Hose on a Refrigerator

Keep your kitchen leak-free with a new water hose for your refrigerator

Refrigerators, in some form or another, have been with mankind for thousands of years. ln ancient times, clay pots soaked in water were used to keep food cool, while today we have electronic refrigerators with built-in Internet access. One of the innovations introduced in refrigerators in modern times was built-in water dispensers and icemakers. In order to have these on your refrigerator, they need to be hooked up with a hose to a water supply. Unfortunately, these hoses can sometimes spring a leak. In that case, you'll have to replace the water hose on your refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• New water hose
• Bucket
• Adjustable wrench
• Towels
• Steel wool
• Plumber's tape

Instructions

1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it. Have an assistant help you if it's a heavy model.

2. Locate the water supply valve by tracing the water hose on your refrigerator. Turn off the water at the supply valve by turning the knob clockwise.

3. Place the bucket beneath the connection between the refrigerator hose and the shutoff valve. Using the adjustable wrench, loosen the coupling nut that holds the water hose to the valve. Use the bucket to catch the water that leaks out. Allow the water to drain out of the hose. Clean up any spilled water with a towel.

4. Repeat the process for the other end of the water hose attached to the inlet valve on the refrigerator. Wipe up any spilled water.

5. Use a piece of steel wool to clean the threads on the refrigerator water inlet. Wrap the threads with a piece of plumber's tape. Take one end of the new water hose and thread it onto the refrigerator inlet. Hand tighten at first, then give it an additional turn with the adjustable wrench.

6. Repeat the process on the water supply valve.

7. Open up the water supply valve. Check the new water hose for leaks, particularly at the connections. Tighten if necessary.

8. Plug the refrigerator back in and push it back to its original location.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not overtighten the connections, as this could strip the threads.

References

• Appliance Aid: Water Line Installation
• Plumbing Knowledge: Install a Water Line

Resources

• Reader's Digest: Install Plumbing for a Refrigerator