How to replace a water inlet valve on a Whirlpool ice machine

A water inlet valve on a Whirlpool ice machine is responsible for maintaining a continuous and adequate supply of ice. If this valve becomes faulty, you might notice issues like low ice production or even water leaks.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of replacing the water inlet valve by using a few common tools. You can save time and money by tackling this repair yourself.

If you need a water inlet valve, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find one. You can also visit this page.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Symptoms of a faulty water inlet valve

Understanding and addressing problems with your Whirlpool ice machine helps you keep a consistent supply of ice and prevents further damage to the appliance and potential water-related issues in your home.

These are the telltale signs that your valve needs to be replaced:

• Low ice production: This is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of a malfunctioning water inlet valve. It’s a strong indication that the valve isn’t allowing enough water to flow into the reservoir, which can result in smaller ice cubes or longer intervals between ice batches.
• Water leaks: A malfunctioning water inlet valve may fail to completely shut off after filling the reservoir. This can lead to water leaking into the ice bin causing the ice to ice in the bin to melt quicker. 
• Irregular ice cube shape or size: When the water inlet valve doesn’t deliver a consistent flow of water, you may see misshapen or smaller ice cubes. Ice cubes that are oddly shaped, have cracks, or appear incomplete are a clear sign that the valve is not supplying a uniform amount of water to the reservoir.
• No ice production: The most alarming symptom of a faulty water inlet valve is a complete absence of ice production. If your ice machine is no longer generating ice cubes despite being powered on and maintained, the water inlet valve may be entirely closed or severely restricted, which can prevent any water from reaching the reservoir.
• Loud or unusual noises: In some cases, a malfunctioning valve can produce loud or unusual noises during the ice-making process. You might hear hissing, banging, or clunking sounds as water struggles to flow through a partially closed valve. 
• Slow ice dispensing: If you notice that ice cubes are being made at a slower rate than usual, it could be due to restricted water flow in a partially obstructed or malfunctioning water inlet valve.

What you need

• 1/4-inch nut driver – for loosening and tightening screws 
• Towel or small container – to catch residual water during the replacement process.

Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it. 
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Remove the front grille

1. Locate the front grille of the ice machine, which is typically found at the bottom.
2. Use your 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the four screws securing the grille in place.
3. Gently pull out the bottom of the grille.
4. Direct the grille downwards to fully disengage it. 
5. You might need to push back on the top of the ice machine to release the front cover from the hinge plate.
6. The white divider is essential for preventing condenser air bypass so the ice machine functions efficiently. Take a moment to make sure the white divider is in the right spot.

Step 2 – Remove the old valve

1. Make sure the ice machine’s water supply is turned off.
2. Find the water inlet valve, which is typically positioned within the cabinet of the ice machine.
3. Remove the ¼-inch screw that secures it to the cabinet. 
4. Remove the wiring harness connector from the valve. 
5. Press down on the locking collar that secures the water line and pull the line out.
6. Use a container or towel to catch any residual water that may flow from the disconnected tube.
7. With the quick connect released, carefully disconnect the water tube from the old valve. Take your time to avoid any damage to the tube or the valve during this process.

Step 3 – Install the new water inlet valve

1. Connect the water line by pushing it in until it bottoms out to create a good seal. 
2. Connect the electrical wiring harness connector.
3. Align the new water inlet valve with the mounting holes in the cabinet where the old valve was located.
4. Hold the valve in place and use the nut driver to insert the screw that holds the valve in place. 

Step 4 – Reinstall

1. Reinsert and tighten the screws that secure the new water inlet valve to the cabinet.
2. Make sure the valve is firmly in place, and there isn’t any wobbling or movement.
3. Double-check that the water tube and electrical connection to the new valve are secure.
4. Verify that there are no loose wires or tubes.
5. Realign the front grille with its original position on the ice machine.
6. Carefully slide the grille into place.
7. Secure the grille by reinserting and tightening the four screws you removed earlier.

Finish up

Now that you’ve installed the new water inlet valve in your Whirlpool ice machine, it’s time to test it to make sure the replacement was successful.

1. Turn the water supply back on.
2. Restore the power supply to the ice machine and turn it on.
3. Allow the ice machine to run through a complete cycle. This typically takes around 25 minutes.

• Monitor the area around the newly installed water inlet valve for any signs of water leaks. 
• Listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations
• Pay attention to the ice machine’s performance, such as the speed of ice production and the quality of the ice cubes.

Additional information

Thanks for reading!  We hope this guide helped you fix the water inlet valve on your Whirlpool ice machine. 

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore thousands of our other videos and troubleshooting guides. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog and more. 

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!