How to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator water inlet valve

Is your refrigerator leaking or failing to dispense water properly? It might be time to replace the water inlet valve, a simple fix that you can tackle yourself! Check out the detailed guide below, including an easy-to-follow how-to video, and bring your appliance back to perfect working condition in no time.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve WPW10498990

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• 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 injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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 the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• 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.

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part number WPW10498990 (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Quarter-inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Flathead screwdriver
• Protective gloves

Replacement steps

Disassembly and removal

1. Locate the rear access panel on the back of the fridge.
2. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, remove the several quarter-inch screws that are securing the access panel.
3. After removing all the screws, gently pull off the access panel and set it aside.
4. Locate the plug on the access panel and use pliers to turn and remove it, allowing you to remove the cover.
5. Press in the tabs on the cover, and then remove the cover.
6. Locate the water line connected to the old water inlet valve.
7. Press down on the blue collar to release the tube and pull out the water line.
8. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the spark plug.
9. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, remove the single quarter-inch screw securing the old water inlet valve.
10. Gently pull the old valve out and down, then lift it slightly to remove it completely. This may take some effort, but the valve will come out.

Installation and reassembly 

1. Insert the new water inlet valve into the cutout, with the end that has the coil going in first.
2. Lift the valve up slightly and then pull in the bottom portion to secure it in place.
3. Use the quarter-inch nut driver to secure the new water valve to the access panel using the quarter-inch screw.
4. Insert the water line tube into the new water inlet valve, pushing it all the way in.
5. Install the plastic cover, making sure the tabs go in correctly.
6. Plug in the water valve.
7. Place the bottom of the access panel inside the opening.
8. Push the access panel down and align the holes.
9. Use the quarter-inch nut driver to install the screws and secure the access panel.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the water inlet valve on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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