How to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator water reservoir

Is your refrigerator’s water reservoir in need of a replacement, causing inconvenient leaks or poor water flow? Don’t fret—with just a few common tools, you can tackle the issue head-on. Scroll down to uncover our step-by-step guide and watch our informative video to effortlessly restore your fridge to its optimal performance!

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.

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.

Watch here: How To Replace: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Water Reservoir W10502642

Tools and materials needed

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Side-cutting pliers (dikes or diagonal cutters)
• Electrical tape
• Zip ties
• Replacement part W10502642 (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)

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.

Replacement steps

Remove the shelves 

1. To begin, open both French doors.
2. Remove all the shelves, starting with the smaller one on top. Lift it up and release the rear hooks.
3. Remove the crisper drawers by pulling them out and lifting them up.
4. Remove the glass shelf.
5. Lift up and remove the crisper support frame by lifting the front end and pulling it out.

Remove the water filter 

1. Open the water filter compartment by pushing the tab forward.
2. Bring down the water filter and place a towel underneath to catch any water that may come out. Turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it.
3. Remove the filter frame using a flathead screwdriver to press in the tabs on both sides and pull down.
4. Remove the cover panel by opening the four tabs with a flathead screwdriver. Press down on the lower tabs and remove the panel.
5. Remove the filter cover by spreading apart the two hinges.
6. Pull out the water valve. There are a couple of clips on the top and one at the bottom. Use a flathead screwdriver to free the valve.
7. Remove the ground wire and set it aside.
8. Disconnect the tube from the top of the valve by pressing down on the collar with a flathead screwdriver.
9. Release the two water lines from their brackets by pulling them out, using a flathead screwdriver to help.

Remove the base and connector

1. Remove the filter base from its bracket. 
2. Two tabs at the back interlock into slots on the ceiling. 
3. Turn the base over and push the tab down to remove the filter connector from the housing.
4. Slide the connector out gently.
5. Remove the mounting bracket by pulling it out. There are tabs on the right side that lock into grooves.
6. Disconnect the water line from the water inlet valve at the back of the fridge by removing the rear access panel with a quarter-inch nut driver.
7. Remove the cover and pull out the water line by pressing down on the blue collar.

Install the new reservoir

1. Make the water line longer by cutting a couple of zip ties and freeing the line. Use side cutters gently.
2. Push out the line and squeeze it to loosen it. Save the zip tie for reinstallation.
3. Insert the new reservoir tube into the opening with the red cap pin through the hole and push it through.
4. Install the new bracket by sliding the two points into the slots and pressing the latches in.
5. Mount the filter base onto the bracket by aligning the pins and pushing them into place.

Reinstallation 

1. Reinstall the water valve by placing the line into the top port and pressing the two lines into their brackets.
2. Press the water inlet valve into place so it locks into the clips on the top and bottom.
3. Reconnect the ground wire and ensure the tube is secured.
4. Reinstall the upper cover by inserting the hinges into the pins and pressing it up.
5. Install the filter cover by aligning the hinges and pins, sliding it into place, and closing the door.
6. Place the crisper support frame back in, aligning the pins into the cutouts and lowering the front end.
7. Reinstall the glass shelf and crisper drawers by sliding them into place.
8. Replace the shelves, starting with the rear hooks and ending with the smaller ones.
9. Feed the water line through the opening where the water valve used to be and reinstall the rear access panel, securing it with quarter-inch screws.
10. Attach the plastic retainer to the water line and install the corresponding screw.
11. Connect the water line to the connector and plug the fridge in.
12. Open the water supply and check for any leaks.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the reservoir on your 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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