How to replace water filter housing WPW10121140 on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator’s water filter housing causing leaks or giving you a hard time when replacing the filter? This common issue can be easily fixed right at home without calling in a pricey technician. Check out the detailed guide and accompanying how-to video below to learn how you can replace your fridge’s water filter housing and restore its perfect functioning.

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 your Whirlpool refrigerator’s water filter area is leaking, dripping, or just not holding the filter right, the water filter housing (part WPW10121140) might be cracked or worn out. Good news, it’s an easy fix you can knock out in under 30 minutes. We’ll show you exactly how to replace it, step by step, so you can enjoy fresh water and ice again without the mess.

If you need a replacement water filter housing WPW10121140 for your Whirlpool refrigerator, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your refrigerator yourself. 

Watch the full repair here!

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.

Needed materials

For this repair job, you’ll need:

• 1⁄4 inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers
• 3⁄8 inch open-end wrench
• Replacement housing WPW10121140

With these tools on hand, the housing swap out takes about 30-45 minutes. You’ll need to disconnect the water lines and valve but following these steps will have fresh, clean water flowing in no time.

Removing the access panels

1. Start by turning off the water supply valve to the refrigerator.
2. Open both fridge doors and pull off the front grill, gripping it on both sides and sliding it up and off.
3. Press the release button to remove the water filter cartridge.
4. Take out the two 1⁄4 inch screws at the base of the housing using a nut driver.
5. Now move to the back of the fridge.
6. Remove all the 1/4-inch screws along the bottom of the rear access panel using the nut driver.
7. Pull off the panel to expose the water lines and valve.

Detaching the old housing

1. With the panels removed, you can detach the old water filter housing.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to disconnect the two wire plugs from the water valve.
3. Remove the 1/4-inch screw from the valve bracket.
4. Slide the valve sideways to provide more working room.
5. Use a 3/8-inch open-end wrench to loosen the compression fittings and disconnect the two water lines from the valve.
6. Have a towel ready to catch any drips.
7. Take out the two screws securing the drip pan.
8. Use needle nose pliers to bend back the retaining tab.
9. Slide the drip pan out of the way.
10. Now you can reach upwards and pull the filter housing down and out, gripping it by the water lines.
11. Detach the lines from the housing using the wrench to release the compression collars.
12. The old housing can now be fully removed.

Installing the new housing

1. With the old one out of the way, you’re ready to install the replacement water filter housing.
2. Remove the release button from the old housing and insert it into the new one, snapping it into place.
3. Position the new housing and connect the water lines, pressing them firmly into the fittings.
4. Slide the housing up into the mounting bracket on the back wall.
5. Push it in as far left as it will go.

Reassembling the refrigerator

1. Slide the drip pan back into place under the water lines.
2. Bend the retaining tab back down to hold it securely.
3. Reattach the water valve lines, seating them completely into the fittings.
4. Remount the valve and tighten the bracket screw.
5. Plug the wire connectors back into the valve terminals – white to brown, violet to violet.
6. With all the components reinstalled in the rear, mount the access panel.
7. Insert and tighten all the 1/4-inch screws to secure it.

Finishing the job

1. Move back to the front of the refrigerator.
2. Align the housing opening with the mounting holes.
3. Insert the two 1/4-inch screws to hold it in place.
4. Slide the front grill onto the mounting tabs to reattach.
5. Push the fresh water filter back into the housing until it clicks and locks in place.
6. Turn the water supply back on and open the fridge doors.
7. Let the water run for a few minutes to flush the lines and check for any leaks.
8. If everything looks dry, you successfully replaced the water filter housing!

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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