Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Reservoir WP2256126 Replacement Guide

Is your Whirlpool refrigerator’s water dispenser delivering more drips than drinks? Don’t worry, because a leaky or inefficient water reservoir might be to blame, and you can fix it yourself with ease! We’ve laid out clear steps and included a handy how-to video below, so you can restore your fridge’s refreshing capabilities 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!

On a Whirlpool refrigerator, the water reservoir is responsible for holding and supplying water for the ice maker and water dispenser, allowing your refrigerator to provide fresh, chilled water and ice. 

Common signs that indicate the need for replacement include leaks, reduced water flow, or bad taste and odors in the water.

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your refrigerator back in working order. So, let’s get started!

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: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Water Reservoir WP2256126

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 (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Putty knife
• Towel
• Small 5/16” wrench
• 1/4” nut driver
• Silicone adhesive sealant 482338 

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Begin by opening the refrigerator door.
2. Pull out the drawers and lift them up to remove them completely. Set them aside.
3. To remove the shelves, first take out the glass piece to avoid dropping it.
4. Lift the shelf frame up and pull it forward to detach it. Repeat this process for the bottom shelf.
5. With the shelves removed, locate the water reservoir. If you have the old-style tank, you can cut the water lines and splice in a new reservoir using the provided connectors.
6. Open the freezer door to access the kick plate.
7. Use a putty knife to carefully pry off the kick plate by twisting it behind the access panel to pop it off. Set the kick plate aside.
8. Place a towel down to catch any water. Disconnect the water line from the top of the water filter housing.
9. Detach the blue end (5/16 size) using a small wrench to press in the release collar, then pull it out.
10. Move to the back of the refrigerator and remove the access cover using a quarter-inch nut driver to unscrew all screws. Set the cover aside.
11. Pull the water line through to the front and disconnect it from the water valve.
12. Use the wrench again to push up on the locking collar and pull down to disconnect the larger water line (5/16 size).
13. Return to the inside of the refrigerator. Use a putty knife to remove any silicone around the water line hole.
14. Pull the water lines up and unscrew the water reservoir from the back wall using a quarter-inch nut driver. Remove the old water reservoir.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Position the new water reservoir and guide the screw through the zip tie holder. Use the nut driver to secure it in place.
2. Feed the water lines through the hole, ensuring they are appropriately marked for length.
3. Apply silicone around the hole to prevent cold air leaks.
4. At the back of the refrigerator, route the longer water line towards the front, avoiding contact with copper lines or the fan blade.
5. Insert the water line into the water valve, ensuring it passes the O-ring and locks in place. Pull slightly to confirm it’s secure.
6. Route the line through the metal clips to keep it in place.
7. Replace the access cover, ensuring the top fits under the lip. Align the screw holes and secure it with the quarter-inch nut driver.
8. Go back to the front and pull out the new water line to reconnect it with the union.
9. Ensure it is pushed in straight, past the water seal, and bottomed out. Tug slightly to verify it’s secure.
10. Reattach the kick plate by lining up the clips on each end and locking it into place.
11. Carefully place the shelves back in as one piece, ensuring the glass doesn’t slip out.
12. Set the bottom shelf on its support post, then insert the drawers by aligning the rollers with the rails and pushing them back.
13. Close the refrigerator door and plug the unit back in.
14. Run water through the dispenser until all air bubbles are removed. Ensure the refrigerator starts to cool.

Additional information

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