What You Need to Know Before You Start

Replacing an ice maker in a Whirlpool refrigerator is a task most homeowners can do themselves in 30 to 45 minutes, though the exact steps depend on which Whirlpool model you own. The ice maker is a self-contained unit that clips or screws into a bracket inside the freezer compartment, and disconnecting it requires turning off the water supply to the refrigerator, removing a few fasteners, and unplugging an electrical connector. You do not need special tools—a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench are usually enough.

The hardest part is often finding the right replacement part number for your specific model. Whirlpool ice makers are not universal; a unit designed for a side-by-side refrigerator will not fit an over-under model, and even within those categories, different years and configurations use different assemblies. Before you buy anything, locate your refrigerator's model number (usually on a sticker inside the fridge or freezer) and confirm the exact ice maker part that matches it.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply to the refrigerator at the shutoff valve behind or under the unit before you disconnect anything.
  • Find your Whirlpool refrigerator's model number on the interior sticker and use it to order the correct replacement ice maker assembly from Whirlpool, a parts retailer, or a third-party manufacturer.
  • The ice maker clips or bolts to a bracket inside the freezer and connects to a water line and an electrical plug that you must disconnect before removal.
  • After installation, allow 24 hours for the new ice maker to produce its first batch of ice, and check for water leaks around the connection point.

Locate Your Model Number and Order the Right Part

Open your refrigerator and look for a sticker on the interior wall, usually on the side wall or the back of the fridge section. This sticker lists your model number, which typically starts with letters like WRF, WRS, or WRT followed by numbers. Write down the entire model number—for example, WRF535SWHZ. This number is essential because Whirlpool uses different ice maker assemblies for different refrigerator lines, and ordering the wrong one means a wasted trip and a part that will not fit.

Once you have the model number, search for the ice maker part on Whirlpool's official parts website, Amazon, eBay, or specialty appliance parts retailers like AppliancePartsPros or PartSelect. The part number for an ice maker usually begins with W or WPW followed by numbers. Expect to pay between $150 and $350 for a genuine Whirlpool ice maker, though aftermarket replacements may cost less. Some retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can offset the cost of the part itself. Before you order, confirm that the listing states it is compatible with your exact model number.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you touch anything inside the refrigerator, locate the water shutoff valve that feeds the ice maker. This valve is usually located behind the refrigerator, where the water line enters the unit, or underneath the refrigerator near the floor. The valve is a small knob or lever on the copper or plastic water line. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever to the off position) until it stops. Do not force it—a gentle, firm turn is enough.

After you shut off the water, open the freezer and look at the ice maker. You should see a small plastic or copper water line connected to the bottom or back of the unit. If there is any water in the line, place a small cup or towel underneath the connection point before you disconnect it. Some water may drip out, and you want to catch it rather than have it pool on your freezer floor. This step takes only a minute but prevents a mess later.

Remove the Old Ice Maker

Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet. This is the safest way to work on any electrical component. Once the power is off, locate the electrical connector on the back or bottom of the ice maker—it looks like a small plastic plug with two or three wires attached. Gently pull the connector straight out. Do not yank on the wires themselves; pull on the plastic connector body.

Now disconnect the water line. If it is held on with a small clip or collar, squeeze the clip and pull the line straight out. If it is threaded onto a fitting, use an adjustable wrench to hold the fitting steady while you turn the nut counterclockwise with another wrench. Once the water line is free, look for the fasteners that hold the ice maker to its mounting bracket. Most Whirlpool ice makers are held in place by two or three Phillips screws or a combination of screws and clips. Remove these fasteners and set them aside in a small container so you do not lose them. Slide or lift the old ice maker out of the bracket and set it aside.

Install the New Ice Maker

Before you install the new unit, check that the mounting bracket inside the freezer is clean and free of ice buildup. If there is frost or ice around the bracket, wipe it away with a dry cloth. Slide the new ice maker into the bracket, aligning the screw holes or clip points with the bracket. Insert the fasteners and tighten them firmly but not so hard that you crack the plastic housing of the ice maker.

Reconnect the water line first. If the line uses a clip or collar, push it onto the fitting until you hear or feel a click. If it is threaded, hand-tighten the nut onto the fitting, then use a wrench to snug it another quarter turn. Do not over-tighten; you only need enough pressure to prevent leaks. Reconnect the electrical plug by pushing it straight onto the connector until it clicks into place. Plug the refrigerator back into the wall outlet and move on to testing.

Turn the Water Back On and Test

Go back to the water shutoff valve behind or under the refrigerator and turn it counterclockwise (or flip the lever to the on position) to restore water flow. Listen for the sound of water flowing into the ice maker—you should hear a brief humming or buzzing sound as the water valve opens and fills the ice maker's reservoir for the first time. This usually lasts only a few seconds.

Open the freezer and look at the connection point where the water line meets the ice maker. Watch for any drips or leaks for the next minute or two. If you see water dripping, turn the shutoff valve back off, disconnect the water line, and check that the fitting is clean and free of debris. Reconnect the line and try again. If leaks persist, the fitting may be damaged and the new ice maker may need to be replaced.

Allow 24 hours for the new ice maker to produce its first batch of ice. During this time, the unit will fill with water, freeze it, and eject the cubes. You may hear clicking, buzzing, or humming sounds as the ice maker cycles through its harvest process. This is normal. After 24 hours, open the ice bucket and check that cubes are being produced. If the bucket is still empty, the ice maker may not be getting power or water, and you should check both connections again.

Troubleshooting Common Problems After Installation

If the ice maker is not producing ice after 24 hours, the most common cause is a water line that is not fully connected or a shutoff valve that is not fully open. Go back and check both. Another possibility is an air lock in the water line—if the line was empty for a long time before installation, air may be trapped inside. Run water through the line by opening the water dispenser on the refrigerator door (if your model has one) for 30 seconds, then wait another 24 hours for the ice maker to cycle again.

If you see water pooling in the freezer or dripping from the ice maker, the water line connection is leaking. Turn off the water, disconnect the line, and inspect the fitting and the end of the line for cracks or debris. If the fitting looks clean, reconnect it and try again. If the leak continues, the new ice maker may have a defective water inlet valve, and you should contact the retailer or Whirlpool for a replacement. Most retailers and manufacturers honor warranty claims on defective parts within 30 days of purchase.

When to Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable working with water lines or electrical connections, or if you do not feel confident locating the shutoff valve, a professional appliance repair technician can do this job for you. The labor cost is usually $150 to $300 on top of the cost of the part. If your refrigerator is still under warranty, check the warranty terms before you attempt the repair yourself—some warranties require that repairs be done by an authorized technician, and doing the work yourself may void coverage.

A technician can also diagnose whether the problem is truly the ice maker or something else, such as a clogged water line or a faulty water inlet valve on the refrigerator itself. If you have already replaced the ice maker and it still is not producing ice, a professional can pinpoint the cause more quickly than trial and error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the refrigerator while I replace the ice maker?

Yes, you should unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet before you disconnect the electrical connector on the ice maker. This prevents accidental shock and protects the refrigerator's electrical system. You do not need to turn off the cooling system in advance—just unplug it when you are ready to start the work.

What if I cannot find the water shutoff valve?

The shutoff valve is usually located behind the refrigerator where the water line enters the unit, or underneath the refrigerator near the floor. If you cannot find it there, check under the sink in the kitchen—some refrigerators are fed from a line that branches off the sink's water supply. If you still cannot locate it, you can shut off the main water supply to your house, but this is a last resort and will affect all water in your home.

Can I use a third-party ice maker instead of a genuine Whirlpool part?

Yes, many aftermarket ice makers are designed to fit Whirlpool refrigerators and cost less than genuine parts. However, make sure the part number matches your model number exactly. Aftermarket parts carry their own warranties, which may be shorter than Whirlpool's warranty. Read the product description and customer reviews to confirm compatibility before you buy.

How long does it take for a new ice maker to start producing ice?

Most new ice makers produce their first batch of ice within 24 hours of installation. Some units may take longer if the water line was empty and needed to fill completely. If no ice appears after 48 hours, check that the water line is connected, the shutoff valve is fully open, and the electrical connector is fully seated.

What should I do if water leaks from the ice maker after I install it?

Turn off the water shutoff valve when ready and check the water line connection. Make sure the fitting is hand-tight and that the line is fully inserted into the connector. If the leak continues after you reconnect it, the new ice maker may have a defective inlet valve. Contact the retailer or Whirlpool to arrange a replacement.