When and why to replace your ice maker
You need to replace your ice maker when it stops producing ice despite having water supply and power, when it leaks water inside the freezer, or when repair parts are no longer available for your model. Most ice makers last 10 to 15 years before internal components wear out. If your unit is older than that and has stopped working, replacement is usually cheaper and simpler than repair.
Before you decide to replace it, check whether the problem is actually the ice maker itself. Confirm that water is reaching the unit—look for a small copper or plastic water line running to the back of your freezer. If that line is kinked, frozen, or disconnected, fixing the supply line may be all you need. If water is reaching the ice maker but it still will not produce ice, the internal components have likely failed and replacement is your next step.
Key Takeaways
- Most ice makers are held in place by two screws and a water line connection that you can disconnect by hand or with a wrench.
- You will need to turn off the water supply to your refrigerator before disconnecting the old unit to avoid flooding.
- Replacement ice makers cost between $150 and $400 depending on your refrigerator brand and model.
- Installation takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires only a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and the part number for your specific refrigerator model.
- If you are uncomfortable working with water lines or electrical connections, a refrigerator technician can complete the replacement in under an hour.
Finding the correct replacement ice maker for your refrigerator
The ice maker you need depends on your refrigerator's brand and model number, not on the size or style of your freezer. Your model number is printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator—usually on the back wall, on the side wall, or on the ceiling of the fridge compartment. Write down the full number exactly as it appears.
Search that model number plus the words "ice maker replacement" on the manufacturer's website or on parts retailers like Repairclinic.com, Partselect.com, or Appliancefactory.com. These sites will show you the exact part that fits your machine. Do not buy a generic ice maker—it will not fit your refrigerator's water line connections or mounting brackets. Genuine manufacturer parts cost more but are may provide to work. Third-party parts made to the same specifications are usually cheaper and work just as well, but verify the part number matches your model before ordering.
Turning off the water supply
Before you touch the old ice maker, shut off the water supply to your refrigerator. Look behind or underneath your refrigerator for a small shut-off valve on the water line—it looks like a small knob or lever attached to the copper or plastic tubing. Turn the knob clockwise (or flip the lever to the off position) until it stops. You should feel resistance; do not force it.
If you cannot find a shut-off valve behind the refrigerator, the water line may connect to a valve under your kitchen sink or in a basement or crawlspace. Look for a valve labeled "refrigerator" or "ice maker" and turn it off the same way. If you still cannot locate a shut-off valve, you can turn off the main water supply to your house, but that is unnecessary if you work carefully—just have towels ready in case a small amount of water spills when you disconnect the line.
Removing the old ice maker
Open your freezer and locate the ice maker on the side wall or back wall. It is usually a white or black plastic box about the size of a loaf of bread. Look for two screws holding it to the wall—they are typically on the top or sides of the unit. Use a screwdriver to remove both screws and set them aside.
Gently pull the ice maker toward you to expose the water line connection at the back. The water line is a small copper or plastic tube connected to the ice maker with either a compression fitting (a small nut you can turn by hand or with an adjustable wrench) or a push-fit connector (a plastic clip you squeeze to release). If it is a compression fitting, use an adjustable wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise while holding the connector steady with your other hand. If it is a push-fit connector, squeeze the clip and pull the line straight out. Have a towel ready—a small amount of water may drip.
Once the water line is disconnected, pull the ice maker all the way out and set it aside. You may also see an electrical connector—a small plastic plug with two or three wires. Gently pull this connector straight out. Now the old ice maker is completely removed.
Installing the new ice maker
Before you install the new unit, check that the water line connection on the new ice maker matches the type you just disconnected. If your old unit had a compression fitting and the new one has a push-fit connector (or vice versa), you will need an adapter fitting, which costs $5 to $10 and is available at hardware stores or online.
Insert the electrical connector into the socket on the new ice maker—it will only fit one way, so do not force it. Push it in until you hear or feel a click. Next, reconnect the water line. If you are using a compression fitting, insert the tube into the connector and hand-tighten the nut, then use an adjustable wrench to turn it another quarter-turn clockwise. Do not over-tighten; you only need it snug enough that water does not leak. If you are using a push-fit connector, push the water line straight in until you hear a click.
Slide the new ice maker into the opening in the freezer wall and align the two screw holes. Insert both screws and tighten them with a screwdriver until the unit is snug against the wall. Do not over-tighten—the plastic can crack.
Testing the new ice maker and turning water back on
Turn the water shut-off valve back on by turning the knob counterclockwise (or flipping the lever to the on position). Check the connection you just made for leaks. Look at the compression fitting or push-fit connector for any water dripping. If you see a leak, turn the water off again, tighten the connection slightly more, and turn the water back on. Most leaks stop after a small adjustment.
Close the freezer door and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Open the freezer and look for ice in the ice maker's collection bin. If ice has begun to form, the unit is working. If no ice appears after 30 minutes, check that the water line is not kinked or frozen, and confirm that the electrical connector is fully seated. If you still see no ice after an hour, the new unit may be defective—contact the retailer or manufacturer for a replacement.
When to call a professional
If you are uncomfortable disconnecting the water line, working with electrical connectors, or reaching the ice maker in your freezer, a refrigerator technician can do this job in 30 to 60 minutes. The service call typically costs $100 to $200 in addition to the cost of the part. This is a reasonable choice if you are renting (your landlord may require a licensed technician) or if you want the work may provide.
You should also call a professional if you discover that the water line is frozen or kinked when you remove the old ice maker, or if the new ice maker does not produce ice after you have checked all the connections. These situations may indicate a problem with the water supply line itself, which requires diagnosis beyond ice maker replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a new ice maker to start producing ice?
Most ice makers produce their first batch of ice within 15 to 30 minutes of being turned on and connected to water. If your freezer is very warm, it may take longer. If no ice appears after an hour, check that the water line is connected and the electrical connector is fully seated.
Can I install a new ice maker if my refrigerator does not have a water line yet?
No. Installing a water line requires running copper or plastic tubing from your home's water supply to the back of your refrigerator, which is a plumbing job. You will need a plumber or a refrigerator technician to install the water line before you can install an ice maker.
What if my new ice maker leaks water into the freezer?
Turn off the water supply when ready and check the water line connection. If it is a compression fitting, tighten the nut slightly more with an adjustable wrench. If it is a push-fit connector, disconnect it and reconnect it firmly. If the leak continues, the connector may be damaged and needs replacement.
Do I need to drain my refrigerator before removing the old ice maker?
No, but you should turn off the water supply and have towels ready. There is usually only a small amount of water in the line, which will drip when you disconnect it. Draining the entire refrigerator is unnecessary and takes much longer.
Can I use a generic ice maker instead of the manufacturer's part?
Yes, as long as the part number matches your refrigerator model. Third-party ice makers made to the same specifications work just as well as manufacturer parts and usually cost less. Always verify the part number before ordering to may support it fits your model.