Water Reservoir and Tubing

To do this repair, I shut off the water supply first. After removing the back panel, I disconnected the first water tank (PS291933) tube from the valve near the back of the refrigerator by pushing the white ringclamp towards the valve which released the tubing (once disconnected I could clearly see the hairline crack in the tube responsible for the water). I then disconnected the other water tank tube from the connector located in the bottom left front of the refrigerator. Then, after removing the bottom shelves and compartments, I unscrewed the two screws securing the water tank to the inside back wall. Then I carefully pulled the water tank and the tubing out from inside the refrigerator. The installation of the new water tank was essentially the reverse of the above, with the exception that I had to use a 2x4 to prop up the refrigerator and my 7-year old daughter's hand to help guide the tube to the front of the fridge. One of the lines did leak initially, but stopped after I removed and reconnected the tube more securely. My only unfinished business with this part of the repair (which I'm not losing sleep over) is I'm not sure where to find the 'insulation wrap' that was around the water tank tubes inside the fridge.

During my investigation of the water tank, I also noticed the tube on the outside back of the fridge going to the icemaker was leaking, so I bought a new grommet & tube (PS292253). Installation was easier than the water tank, but was more of a mystery until the part showed up and I saw that only adhesive tape was used to secure the grommet to the hole in the outside back of the freezer near the icemaker. Again, only had to disconnect the tube from the valve at the bottom of the fridge and pull out the grommet from the top outside. (I did remove the ice cube tray from the inside to avoid contaminating it during the work). Then I connected the new tubing and secured the grommet to the back of the fridge using the adhesive tape. So far no leaks!


I also will likely need to add that WR49X10173 part to hopefully avoid my water dispensor from freezing in the future.

First I removed the two screws that hold the tank in place. I then pulled the tank out about 3 inches and cut the water tubes to tank. Replaced new tank using 5/16 quick connects for water tubes.

Had to go to a plumbing supplier and buy two in-line quick connects for 5/16" tubing (Be nice if Partselect added these). Ace, Lowes, and Home Debot didn't carry them.Took out two drawers and glass tops and this exposed the water reservoir. Cut the existing 5/16" tubing down far enough to utilize the new tubing. Had to remove some foam covering. Not a problem. Removed old reservoir with philips screw driver (two screws) and installed new reservoir. Cut new tubing to desired length. Used the in-line quick connects to connect the tubing and put glass covers and drawers back into refrigerator.

Undid the three screws (one just held the light, which had to be detached but not removed from the refer), cut the lines several inches up, and removed the old reservoir. No quick connects came w/the part, and 5/16" items are not available in most stores, including Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, True Value, etc, so had to order separately on line (search 5/16" quick connect) (another $12 with S&H). Don't use a pinching type tool to cut the lines - not a smooth cut. I used a miniature pipe cutter I happened to have because I am a hobbyist. Cut the lines on the new reservoir at same place as old one, pushed the quick connects on, pushed the QCs on the lines sticking out of the refer, replaced screws, and was done. Quick connects should be included with this part.

easy, the ge part had correct length tubing. used the push in connectors, and a screw driver. much easier than anticipated.

Problems and solutions:
Frig started freezing everything. Opened frig door and a wave of water came out (from the water maker). Had Sears repairman out. $65 later, tells us it's a small flap that's broken that controls the cooling. Fixed that with JB Weld. Bought a new water filter, because it had cracked. Turned water on, water started leaking badly into frig from connection to filter. Bought the connection and tube. Water still didn't work. Ran a wire up into water line, there was an obstruction. Used hairdryer. Nothing. Used eyedropper with warm water, that melted the obstruction, water is now working. From the time the frig broke to the time it worked correctly took about 3+ years. We have seen from the repair forum that these refrigerators have a LOT of problems with the water in the door feature. Thank goodness my husband is extremely handy and is able to intuitively fix things, otherwise we would have thrown this refrigerator out long ago and replaced it.