How to Fix a GE Refrigerator Frozen Water Line
The water line connecting your General Electric refrigerator to your household plumbing will freeze up if the refrigerator is too cold, stopping or restricting water leaving the dispenser. Because water expands as it freezes, thaw the pipes as soon as possible to avoid damaging other parts of the appliance. A frozen supply pipe sometimes causes the ice maker mechanism to malfunction and stop producing cubes.
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Turn up the refrigerator temperature to 40 F (4 C). Food stays fresh for longer when it's stored at the right temperature. Water in the pipes will start to freeze if the temperature drops below 32 F (0 C). Press the "Freezer" button, then increase the temperature by tapping the "Up" ("^") button. Press "Enter" to confirm. The frozen line can take several days to thaw after a temperature change.
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Store your food in another refrigerator, if possible. Pull out the crisper draws so you can see the water tank at the back of the refrigerator. Turn the hairdryer on high and gently warm the side of the tank for a few minutes. Let the hairdryer cool down before trying again. Repeat as necessary until you can access water from the dispenser.
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Empty the refrigerator and freezer compartments -- a badly iced water line needs complete defrosting. Make storage arrangements in advance so you don't waste any food. Unplug the freezer from the outlet, open the doors and place towels around the edge. Ice and water might drop out of the freezer while the power is disconnected. Plug the appliance back in after 48 hours.
References
- GE Appliances: Profile Series Side-by-Side Refrigerator Manual (PDF)
- GE Appliances: Refrigerator -- Steps to Take to Prevent Water Tank From Freezing
- GE Appliances: Print Refrigerator -- No or Slow Water from Dispenser
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, "Food Safety: Use a Refrigerator AND a Freezer Thermometer," Alice Henneman, Joyce Jensen
Tips
- Turn the adjustable temperature controls on the crisper draws (if fitted) to a low level when the refrigerator is nearly empty. Cold air naturally sinks to the bottom of the appliance, putting the water tank at increased risk of freezing when the appliance is low on food.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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