Ice in Freezer of a New Refrigerator Tastes Bad

How to Troubleshoot Low Water Flow With Kenmore Refrigerators
Written By
Andrew Todd
Andrew Todd
Published: Aug 9, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Water Flow

The refrigerator receives its water supply from a water-supply line connected to a water-supply valve on the wall of the refrigerator. The water-supply valve connects to the water-inlet valve on the rear of the refrigerator. The inlet valve has two supply tubes that transfer water from the inlet valve to the ice maker or water fountain. On most refrigerators, the water passes through a water filter, which removes dissolved solids from the water prior to the water flowing to the fountain to ice maker.

Flush Water-Supply Line

During the installation of the water-supply line on the rear of the refrigerator, it is important to connect the end of the water-supply line in a bucket. Once in the bucket, turn on the water-supply valve to allow a few quarts of water to flow through the water-supply line, which removes any dust, dirt and debris from inside of the line.

Flush Water Filter

Once the water-supply line is installed, and the refrigerator is ready for use, it is important to flush the water filter as well as the internal plumbing of the refrigerator. To do this, dispense water from the water fountain on the freezer door into a measuring cup, dumping the water as needed. Continue until at least two to three gallons of water are dispensed.

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Discard Ice Buckets

The ice maker begins producing ice immediately after the water-supply line and the refrigerator's power are connected. The first few buckets of ice may contain particles from the manufacturing process and must be thrown away. Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend discarding the first two full buckets of ice, after which, the ice will no longer taste bad.

Photo Credits

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Andrew Todd

Andrew Todd has been writing since 2006. He has written for the Consumer Search website and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central…

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