My water line started freezing every other day. I read a hack to line the inside of the freezer door with insulation. I bought one of those mylar type hot/cold bags from the dollar store, cut it open, and taped it to the inside of the freezer door. Its been over 3 months and water has not froze once.
I am having trouble removing the plastic water dispenser front cover (frame) to paint it. I put painters tape around it to protect the enamel and am using a putty knife and screw driver to pop out the attachment pieces. However, it is still holding on in one place. Do you have any videos on how to get it off without breaking it?
Thank you for sharing. I have the same exact GE side by side Frige and I cannot seem to find the location of the defrost timer I have looked everywhere???? Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
Of course, but the heat travels down through the metal liner. That's why it's important to know if your fridge has a metal or plastic liner. This repair fails when using it on plastic liner models according to GE. Easy way to tell is by looking at the serial number. The serial number is alphanumeric. If the first number that appears is a 2, you have a metal liner. If it's a 4, it's plastic and installing the heater is a waste of time.
Turn on the light, cover the opening with a paper towel to help hold the heat, if you wish to speed up the thawing time. How about a class action lawsuit to make GE do the right thing? The wire thing will help get it open, but for how long?
I fed some trimmer line through the dispenser tube. Line still freezes, but pulling out the line breaks the ice so the water dispenses again. Minor inconvenience, but it’s a cheap, easy solution.
Sears installed a heating element the first time . . . . 2nd visit something else . . . . . still. Was told that I could open the freezer door and turn the frig off for an hour or so and it would thaw. It did, and that worked! I think the whole problem is the control on the thermostat that controls the temperature of the freezer. My freezer keeps freezing up even though I change the setting. Getting pricey! I'll talk to Sears.
i used my drop cord with 40 watt bulb and put light in glass water opening ,turned on bulb ,let stay in opening until thawed ,approx. 1hr.or less. worked perfectly.hope this will help.
I dethawed mine with a hair dryer. Worked initially, then the next morning....frozed again!! Going to try this method. Just ordered the part(s). What I'd like to know is if it STAYED working or not?? If it did....my issue should be resolved, but if not...have to focus elsewhere, but at least this will be installed for a meager $15!
I needed this video because my pressure switch detector stopped working, I took it all apart to find the plastic cup detector broke inside, I fixed it by drilling a hole and adding a piece of metal, but when I tried to put it all back together, I could not figure out how the detector get went back in. Thanks.
The heater is not for the tube. It's designed to transfer heat down through the metal inner liner thus this repair doesn’t work for plastic inner liner models. You can use a magnet to see if it sticks to the walls of your fridge or by looking at the serial number. If the first number in the alpha numeric sequence is a 2, then you have a metal liner. If it's a 4 then it's plastic and will not solve your problem. Btw put the silicone on after installing the heater.
I got a frigidaire side by side refrigerator , i use hairdryer to melt the water line and it work but the next day it freeze again, the only way for permanent fix the problem is put insulation inside the panel .It work for me thx.
Or... you could but the foil in first then put the silicone around the water port. Just say'en. Might want to whip the area with denuterd alcohol first.
Thanks Tom. I spent 4 hours on it the other day; got it working and lasted for 20 minutes efore freezing again. I will give it one more effort with the epoxy effort. Thank you!
Just sharing what I have found out doing some research. The heating element GE# WR49X10173 is ONLY recommended for metal liner SxS production built January 2003 through January 2007 (serial numbers AF through AM): Models BSS, DSS, ESH, GSH, GSS, GST, HSS, SSS. If you have plastic liner as seen here (which I think it is) in the video, GE does not recommend using the heating element. One, plastic is NOT a good heat conducting material and two, there is possibility of plastic melting down. The frozen water line is due to a design flaw; lack of adequate insulation material on the door. Some of the options you can try after thawing the water line are: 1. Raise the freezer temperature 2. Replace the door (approx. $600+) 3. Some claim that adding insulation padding to surface of door inside where water line travels helps
Put an electric heating pad in a plastic trash bag and place in where you sit a water glass. Plug it in turn on high and leave for 20-30 mins. No mess.
8/2020- I have teh same issue since I installed our and the weed whacker trick was getting old. I called GE the stupid part #WR49X10173 is $57.99+s/h I bought the part on eBay for $7.99 delivered, I am using your video to do mine this weekend. Unit works except for stupid water line issue! Did yours ever freeze up again?
The fridge is still working great. The water line froze up again after working for several months. I think the adhesive came unstuck. The waterline started leaking again so I have to take a look to see if the tubing cracked again. I have a water shut off for the fridge so I haven't looked at it yet. Maybe tomorrow if I feel motivated.
samuelsma1 I wondered the same thing. I just stuck some weedeater line in the nozzle about 10 inches in. If it ever freezes even with the heating element, a couple of pulls and shakes should break it apart. Can’t even tell it’s there.
I did that as well, but the hose froze so much withing minutes after getting the water to flow, I had to forcibly pull the string back out. If I get it working again, I'll put the weed wacker string back in and give it another go at it. :-)
That's not just dirt, that's mould and some lemon, vinegar or bleach should be used, w/ a good rinse. Also, you left the power on and the indicator light was still on. I've seen this w/ a few of these repairs and don't know why you guys don't worry about shock?
I have had this issue many times. I took out the water filter and dumped the water out and poured vodka in the filter plus got a short round candle and set it where a glass would go For water and it worked took 20 min. Make sure the candle isn’t to tall and melt plastic
A quicker and easier method is to use a Water Line Buddy form Amazon.....less than $15. I tried the tube heater and it melted my line after a couple of months.
Double sided tape is a bad idea as this heater works by transferring heat through the metal liner down through through the door. That's why this repair will not work on plastic inner liner models. Double sided tape severely impedes the transfer of heart. Simple way to fix this is add the sealant after installing the heater.
Ridiculous that GE sells a part to fix a problem they know exists with their refrigerators rather than just providing it as a courtesy to people with refrigerators that have this issue. It is not as if the part failed and this is a replacement part. It is their design flaw.
I don't want to discount a good video, but you rub silicone all over the nozzle and the back wall, then you are surprised that the foil adhesive won't stick to it? Never, ever, NEVER use silicone on anything (unless you are building a fish tank). No known adhesive will ever stick to silicone, INCLUDING silicone. And there is no known solvent to clean it up. Do yourself a favor & throw away every tube of silicone in your garage. And tell all your employees to do the same.
Brilliant job showing all the steps. Fixed mine by following your guide. Well done and thanks.
My water line started freezing every other day. I read a hack to line the inside of the freezer door with insulation. I bought one of those mylar type hot/cold bags from the dollar store, cut it open, and taped it to the inside of the freezer door. Its been over 3 months and water has not froze once.
I am having trouble removing the plastic water dispenser front cover (frame) to paint it. I put painters tape around it to protect the enamel and am using a putty knife and screw driver to pop out the attachment pieces. However, it is still holding on in one place. Do you have any videos on how to get it off without breaking it?
Old plastic is brittle... its common for those to break. He didn't need to remove it for the repair he did
Thank you for sharing. I have the same exact GE side by side Frige and I cannot seem to find the location of the defrost timer I have looked everywhere???? Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
This might help th-cam.com/video/UB4XuRlkV2w/w-d-xo.html
The water gets frozen somewhere in the middle of the door, not near the water outlet.
Of course, but the heat travels down through the metal liner. That's why it's important to know if your fridge has a metal or plastic liner. This repair fails when using it on plastic liner models according to GE. Easy way to tell is by looking at the serial number. The serial number is alphanumeric. If the first number that appears is a 2, you have a metal liner. If it's a 4, it's plastic and installing the heater is a waste of time.
Hi do you have any recommendations for how to fix the LCD temperature control on the inside of this same refrigerator mines not working
Turn on the light, cover the opening with a paper towel to help hold the heat, if you wish to speed up the thawing time. How about a class action lawsuit to make GE do the right thing? The wire thing will help get it open, but for how long?
I fed some trimmer line through the dispenser tube. Line still freezes, but pulling out the line breaks the ice so the water dispenses again. Minor inconvenience, but it’s a cheap, easy solution.
Why no coming water when we replaced water filter
Sears installed a heating element the first time . . . . 2nd visit something else . . . . . still. Was told that I could open the freezer door and turn the frig off for an hour or so and it would thaw. It did, and that worked! I think the whole problem is the control on the thermostat that controls the temperature of the freezer. My freezer keeps freezing up even though I change the setting. Getting pricey! I'll talk to Sears.
I said "that worked" but I meant to add 'only temporarily'
FYI it is totally unnecessary to remove the frame around the ice dispenser. Only the control panel needs to be removed.
i used my drop cord with 40 watt bulb and put light in glass water opening ,turned on bulb ,let stay in opening until thawed ,approx. 1hr.or less. worked perfectly.hope this will help.
no special tools or cost!
I dethawed mine with a hair dryer. Worked initially, then the next morning....frozed again!! Going to try this method. Just ordered the part(s). What I'd like to know is if it STAYED working or not?? If it did....my issue should be resolved, but if not...have to focus elsewhere, but at least this will be installed for a meager $15!
It has not frozen up since.
Bought this still freezes up. I think adding insulation to refrigerator freezer door interior works better
I needed this video because my pressure switch detector stopped working, I took it all apart to find the plastic cup detector broke inside, I fixed it by drilling a hole and adding a piece of metal, but when I tried to put it all back together, I could not figure out how the detector get went back in. Thanks.
The heater is not for the tube. It's designed to transfer heat down through the metal inner liner thus this repair doesn’t work for plastic inner liner models. You can use a magnet to see if it sticks to the walls of your fridge or by looking at the serial number. If the first number in the alpha numeric sequence is a 2, then you have a metal liner. If it's a 4 then it's plastic and will not solve your problem.
Btw put the silicone on after installing the heater.
I got a frigidaire side by side refrigerator , i use hairdryer to melt the water line and it work but the next day it freeze again, the only way for permanent fix the problem is put insulation inside the panel .It work for me thx.
Or... you could but the foil in first then put the silicone around the water port. Just say'en. Might want to whip the area with denuterd alcohol first.
I installed the heater a year or so ago, and again no water. Hmmm.... I wonder if these heater kits are known to go bad.
The adhesive on mine did not stick so I used the two part epoxy to glue it in place to get the best heat transfer. My water dispenser still works.
Thanks Tom. I spent 4 hours on it the other day; got it working and lasted for 20 minutes efore freezing again. I will give it one more effort with the epoxy effort. Thank you!
@@tmc200527 I cleaned the surface with alcohol then heated the surface with a hair dryer, foil stuck really well
Just sharing what I have found out doing some research. The heating element GE# WR49X10173 is ONLY recommended for metal liner SxS production built January 2003 through January 2007 (serial numbers AF through AM): Models BSS, DSS, ESH, GSH, GSS, GST, HSS, SSS. If you have plastic liner as seen here (which I think it is) in the video, GE does not recommend using the heating element. One, plastic is NOT a good heat conducting material and two, there is possibility of plastic melting down. The frozen water line is due to a design flaw; lack of adequate insulation material on the door. Some of the options you can try after thawing the water line are:
1. Raise the freezer temperature
2. Replace the door (approx. $600+)
3. Some claim that adding insulation padding to surface of door inside where water line travels helps
@Wile E Coyote No by raising the freezer temperature it would make it warmer and keep the water line from freezing.
How would you replace the water line in the door that is broken inside the door
That's not dirt, it's mold. Dirt's not getting blessed up in there. It's mold from being moist all the time
Funny...if the industry KNOWS this is a common problem, do they PURPOSELY not install a built-in heater so we'll buy another fridge?
GE has a wire heating element but it surely does not work for me...
@@thomasjones-yc8lf I have this on mine & it still freezes! fucking Junk..I will never buy another G.E fridge!
You saved my butt and a ton of my money. Thank you for making this video!
Glad to hear it saved you some money.
Put an electric heating pad in a plastic trash bag and place in where you sit a water glass. Plug it in turn on high and leave for 20-30 mins. No mess.
8/2020- I have teh same issue since I installed our and the weed whacker trick was getting old. I called GE the stupid part #WR49X10173 is $57.99+s/h I bought the part on eBay for $7.99 delivered, I am using your video to do mine this weekend. Unit works except for stupid water line issue! Did yours ever freeze up again?
The fridge is still working great. The water line froze up again after working for several months. I think the adhesive came unstuck. The waterline started leaking again so I have to take a look to see if the tubing cracked again. I have a water shut off for the fridge so I haven't looked at it yet. Maybe tomorrow if I feel motivated.
@@tmc200527 What did you end up finding out?
@@twhicke ... He probably found out that new fridges are cheap on labor day 😂🤣
Thank you very helpful l work on a 12 year old 334 apartment complex and this is starting to be common issue.
Tom - did this end up working?
I use the water and ice dispenser every day now. No problems with the water line freezing anymore.
Sounds good, but is that because you use it every day and are not allowing it to freeze or because the heating element worked?
samuelsma1 I wondered the same thing. I just stuck some weedeater line in the nozzle about 10 inches in. If it ever freezes even with the heating element, a couple of pulls and shakes should break it apart. Can’t even tell it’s there.
I did that as well, but the hose froze so much withing minutes after getting the water to flow, I had to forcibly pull the string back out. If I get it working again, I'll put the weed wacker string back in and give it another go at it. :-)
So this ended up being a permanent fix?
Thanks Tom, your the man, I had the exact same problem and it fixed it for me.
That's not just dirt, that's mould and some lemon, vinegar or bleach should be used, w/ a good rinse. Also, you left the power on and the indicator light was still on. I've seen this w/ a few of these repairs and don't know why you guys don't worry about shock?
Low voltage.
Thank you for the DIY.
you are lucky gsh 25 the heating element is inside
I have had this issue many times. I took out the water filter and dumped the water out and poured vodka in the filter plus got a short round candle and set it where a glass would go For water and it worked took 20 min. Make sure the candle isn’t to tall and melt plastic
Or you can open the door for 20 mins while you eat breakfast and the line would be thawed.
A quicker and easier method is to use a Water Line Buddy form Amazon.....less than $15. I tried the tube heater and it melted my line after a couple of months.
Double sided tape, foam backed would have been better. But thanks for the idea. I’ll look into that kit. Happens to my GE all the time too!
Double sided tape is a bad idea as this heater works by transferring heat through the metal liner down through through the door. That's why this repair will not work on plastic inner liner models. Double sided tape severely impedes the transfer of heart.
Simple way to fix this is add the sealant after installing the heater.
Ridiculous that GE sells a part to fix a problem they know exists with their refrigerators rather than just providing it as a courtesy to people with refrigerators that have this issue. It is not as if the part failed and this is a replacement part. It is their design flaw.
I like how you work on live circuits with the power on. STUPID not to unplug the Fridge.
Aweseome! Thank you
I don't want to discount a good video, but you rub silicone all over the nozzle and the back wall, then you are surprised that the foil adhesive won't stick to it? Never, ever, NEVER use silicone on anything (unless you are building a fish tank). No known adhesive will ever stick to silicone, INCLUDING silicone. And there is no known solvent to clean it up. Do yourself a favor & throw away every tube of silicone in your garage. And tell all your employees to do the same.
Reat video
It worked!
Speed up your videos. Don't need information on how a splice connector works.