[WDDT]

I frustrated the mice in my kitchen by replacing the plastic water feed from the pipe to the refrigerator with a metal hose. So they climbed INSIDE the back of the fridge and ate the plastic hose there. This resulted in a minor flood, a call to the repair service dept. of a national retailer, a bill for $109, a verdict of "unrepairable" and this post. I've got my fingers crossed that they were wrong.

The line coming from the water supply to the unit is fine. Once there, it is attached to a plastic coupler inside the bottom right corner of the machine. This part has two holes on top of it (where the hoses to the water dispenser and ice machine were attached?) There is a plastic tube on the outside of the back of the unit which may have formerly been attached to the coupler and another tube that runs up inside the fridge. It is these two tubes that I need to replace. So if it's possible to do, I need the hoses and instructions as to how to get them from the coupler through the back of the refrigerator to the door and ice maker. Thanks for the help!

(PS I got a cat but it would still be nice if I could replace the lines with something a little more tooth-proof, if possible.)

Bill

[Gene]

Hi Bill,

If you can post a pictures of real damage, it will help us to better understand what can be done.

Gene.

[WDDT]

Hi, Gene -- I can't figure out how to insert a picture in this reply. I have three pics locally on my disc -- how do I get them uploaded?

[WDDT]

Let's try this:
This is the tube coming down the outside of the unit from the top right of the box
View image#1

This is the back of the fridge with the tube hanging in front of the coupler
View image#2

This is the coupler.
View image#3

The second tube was hanging down to the left of the coupler but from INSIDE the box. (I think the tech pulled it down and probably threw it away.) Are these good enough?

[Gene]

The part you called "coupler" is actually the water inlet valve.

The tube shown on the first picture is the water line from the water valve to the ice maker. It;s not a big job to fix it.

I did not see the second tube which is very important.

The model number you posted is incorrect. Verify and repost it please.

Gene.

[WDDT]

It's hard to read the model number, but it looks like ED5GTQXKT00

As far as the second, interior tube, that's the one the mice ate. As I recall, there was a remnant of it still visible before the tech poked around but I can't see it now. The fact that it isn't accessible is what made the tech say the water supply system was unrepairable. It is possible that there is a remnant of the tube still hanging inside the unit but to see it you would need a mirror or some way of seeing up into the box.

[Gene]

Without possible access to this tube and at least 4" length of it, it is impossible to fix it. Sorry for a bad news.

You still can fix the water line to the ice maker and use it.

Gene.

[WDDT]

Thanks for the news - mixed, actually. As far as I'm concerned, the ice maker is more important than the "water through the door" feature. Can you describe what I should do to get the ice "floe-ing" again? (Sorry -- couldn't resist.) I can get a new tube but will the water inlet valve work with only the one tube attached to it?

[Gene]

Originally Posted by WDDT

...will the water inlet valve work with only the one tube attached to it?...

Yes, it will. There are two solenoids in the water valve. One with the 1/4" tube is for the ice maker and the other one with 5/16" tube is for the water dispenser. Remove the wires from the water dispenser solenoid and insulate them using a regular insulation tape.

Gene.

[WDDT]

Last question before I crawl behind the box: is there a kit for the tube/fittings I can buy from AppliancePartsPro to show my appreciation for this site? If so, what should I order? I could probably get the parts at my local hardware store, but if I can give these people some business, that's what it's all about. Thanks again.