GE refrigerator water line freezes up

[ithos]

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

GE parts diagram
Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?

[dewilson58]

Years ago, we would get rid of the frozen line with a hairdryer.
Much quicker, no impact to frozen food.

Minus 17 degrees is crazy low.
Frozen is Frozen.
Check the recommended temp and back-it-down.

:mornincoffee:

[Shipping up to Boston]

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?

Could be a ‘sludge’ obstruction in the line to the pan below...that needs to be cleared

[ithos]

Could be a ‘sludge’ obstruction in the line to the pan below...that needs to be cleared

Thank you for the suggestion. It is the fresh water line connected to the water dispenser. When it first happened I insulated the freezer door on the inside after watching a YouTube video and it worked for a good while.

The freezer has a temperature setpoint of 8 degs. It should not be reaching -17 degs.

[villagetinker]

Try raising the freezer temp, I would go to zero degrees or higher, I think ours is at 10 degrees.

[Topspinmo]

I guessing the water inlet valve at bottom of refrigerator probably leaking I don’t think there supposed to be water in hose at the ice maker?

[ithos]

Try raising the freezer temp, I would go to zero degrees or higher, I think ours is at 10 degrees.

I have it at 8 degrees. That is the highest setting.

[dewilson58]

The freezer has a temperature setpoint of 8 degs. It should not be reaching -17 degs.

At -17, you're lucky the coffee pot has not frozen.

[ithos]

Link for freezer doorl

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

There are plenty of YT videos but none mention a fix for sub zero temperatures.

[Stu from NYC]

Years ago, we would get rid of the frozen line with a hairdryer.
Much quicker, no impact to frozen food.

Minus 17 degrees is crazy low.
Frozen is Frozen.
Check the recommended temp and back-it-down.

:mornincoffee:

We have this problem now with frozen water line. Have been trying to empty freezer by moving sstuff to garage freezer but taking awhile to do so.

Have to give hairdryer a try.

[ithos]

We have this problem now with frozen water line. Have been trying to empty freezer by moving sstuff to garage freezer but taking awhile to do so.

Have to give hairdryer a try.

I have found a way to thaw the line but am seeking a permanent solution. The hair dryer takes forever and can melt parts if you use too hot of setting.

[Rocksnap]

Dirty dusty evaporator coils can also cause a refrigerator to run to cold. Trying to dissipate the heat but it can’t. A good vacuum one a year is on my maintenance schedule.

[ithos]

Dirty dusty evaporator coils can also cause a refrigerator to run to cold. Trying to dissipate the heat but it can’t. A good vacuum one a year is on my maintenance schedule.

You are right. I have already cleaned the coils and they were extremely dirty. Unfortunately that did not correct the problem.

I have rearranged the food so that there is a clear path between the supply and return grills. I am hoping this resolves the problem.

[RICH1]

is you evaporator motor running?

[Ellwoodrick]

Get one of these from Amazon. Under 20 bucks. It worked for me................

Easy to use.


Water Line Tool - Premium Frozen Water Line Tool by Seentech- Unfreeze Refrigerator Water Dispenser Quickly and Easily

[ithos]

is you evaporator motor running?

Yes. I have temps as low as -17 degrees.

[ithos]

Get one of these from Amazon. Under 20 bucks. It worked for me................

Easy to use.


Water Line Tool - Premium Frozen Water Line Tool by Seentech- Unfreeze Refrigerator Water Dispenser Quickly and Easily

Thanks! I'll give it a try. Surprised I didn't find out about it on YouTube.

[ithos]

is you evaporator motor running?

To be clear, the refrigerator temperature display is stable and stays near setpoint at 8 degrees but my portable temp sensor reading fluctuates in a wide band and goes as low as -17 degrees.

[ithos]

------------------------------

[Berwin]

We have also had problems with our GE refrigerator icemaker water line freezing up. Even our water filter in the refrigerator side was frozen. Milk at the rear of the fridge would freeze as well. I rearranged some items that seemed to be blocking the air flow and raised the temp of the freezer and fridge one notch and have not had a recurrence.

[crash]

Years ago, we would get rid of the frozen line with a hairdryer.
Much quicker, no impact to frozen food.

Minus 17 degrees is crazy low.
Frozen is Frozen.
Check the recommended temp and back-it-down.

:mornincoffee:

Recommend temp is 10 degrees F so yes -17 crazy low.

[ithos]

Recommend temp is 10 degrees F so yes -17 crazy low.

The highest I can set it is 8 degs. Seems like a very low upper limit.

[tralemaster]

Use a 12” length of weed trimmer line. Push it up the water tube on the outside of the door were you fill your glass. Leave enough length of line out to pull and push it when needed. Next time it freezes up, pull and push line loose, then pull out, and run water by filling a glass. Reinsert the line for next time. This worked for me.

This is a design flaw well know for years with GE refrigerators.

[ithos]

Use a 12” length of weed trimmer line. Push it up the water tube on the outside of thE door were you fill your glass. Leave enough length of line out to pull and push it when needed. Next time it freezes up, pull and push line loose, then pull out, and run water by filling a glass. Reinsert the line for next time. This worked for me.

I have tried that before. Maybe I wasn't patient enough.

[FredJacobs]

Your problem may be the heater unit behind the wall of the freezer. This is what makes refrigerator/freezers self defrosting. Suggest you call Dave's Appliance Repair 352-245-3598

[jerryss]

Thanks! I'll give it a try. Surprised I didn't find out about it on YouTube.

I use that too, it works!

[ithos]

Your problem may be the heater unit behind the wall of the freezer. This is what makes refrigerator/freezers self defrosting. Suggest you call Dave's Appliance Repair 352-245-3598

Thanks. I will investigate it if the other things I try doesn't work. Seems like a DIY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHUn95IcSKY&t=24s

[cherylncliff]

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

GE parts diagram
Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?

Known problem with this fridge. No permanent fix I know except to thaw it or frequently run water thru the in door water.

[ckcapaul]

We have also had problems with our GE refrigerator icemaker water line freezing up. Even our water filter in the refrigerator side was frozen. Milk at the rear of the fridge would freeze as well. I rearranged some items that seemed to be blocking the air flow and raised the temp of the freezer and fridge one notch and have not had a recurrence.

Same thing here, found where the fan was blowing in the freezer. Items were blocking the flow and directing it at the area where the line was freezing. Rearranged the food and no more problems.

[kendi]

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

GE parts diagram
Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?

I hear this is a common problem with GE refrigerators. Had the issue as well in previous home. It had the freezer on the bottom and we had to scrap the ice out from the bottom of the freezer every so often.

[Stu from NYC]

We have also had problems with our GE refrigerator icemaker water line freezing up. Even our water filter in the refrigerator side was frozen. Milk at the rear of the fridge would freeze as well. I rearranged some items that seemed to be blocking the air flow and raised the temp of the freezer and fridge one notch and have not had a recurrence.

Fridge is about 12 years old and only recently had this problem.

Fridge is set for 38 and we do find stuff like tomatoes freezing from time to time.

Recently water line is freezing. Bought the tool and not freeing the obstruction. Do not see where we can shut off freezer alone so figure we will shut off on electrical box for 2-3 hours and leave freezer door open.

[ithos]

Fridge is about 12 years old and only recently had this problem.

Fridge is set for 38 and we do find stuff like tomatoes freezing from time to time.

Recently water line is freezing. Bought the tool and not freeing the obstruction. Do not see where we can shut off freezer alone so figure we will shut off on electrical box for 2-3 hours and leave freezer door open.

Do you have a digital display of the refrigerator and freezer temps? I would get digital thermometers with min and max. And then compare it to the refrigerator readings.

Here is what Whirlpool recommends:
How to Prevent Freezing Food in the Refrigerator | Whirlpool (https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/food-freezes-in-refrigerator.html)

[Jackha]

Raise the temperature setting, make sure the fan is working

[Wondering]

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

GE parts diagram
Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?
Do a search on You Tube.

[ithos]

Do a search on You Tube.

That was the first place looked after getting the manuals. Somehow I missed the syringe device.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Use a 12” length of weed trimmer line. Push it up the water tube on the outside of the door were you fill your glass. Leave enough length of line out to pull and push it when needed. Next time it freezes up, pull and push line loose, then pull out, and run water by filling a glass. Reinsert the line for next time. This worked for me.

This is a design flaw well know for years with GE refrigerators.

Agree on GE models...
I spent a couple hundred on a tech visit and basically it was sludge in the line...an easy fix. The most consuming time was spent on a steamer melting ice that formed on the base of freezer. FYI...the recs I got from the Tech on these models....is 0 for the freezer and 30 on the fridge side

[retiredguy123]

Recommend temp is 10 degrees F so yes -17 crazy low.
I keep my freezer at 0 degrees and the refrigerator at 35. In my opinion, 10 degrees is too high, and barely cold enough to keep ice cream hard.

[retiredguy123]

Agree on GE models...
I spent a couple hundred on a tech visit and basically it was sludge in the line...an easy fix. The most consuming time was spent on a steamer melting ice that formed on the base of freezer. FYI...the recs I got from the Tech on these models....is 0 for the freezer and 30 on the fridge side
30 degrees in the refrigerator is too cold. Your drinks, other liquids, and vegetables will freeze. 0 degrees is good for the freezer.

[Shipping up to Boston]

30 degrees in the refrigerator is too cold. Your drinks, other liquids, and vegetables will freeze. 0 degrees is good for the freezer.


Correct
At least on these models...anything around 40 (fridge side) seems to accomplish the goal. IME

[G.R.I.T.S.]

We had a problem with the freezer not defrosting. Bad heater coil. Everything froze up like a frozen waterfall.

[congeno]

I had the same thing, different brand. I called a repair man who told me to try this: remover contents, turn off freezer for 48-72 hours, and turn it back on & make some ice. If the problem returns at any time call him back. He didn't want to charge me for what might be an easy fix. 3 years later no problems.
Thanks Bill for free advice.

[drrichard]

This is a long-known GE design problem-- so much so that many years ago GE designed and sells a small heating element that cures the problem for a few years-- until the "heater" burns out and needs to be replaced again. We have a 20 year old GE and are now on our third heater. Just had it replaced again ($83.20 for the heater plus $100 installation). Call Jeff Rapier at Jeff's Appliance Repair (Jeff worked for GE for many years)--502/909-6518. You'll be pleased at the "permanent" fix!!

[Shelby62]

Had this problem for years with GE fridge. Easy fix: simply cut an oblong piece of Styrofoam (approx 7"w x 10" h x 1/2" thick) and use double-sided tape to secure to the inside of the freezer door. See video below where the guy uses hot pads; we used Styrofoam instead. Worked like a charm. Water line has not frozen in years now. It insulates the door from the freezer and prevents water line from freezing.

Video (at 6:00 min mark):

https://youtu.be/HOtWqOJcX4E?si=KhywE3x7Fna_-NC7

The side by side Refrigerator was the original one for a Sumter home. The line freezes up routinely. To clear it out I have to keep the freezer door open for several hours. I use Styrofoam to keep products inside from thawing out.

I put in a thermometer that tracked the min and max temps and it gets as low as minus 17 degrees. There are two temperature sensors in the freezer section. I am considering replacing them.

GE parts diagram
Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/1/0/0/0/FREEZER_DOOR)

Just a moment... (https://www.geapplianceparts.com/store/parts/ModelSectionParts/GSS25WGTIWW/3/0/0/0/FREEZER_SECTION)

Has anyone else had this issue and resolved it?

[Topspinmo]

I had the same thing, different brand. I called a repair man who told me to try this: remover contents, turn off freezer for 48-72 hours, and turn it back on & make some ice. If the problem returns at any time call him back. He didn't want to charge me for what might be an easy fix. 3 years later no problems.
Thanks Bill for free advice.

If my refrigerator acts up the first thing I do clean out back coils and fan, then defrost it. Even though it’s automatic defrost it sometimes build up when coils and fan dirty with lent and over heats. I also make sure the vents inside freezer not blocked. I have same GE aside by side. Right now the freezer temps -2 and fresh food side 35.

[ithos]

The primary issue was that the refrigerator sensor and the portable one I put inside the freezer can sometimes read 20 degs different when the evaporator fan runs. The actual temperature can get down to -12 degrees and the refrigerator will still read 8 degrees.

There is good air flow or the temperature would not get down that low. I have ensured that there is a good clearance between the supply and return grills.

I am going to check the temp sensor and replace it if it doesn't ohm out right. If necessary I will relocate it.

I will update once the experiment is done.

[ithos]

If my refrigerator acts up the first thing I do clean out back coils and fan, then defrost it. Even though it’s automatic defrost it sometimes build up when coils and fan dirty with lent and over heats. I also make sure the vents inside freezer not blocked. I have same GE aside by side. Right now the freezer temps -2 and doos side 35.

What are your setpoints?

[Topspinmo]

What are your setpoints?

5 for freezer and 5 for fresh foods on mine.