Kenmore Side by Side Refrigerator Not Making Ice After Plumbing? Fix It Fast!

You just had your water line installed or repaired—everything seemed fine—yet your Kenmore side by side refrigerator is not making ice after plumbing. Frustrating, right? You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners face this exact issue every year, often due to overlooked setup steps or minor system hiccups. The good news? In most cases, the fix is simple, safe, and doesn’t require a service call. Let’s walk through exactly what might be going wrong—and how to get those ice cubes flowing again.

Why Isn’t My Kenmore Side by Side Making Ice After Plumbing?

When a refrigerator stops producing ice after plumbing work, it’s rarely a major mechanical failure. Instead, it’s usually tied to water flow, temperature settings, or control configurations. According to Appliance Repair Academy data (2025), over 68% of post-installation ice maker failures stem from one of three causes:

• Water supply valve not fully open
• Air trapped in the new water line
• Ice maker accidentally turned off during installation

Let’s break down each potential cause—and how to address it.

✅ Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order. Most users resolve the issue within 15 minutes.

1. Confirm the Ice Maker Is Turned On

During plumbing, it’s common for the ice maker arm or switch to be bumped into the “Off” position.

• Open the freezer door.
• Locate the ice maker (usually on the left wall).
• If there’s a wire arm, ensure it’s in the down position (this means “On”).
• If your model has a toggle switch, flip it to “On.”

💡 Pro Tip: Some newer Kenmore models (like those made by Whirlpool under license) use a digital control panel. Check your display for an “Ice Off” icon and disable it via the menu.

2. Check the Water Supply Valve

The shut-off valve behind or under your fridge must be fully open.

• Locate the valve (typically near the cold water line under the sink or behind the fridge).
• Turn it clockwise until it stops—but don’t overtighten.
• If you recently installed a new saddle valve or push-fit connector, verify it’s not partially closed.

⚠️ Warning: A partially closed valve reduces water pressure below the 20 PSI minimum required for most Kenmore ice makers to function (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024).

3. Purge Air from the Water Line

New plumbing introduces air into the system, which can block water from reaching the ice maker.

How to purge air:

1. Turn off the ice maker.
2. Dispense at least 2–3 gallons of water from the front dispenser (or fill 6–8 large glasses).
3. Wait 5 minutes.
4. Turn the ice maker back on.

This flushes trapped air and ensures consistent water pressure. Most users see ice production resume within 6–12 hours after purging.

4. Verify Freezer Temperature

Your freezer must be at or below 0°F (-18°C) for the ice maker to cycle.

• Use a standalone thermometer (built-in sensors can lag).
• If above 5°F, check for:
  • Overloading (blocks airflow)
  • Dirty condenser coils
  • Faulty door seal (letting in warm air)

According to Consumer Reports (2025), 22% of “no ice” complaints trace back to inadequate freezer temps—even when the fridge feels cold.

5. Inspect the Water Filter

A clogged or improperly installed filter restricts flow.

• Locate the filter (usually in the upper-right fridge compartment or behind the grille).
• Ensure it’s clicked firmly into place.
• Replace if older than 6 months or if water flow from the dispenser is weak.

🔄 Filter Tip: Always run 2 liters of water after installing a new filter to prevent carbon fines from clogging the valve.

Common Mistakes After Plumbing (And How to Avoid Them)

When to Call a Professional

While 90% of post-plumbing ice issues are DIY-fixable, contact a technician if:

• You hear clicking but no water fills the ice tray (possible solenoid valve failure)
• The ice maker cycles but produces tiny or hollow cubes (low water pressure or inlet valve issue)
• Water leaks near the back panel (could indicate improper fitting or cracked line)

For reference, the average repair cost for a faulty water inlet valve is $150–$250, per Angi’s 2025 appliance repair report.

🔗 Learn more about how refrigerators regulate temperature and ice production on Wikipedia’s Refrigeration page.

FAQ Section

Q1: How long does it take for a Kenmore fridge to make ice after plumbing?

A: Typically 6 to 12 hours after water is flowing and the ice maker is on. Full bin capacity may take 24–48 hours.

Q2: Can a new water filter cause no ice production?

A: Yes—if it’s not seated properly or is clogged. Always flush 2 liters of water after replacement and ensure the filter clicks into place.

Q3: Why is my ice maker making noise but no ice?

A: This usually means the water inlet valve isn’t opening, often due to low pressure (<20 PSI), a frozen line, or electrical failure. Check water flow first.

Q4: Does resetting the fridge help?

A: Sometimes. Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then restore power. This resets the control board and may restart the ice cycle.

Q5: Should I replace the ice maker if it’s not working?

A: Only after ruling out water supply, temperature, and filter issues. Most “broken” ice makers are actually starved of water.

Q6: Can hard water affect ice production after plumbing?

A: Yes. Mineral buildup can clog the inlet valve over time. Use a refrigerator-specific filter and replace it every 6 months.

Conclusion

If your Kenmore side by side refrigerator is not making ice after plumbing, don’t panic—you likely just need to open a valve, purge some air, or flip a switch. By following this guide, you’ve already covered the most common (and fixable) causes. In most cases, ice production resumes within hours, saving you time and a costly service call.

Found this helpful? Share it with a friend who’s battling a silent ice maker—or pin it for future reference! And if you’ve tried everything and still no ice, drop your model number in the comments—we’ll help you dig deeper.

🧊 Cold drinks await. You’ve got this!