No Water Dispensing

When you press the dispenser paddle, nothing comes out or water flow is significantly reduced.

Ice Maker Not Working

Your ice maker has stopped producing ice or is making very little ice despite having proper freezer temperature.

Water Leaking

Puddles forming under your refrigerator or signs of water damage on your floor indicate a potential valve failure.

Required Tools:

• ✅ 5/16″ nut driver or socket
• ✅ 1/2″ wrench or adjustable wrench
• ✅ Slip-joint pliers
• ✅ Utility knife (for tubing if needed)
• ✅ Bucket and towels (for water spillage)

Replacement Part:

OEM Dual Solenoid Water Valve

• ✅ Part Number: WR57X10051 or RIV12AE21
• ✅ Compatible with GE, Hotpoint, Kenmore, and Café refrigerator models
• ✅ Cost range: $50-$150 depending on supplier

Step 1: Safety Precautions

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet.
2. Locate the water shut-off valve (typically under the sink or behind the refrigerator).
3. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply completely.
4. Verify power is disconnected before proceeding with any repairs.

Step 2: Drain Residual Water

1. Position a bucket or large towel beneath the water inlet line at the back of the refrigerator.
2. Using a 1/2″ wrench, carefully disconnect the water supply line from the valve inlet.
3. Allow any remaining water in the line to drain into your bucket.
4. Keep towels handy to clean up any unexpected water spillage.

Step 3: Access the Valve

1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access the rear completely.
2. Locate the rear access panel (typically at the bottom back of the unit).
3. Using your 5/16″ nut driver, remove the 4-6 quarter-inch screws securing the panel.
4. Set the panel and screws aside in a safe place.
5. The dual solenoid water valve (RIV12AE21) should now be visible near the bottom of the compartment.

Pro Tip: Take a photo of the valve setup with your smartphone before disconnecting anything to use as a reference during reassembly.

Step 4: Disconnect the Old Valve

1. Apply masking tape to each wire connector and water line, labeling them for easier reassembly (e.g., “ice maker” and “water dispenser”).
2. Carefully remove the two electrical connectors from the solenoid coils by pressing the tab and pulling gently.
3. Using slip-joint pliers, squeeze the retaining clips on the water lines and gently pull to disconnect them from the valve.
4. Note the orientation and positioning of the valve for proper reinstallation.

Step 5: Remove Mounting Hardware

1. Locate the 5/16″ mounting bolt securing the valve to the refrigerator frame.
2. Unscrew this bolt completely using your nut driver.
3. Carefully remove the old dual solenoid valve from the unit.
4. Inspect the mounting area for any corrosion or damage that might need cleaning.

Step 6: Install the New RIV12AE21 Valve

1. Unpack your new WR57X10051/RIV12AE21 valve and confirm it matches the old one in appearance and connection points.
2. Position the new valve in the same orientation as the old one.
3. Secure it with the mounting bolt, being careful not to overtighten.
4. Reconnect the water lines by pushing them firmly into place until you hear a distinct “click” sound.
5. Reattach the electrical connectors to the corresponding solenoid coils, matching any color coding if present.

Pro Tip: If your new valve came with plastic caps protecting the water line connection points, be sure to remove them before attaching the water lines.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test

1. Reattach the water supply line to the valve inlet and tighten with your wrench (hand-tight plus a quarter turn is usually sufficient).
2. Reinstall the rear access panel using the screws you removed earlier.
3. Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
4. Slowly turn on the water supply valve and check for any leaks around all connection points.
5. Dispense water for 2-3 minutes to purge air from the lines and ensure proper flow.
6. Check the ice maker function (note that it may take 24 hours for the first batch of ice to be produced).

No Water Flow

• Check that the water supply valve is fully open.
• Inspect the supply line for kinks or sharp bends restricting flow.
• Examine inlet screens for clogging debris (they may need cleaning).
• Verify that both electrical connectors are properly seated on the valve coils.

Water Leaks

• Check all connection points and tighten if necessary (avoid overtightening).
• Inspect water lines for cracks or damage.
• Ensure water lines are fully inserted into quick-connect fittings.
• Verify the valve is properly mounted and not under stress from misaligned connections.

Electrical Issues

• Confirm the refrigerator is receiving power.
• Check that the door switch is functioning (dispenser won’t work if the door switch thinks the door is open).
• If you have a multimeter, test solenoid continuity (normal reading is 20-60 ohms resistance).
• Verify that the control board is properly sending signals to the valve.

Parts Cost

The OEM GE dual solenoid water valve (WR57X10051/RIV12AE21) typically costs between $50-$150 depending on where you purchase it:

• GE Appliances Parts website: $70-$90
• Online retailers (Amazon, eBay): $50-$70
• Local appliance parts stores: $80-$150

Compatible aftermarket versions may be available at lower prices, but OEM parts generally offer the best reliability and fit.

Service Savings

Professional appliance repair services typically charge:

• Service call fee: $75-$150
• Labor costs: $75-$150 per hour
• Parts markup: 30-50% over retail cost

Total professional repair cost: $200-$350+

Your DIY cost: $50-$150 (parts only)

Potential savings: $150-$250+

Time Investment

This repair is relatively straightforward, even for beginners:

• Average completion time: 30-60 minutes
• Skill level required: Beginner to intermediate
• No specialized tools needed beyond basic household tools

Additionally, you’ll avoid scheduling appointments and waiting for service technicians, getting your refrigerator back to working order much faster.