GE WR49X10173 Dispenser Water Tube Heater for Refrigerator

Get this part direct from GE for free.

We had the same problem with the water line freezing inside the freezer door. I determined this myself after reading all the instructions for diagnosing this problem that are all over the internet. Apparently this is a very common problem, stemming from not enough insulation between the water line and the interior panel of the freezer door. From my reading, I understand that GE's original solution was to send out a new, updated, freezer door for free, and cover the cost of it's installation. This was an expensive solution for them, which led them to a simpler fix of adding this heating element to the surface near the water line. It resolves the problem at a much lower cost to GE. And it does work.

Our experience was a phone call to GE's Customer Relations # 8003861215, option 5. I explained to them our frequent freeze issue, the solution(this part), and the common occurrence of this problem among many many frig owners. They took the model and serial number from our unit, and determined it was initially installed way back in 2001. They offered to send a repair person to diagnose it for ninety-nine dollars at our expense, along with a discount on parts & labor for the repair. I told them I know the problem, as it is chronic among these refrigerators, I can fix it myself, and I just need the part. They then gave me the option of paying a discounted thirty dollars for it with a one year warranty, or sending it for free without one...I chose FREE!

Try calling GE before you pay for this part! Give them the part #... GE WR49X10173(same as this listing)

The water dispenser on my GE refrigerator would freeze up every so often; sometimes after only a couple weeks and sometimes after a few months. What a crappy design by GE. Nonetheless, after searching around a bit on the self repair sites like f**ya I discovered this little baby. I was a bit intimidated at first because it's "electrical" but decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. It's really a low voltage splice that snaps together. No wire nuts. No stripping wire. The install was very easy (maybe 30 minutes, and I took my time). It's been a few weeks and no more frozen water. The hardest part of the job was pulling off some of the trim work so I could get to the innards. Just pull up gently and it will come apart.

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Arrived Promptly.

Installation was simple. The most difficult part was removing plastic trim piece, which became easy after I figured it out. Took approximately 10 minutes to install and reassemble the dispenser.

I wouldn't say the diagrams/instructions are extremely easy to interpret, but if you have some mechanical inclination, you should be able to figure it out.

So far have had the thing installed for a week with no freeze ups. Before installation, I would have to defrost the thing at least daily because it would freeze over night. Made the wife very happy to have filtered water again!

One tip to get it defrosted initially: Turn your freezer setting to 0 (off) and let it sit for an hour or two. Then hit the dispenser with a hair drier for about 10 15 minutes (not literally; I mean blow hot air on it).

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Beware of the fine print.

I pulled it out to install it and noticed it said for Metal Liners only. Unfortunately, I have a plastic liner. I went online hoping to find someone who had tried it anyway, but couldn't. Don't all GE refrigerators have a plastic liner?

Anyway, I could see that it would fit fine, but I'm afraid to install it for fear that it will melt the plastic.

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This product was relatively easy to install and it took me about 15 minutes. I knew it was the line freezing because I disconnect at the bottom of the fridge and tested the pump first.

The wire is self adhesive by the foil tape and fits right underneath the spout. I did not even have to defrost with a blow dryer, the next day all the ice in the tube melted away.

I also changed the flapper at the same time as I believe the combination of poor design and insulation for the spout and the air leakage from the ice dispenser were causing the problem.

I know it is fixed because it works great and I can feel the slight heat that is generated from the wire underneath the spout when I reach up in the device.

100% satisfied with the fix. Lot less than getting a new fridge.

BTW, I have a plastic liner and used the product anyway. I do not believe that it is getting hot enough to melt the plastic liner. It was my only option or get a new fridge.

Will update if I have any issues. Good for now.

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