Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your Whirlpool refrigerator's ice maker stopped working, or the water dispenser barely trickles? The W10498976 water inlet valve controls water flow to both systems, and it's one of the most replaced components in modern Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Kenmore refrigerators. This hub covers the W10498976 valve and its compatibility across dozens of popular models.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

The W10498976 valve fits over 100 Whirlpool-manufactured refrigerators, including side-by-side and French door models. Your model number is typically located inside the fresh food compartment on the left or right wall, or sometimes on the ceiling. It'll look like "WRF535SMBM" or "GB2FHDXWS08" — a string of letters and numbers. Cross-reference your exact model against the compatibility list below before ordering.

About This Replacement Part

The W10498976 is a solenoid-operated valve that opens and closes to supply water from your home's supply line to the ice maker and dispenser. When it fails, you'll typically see no ice production, slow or no water dispensing, or sometimes a constant drip inside the refrigerator. This valve replaces several older part numbers including WPW10498976, W10420082, AP6022334, and PS11755667, so if you're seeing any of those numbers in your research, they're all the same component. The valve mounts directly to the back of the refrigerator where your water line connects, and replacement usually takes 20-30 minutes once you pull the fridge away from the wall.

Common Signs You Need This Valve

Water inlet valves don't always fail completely — sometimes they fail partially, which creates confusing symptoms. If your ice maker produces hollow or small cubes, that's often low water pressure from a partially clogged valve. A humming sound from behind the fridge when you press the water dispenser usually means the valve solenoid is trying to open but can't. And if you're getting water pooling inside the fridge near the back wall, the valve may be stuck open or leaking at its inlet connection.

What Models Use the W10498976 Valve?

This valve is used across multiple Whirlpool-manufactured brands. You'll find it in Whirlpool WRF and WRB series refrigerators, KitchenAid models with built-in water dispensers, several Maytag French door units, and dozens of Kenmore Elite models (since Whirlpool manufactured many Kenmore refrigerators). The compatibility spans roughly 2010-2020 production years, covering both 33-inch and 36-inch wide models.

Installation Overview

You'll need to shut off the water supply to your refrigerator first — there's usually a saddle valve or quarter-turn valve behind or beneath the fridge. Disconnect the water line (have a towel ready, there'll be residual water), then unplug the refrigerator. Remove the lower rear access panel to expose the valve. The valve is held by two screws or a mounting bracket, and has two wire harness connectors plus the water line connections. New valve installs in reverse order. The trickiest part is often just getting the fridge pulled out far enough to work comfortably, especially if you have a built-in installation.

Price & Availability

The W10498976 valve typically runs $150-180 depending on supplier. That's significantly less than a service call, which would run $200-300 just for the technician to show up, plus parts and labor. If you're comfortable working with basic tools and can access the back of your refrigerator, this is a straightforward DIY repair that'll save you money.