GE WR49X10173 Dispenser Water Tube Heater for Refrigerator

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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...

Works like a champ
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.

Call GE to get this item for FREE !
I called GE customer service 1-800-386-1215 and told them the problem. I didn't even have to argue to get it free. I gave them the part number that is being sold here, and they shipped it to me in 48 hours.

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