The DIY Parts Reference

Common Refrigerator Parts — What They Do & When to Replace Them

Not sure what's wrong with your fridge? This guide covers the 6 most commonly replaced parts — what each one does, the symptoms that mean it's failing, and exactly how to search for it on Amazon.

Water Filter Ice Maker Door Gasket Thermostat Water Inlet Valve Refrigerator Shelf

Difficulty key:

Easy:No tools needed or basic screwdriver only. Most homeowners can do this in under 15 minutes.

Moderate:Requires a screwdriver and some disassembly. Takes 20–40 minutes. Follow a YouTube video for your model.

Advanced:Involves electrical components or refrigerant. Consider a professional unless you're comfortable with appliance repair.

Water Filter

The most replaced part in any fridge

Difficulty

Easy

Avg. Cost

$15–$50

Time

2–5 minutes

Tools

No tools needed — twist and pull

What it does

The water filter removes contaminants — chlorine, sediment, lead, and other impurities — from the water that flows to your ice maker and water dispenser. Most filters use activated carbon to trap particles as water passes through.

Signs it needs replacing

Water or ice has a strange taste or odor
Water flow from the dispenser is slow or weak
The filter indicator light is on
It's been more than 6 months since the last change

Pro tip: Aftermarket filters work just as well as OEM and cost 30–60% less. Look for NSF/ANSI 42 or 53 certified filters.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] water filter" on Amazon. Example: "WRS325SDHZ water filter"

See the full ordering guide →

Ice Maker

When your fridge stops making ice entirely

Difficulty

Moderate

Avg. Cost

$40–$120

Time

15–30 minutes

Tools

Phillips screwdriver, ¼" nut driver

What it does

The ice maker is a self-contained unit that fills with water, freezes it into cubes, and ejects them into the ice bin. It includes a water inlet, a mold, a heating element to release the ice, and a motor to sweep the cubes out.

Signs it needs replacing

No ice is being produced at all
Ice maker is making a loud clicking or grinding noise
Ice cubes are hollow, small, or misshapen
Ice maker arm is stuck or won't move

Pro tip: Before replacing the whole ice maker, check that the water supply line isn't frozen or kinked — that's the cause 30% of the time.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] ice maker assembly" on Amazon. The full assembly is easier to replace than individual components.

See the full ordering guide →

Door Gasket

The rubber seal that keeps cold air in

Difficulty

Easy

Avg. Cost

$20–$70

Time

15–20 minutes

Tools

Flathead screwdriver (sometimes)

What it does

The door gasket is the flexible rubber or magnetic seal that runs around the perimeter of your fridge and freezer doors. It creates an airtight seal when the door closes, keeping cold air inside and warm air out. A worn gasket forces your compressor to work harder.

Signs it needs replacing

You can feel cold air escaping around the door edges
The door doesn't close firmly or pops open slightly
Visible cracks, tears, or mold on the rubber seal
Condensation or frost forming around the door frame
Your fridge is running constantly or your energy bill is higher

Pro tip: Test your current gasket with a dollar bill: close the door on it and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak and it's time to replace.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] door gasket" or "[your model number] door seal" on Amazon. Make sure to specify fridge or freezer door.

See the full ordering guide →

Thermostat

Controls the temperature inside your fridge

Difficulty

Moderate

Avg. Cost

$20–$80

Time

20–40 minutes

Tools

Phillips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers

What it does

The thermostat (also called a temperature control) monitors the temperature inside your refrigerator and signals the compressor to turn on or off to maintain the set temperature. On older fridges it's a mechanical dial; on newer models it's an electronic control board.

Signs it needs replacing

Food is freezing in the refrigerator section
Fridge isn't staying cold enough even on the highest setting
Compressor runs constantly without cycling off
Compressor never turns on at all

Pro tip: Before replacing the thermostat, make sure the temperature dial hasn't been accidentally turned to the coldest setting — it's a surprisingly common cause of freezing food.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] thermostat" or "[your model number] temperature control" on Amazon.

See the full ordering guide →

Water Inlet Valve

Controls water flow to the ice maker and dispenser

Difficulty

Moderate

Avg. Cost

$25–$65

Time

20–30 minutes

Tools

Phillips screwdriver, adjustable wrench, towels

What it does

The water inlet valve is an electrically-operated valve that connects your fridge to your home's water supply. When the ice maker or dispenser calls for water, the valve opens to let water flow in. It's located at the back of the fridge where the water line connects.

Signs it needs replacing

Water is leaking from the back of the fridge
Ice maker isn't getting water (no ice, but motor still runs)
Water dispenser produces only a trickle
You hear a buzzing or humming from the back of the fridge

Pro tip: Turn off the water supply to your fridge before starting. There's usually a shutoff valve behind the fridge or under the sink.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] water inlet valve" on Amazon. Make sure the voltage matches (most are 120V).

See the full ordering guide →

Refrigerator Shelf

Cracked shelves are easier to replace than you think

Difficulty

Easy

Avg. Cost

$25–$80

Time

2 minutes — just slide it in

Tools

No tools needed

What it does

Refrigerator shelves hold your food and allow air to circulate inside the fridge. Most modern fridges use tempered glass shelves with plastic frames. They can crack from heavy loads, temperature shock (putting hot food on a cold shelf), or just age.

Signs it needs replacing

Visible cracks or chips in the glass
Shelf frame is broken or warped
Shelf doesn't sit level or wobbles
Missing shelf from a previous break

Pro tip: Measure your existing shelf (or the space it occupied) before ordering — length × width. Shelf dimensions vary even within the same model year.

How to search Amazon

Search "[your model number] shelf" or "[your model number] glass shelf" on Amazon. Include the shelf position (upper, middle, lower) if you know it.

See the full ordering guide →

Ready to order?

Know Your Part? Let's Find It on Amazon.

Once you know which part you need, the next step is finding the right one on Amazon using your model number. We'll walk you through exactly how to search, read listings, and order with confidence.

How to Order on Amazon →Find My Model Number First