Whirlpool's guide is direct about hollow or small ice on the WRF757SDHZ: it says this is an indication of low water pressure. The causes and fixes it lists are the water shutoff valve not fully open, a kink in the water source line, a water filter that is clogged or incorrectly installed (remove it and see if ice improves) and a reverse osmosis system connected to the cold water supply, which can reduce pressure. If questions remain about pressure, call a licensed plumber. The guide's Water Supply Requirements set a minimum household pressure of 35 psi for good dispenser flow.
Differential
Likely causes of “Whirlpool refrigerator makes small, hollow or misshapen ice”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The water shutoff valve is not fully open
What separates it There are small or hollow cubes and slow dispenser flow because the water shutoff valve is not fully open
How to confirm Turn the water shutoff valve fully open, and wait for a batch
- 2
A kink in the water source line
What separates it The cubes changed after the refrigerator was moved because of a kink in the water source line
How to confirm Straighten the water source line, and wait for a batch
- 3
A clogged or incorrectly installed filter
What separates it The ice improves when the filter is removed because of a clogged or incorrectly installed filter
How to confirm Replace the filter or reinstall it correctly, and wait for a batch
- 4
A reverse osmosis system or low house pressure
What separates it The flow is slow and the cubes are irregular because of a reverse osmosis system or low house pressure
How to confirm Check the pressure at the required level and call a plumber if in doubt
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether ice or water improves with the filter removed
- The house water pressure and whether RO is fitted
- Whether the line behind the refrigerator is kinked
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedOpen the valve
ReversibleOpen the valve, by turning the water shutoff valve fully open, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the line
ReversibleA kink in the water source line can reduce flow and cause hollow or irregular ice. Straighten it, especially after the refrigerator was moved.
Test the filter
ReversibleRemove the water filter and operate the ice maker. If ice quality improves, the filter may be clogged or incorrectly installed; replace it or reinstall it correctly.
Test the pressure
ReversibleWith the filter removed, dispense 1 cup (237 mL) of water; if it takes longer than 8 seconds, the pressure is lower than recommended.
Consider reverse osmosis
ReversibleA reverse osmosis system can decrease water pressure; see the Water Supply Requirements. Call a plumber if questions remain.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Water supply requirements from the guide
- The ice maker needs a cold water supply; if pressure to the house is not at or above 35 psi (241 kPa), dispenser flow is affected. Water pressure to a reverse osmosis system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi; if pressure is low, check whether the sediment filter in the RO system is blocked and replace it if necessary.
- Vacation and Showroom modes
- In Vacation Mode the freezer defrosts less often to save energy: open Options and press LOCK under Vacation to turn it on, and press LOCK there again to turn it off, which restores the earlier settings. During the first hour, opening the door does not affect it, but afterwards opening the door turns it off, and Fast Ice or a Door Ajar alarm cancels it. Showroom mode is for retail display only; if the word Showroom appears, hold LIGHT and LOCK for 3 seconds to exit.
- Parts for this problem on the WRF757SDHZ (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- freshflow air filter, reduces common food odors , part number W10311524, at $21.19; primary water inlet valve, part number W10865826, at $62.60; icemaker fill tube heater, part number W11087201, at $71.94.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models WRF555SDHV, WRF535SWHZ, WRQA59CNKZ, WRS588FIHZ, WRS325SDHZ.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If cubes stay hollow with the valve open, no kink and the filter tested, call a licensed plumber about water pressure
- !If pressure is fine, contact Whirlpool service, and give the model number
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Whirlpool's own help articles for its refrigerators, each; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
Whirlpool's own page for this model's manuals and support.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my ice hollow?+
Whirlpool says hollow or irregular ice indicates low water pressure.
How do I test pressure?+
With the filter removed dispense 1 cup; 8 seconds or less means the pressure meets the minimum.
Can a filter cause it?+
Yes, a clogged or wrongly installed filter.
Can a kink cause it?+
Yes, and it can also cause hollow ice.
Does ice size vary?+
Crushed ice pieces vary in size; that is normal.
Should I discard early ice?+
Yes, the first three batches after installation.
Who tests house pressure?+
A licensed plumber tests the house pressure.