If your refrigerator's water dispenser stops dispensing water, it could be a variety of problems.
First, check out this video to understand how water and ice dispensers work:
Enter your refrigerator's model no . here for troubleshooting and repair how-to tips especially for your model here.
Here would be the most common causes of water dispensers failing to work:
The water filter is dirty and clogged.
People often forget to alter their water filters. It's a wise idea to mark your calendar so you'll make sure to change your water dispenser filter a minimum of every six months.
Possible solution: Enter your refrigerator's model number here for the replacement water filters along with other refrigerator maintenance products for your model.
The water supply tube is frozen.
The water supply tube in may be frozen. Look for a connection point at the bottom or top of the door. Take away the hose and blow air through it and the dispenser. If air goes through, it’s not frozen and you'll need to continue troubleshooting. If no air passes, it's frozen somewhere within the door. In most models, water line runs through a sleeve right through to the dispenser.
Possible solution: Adjust the freezer temperature. Freezers must be kept at 0 to 10 degrees. The water line in the door may freeze, whether it's colder than that.
The water pressure is too weak.
Your water dispenser's water inlet valve requires water pressure at a minimum of 20 psi therefore if the water supply falls below that, it won't function properly.
Possible solution: Check the water pressure. You can test your home's water supply pressure having a residential water pressure gauge readily available for around $12 at hardware stores. If you discover that water pressure is weak, speak to a plumber to discuss next steps. Note: To determine the water pressure directly in the dispenser, you'll need an adapter to support the smaller one-quarter-inch water line supplying the refrigerator.
The water inlet valve is broken.
If you've confirmed that the water pressure is a the least 20 psi and the water filtration is in good shape, then check the water inlet valve for continuity.
You can use a multi meter like this one digital multi meter (#964740) to check on.
Possible solution: If there's no continuity, you're ready to replace the water inlet valve. You can find a replacement water inlet valve for the refrigerator model here.
How to test a water inlet valve
Some newer refrigerator models have two water valves, a primary and a secondary. The cause could be a failed primary valve, which has the important job of sending water towards the second valve. Enter your refrigerator model no . at RepairClinic.com for troubleshooting and repair help information.
The dispenser switch is broken.
Another cause is the dispenser switch, which is activated by the dispenser actuator.
Possible solution: Use a continuity meter like this one to check for continuity in the dispenser switch. If it doesn't have continuity, it should be replaced.
The freezer door switch is broken.
When the freezer door is opened, the door switch turns on the interior light and turns from the ice and water dispenser.
Possible solution: Check for continuity with a meter. If there's no continuity present, switch the door switch.
The control board is broken.
The control board may be the controller of the entire dispenser system.
Possible solution: When the dispenser is failing in every way (no water, no sound, no lights, etc.), it's likely that the control board is bad and will need to be replaced. If perhaps one part of the dispenser system is not working, troubleshoot further. It's likely another component has failed.
Water dispenser broken? We'll help.
Enter your refrigerator's model number here for troubleshooting and repair how-to information specifically for your model.
How to clean your water dispenser
Aside from regularly replacing the water filter, the most important step in caring for a water dispenser is to clean its drip tray and water/ice chutes. You can do this with soap and water. If you have calcium in the water, use CLR, Lime Away or similar products. Be sure to rinse everything thoroughly before using.
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We wish you a great summer!
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