Cold, filtered water from your refrigerator—it's delicious, refreshing, and incredibly convenient. So it's incredibly frustrating when your fridge stops dispensing it. Don't worry though, Asurion Experts are certified, trained and have experience with every major home appliance, so they can help. Here's their guide to why water isn't coming out of your refrigerator and how to fix it.
Why is my fridge water dispenser not working?
The first step to fixing any appliance is to figure out what the issue is. If the water dispenser isn't working on your fridge, these are the common causes and how to get things flowing again. If at any point you get stumped or it seems like you need an advanced repair, contact an Asurion Expert for help.
A clogged or dirty water filter
A dirty or clogged water filter means less water can flow through the system. The good news: Replacing it is usually a straightforward process. Check your refrigerator's manual (it's usually available online) for instructions on how to replace your filter, including which replacement you'll need and how often to change it to prevent further issues. A dirty or clogged water filter can also cause a clog in your water supply lines—so after cleaning the filter, be sure to clean the water line.
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A blocked, kinked, or frozen water line
Water can stop flowing from the fridge dispenser when supply lines become frozen, clogged, or kinked. Some water lines run through the freezer, so if the temperature is set too low, the water line will become frozen. If there is ice in the line, allow it to defrost. Follow the steps in our guide to cleaning your refrigerator water line to help determine if a clog is your issue.
You should also check for kinks or bends in water lines that could slow the flow of water, and make sure there is ample space behind your refrigerator for the lines.
A damaged water inlet valve
The water inlet valve connects your fridge to your home's main water supply. It can become clogged or broken over time. To check the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator, turn off the water supply, and remove the rear panel. Check the valve and connected lines for any leaks or damage.
An issue with a water inlet valve can also stem from power not reaching it effectively. If you have electrical skills, you can test the power supply using a multimeter (if not, we recommend you book a repair with an Asurion Expert). With the water line still disconnected and the power still off, locate the valve's solenoid coils. Disconnect the two wires from the terminals located on the coil. Use a multimeter to test the solenoid and see if it is running electricity steadily. If it isn't, it may need to be replaced.
Other causes of a broken refrigerator water dispenser
If there are no issues with the water supply system, you may need to take a look at a few other components. Malfunctions involving a faulty pressure switch, a water dispenser actuator, a refrigerator door switch, or a control board could be among your problems. You can inspect these components visually for damage or shorts or test the circuits with a multimeter. We recommend you reach out to an Asurion appliance repair expert to help you diagnose these problems and repair or replace these components.
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Cause 1
Water Tube in Door is Frozen
To determine if the water supply tube is frozen, disconnect the tube at the bottom of the door and blow air through it. If air does not pass through, this indicates that the water supply tube is frozen. If the water supply tube is frozen, thaw it out. In addition, ensure that the freezer is kept at the proper temperature. The freezer temperature should be kept from 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit. If the freezer is too cold, the water line may freeze.
Cause 2
Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve opens to supply water to the dispenser. If the water inlet valve is defective, or if the water pressure is too low, the water valve will not open. The valve requires at least 20psi to function properly. Make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve for continuity. If the water inlet valve does not have continuity, replace it.
Cause 3
Low Water Pressure from House Supply
The home may have insufficient water pressure. The water inlet valve supplies water to the water dispenser. The water inlet valve requires a minimum of 20 psi to function properly. Check the water flow and test the pressure to determine if it is at least 20 psi.
Cause 4
Dispenser Control Board
The dispenser control board governs most of the functions of the dispenser system. If the control board is faulty, it may stop supplying power to the entire dispenser system. If only one dispenser part is not working, test each of the dispenser components before testing the control board. It is more likely that a single part has failed. If the entire dispenser system is not working, the control board is more likely to be at fault.
Cause 5
Dispenser Switch
The dispenser switches send voltage to the dispenser. If one of the dispenser switches is defective, the dispenser will not work. To determine if a dispenser switch is defective, use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If a dispenser switch does not have continuity, replace it.
Cause 6
Water Filter
A clogged water filter can restrict the flow of water to the dispenser and prevent the dispenser from working properly. The water filter should be replaced about every six months to maintain proper water flow and ensure water quality.
Cause 7
Door Switch
The door switch turns off the ice and water dispenser when the refrigerator door is open. If the door switch fails, the dispenser will not turn on. To determine if the door switch is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the door switch does not have continuity when activated, replace it.