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  1. Repair
  2. GE Profile
  3. GE Profile Refrigerator
  4. Refrigerator water dispenser not working

GE Profile refrigerator water dispenser not working

Common reasons your GE Profile refrigerator water dispenser is not working

The most common reasons your GE Profile refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.

  • 65%

    65% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Water Filter

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Dispenser

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE Profile refrigerator

    Compressor Replacement

    A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.


    Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

    Water Filter Replacement

    Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.

    Dispenser Replacement

    When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.

    Why is my GE Profile refrigerator not dispensing water?

    ge-cafe-refrigerator-water-dispenser-troubleshooting

    Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your GE Profile refrigerator owner’s manual to find the cause of the water dispenser not working.

    Doors not closed completely

    Make sure refrigerator or freezer doors are closed so the dispenser will operate. A side-by-side GE Profile refrigerator only requires the freezer door to be closed to operate the water dispenser. On a GE Profile French door refrigerator, the door with the dispenser and sometimes the other refrigerator door must be closed for the dispenser to operate.

    Dispenser Control Panel is Locked

    Unlock the dispenser as shown in this video:

    That video shows additional troubleshooting tips to help resolve a problem with water not dispensing.

    Check the Water Filter

    If you haven’t replaced the refrigerator water filter in the last 6 months, it may be time to do that now. A clogged water filter can keep the water dispenser from getting water.

    Here’s a video that shows how to replace a common type of GE Profile refrigerator water filter:

    Check the refrigerator water supply

    Check to see if the ice maker is getting water. If the ice maker mold is empty and not filling during the harvest cycle, then check the refrigerator water supply by following these steps:

    1. Check the water supply shut-off valve to see if it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it closed.
    2. If the water supply going to your fridge uses a saddle valve, deposits and debris can clog the small opening that the saddle valve uses. Shut the saddle valve and then open it back up to clear debris or deposits from the small water supply opening of the saddle valve. This may restore the water supply to your Kenmore refrigerator.
    3. Verify that you have water going to the refrigerator through the water supply line. Shut the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water line from the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve. If water doesn’t flow from the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.

    If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your GE Profile refrigerator water dispenser not working, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.

    What to expect when you experience a GE Profile refrigerator water dispenser not working issue

    How is the water dispenser not working problem fixed?

    Correcting most water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator water dispenser that is not working

    When the refrigerator water dispenser is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

    What to look out for with a refrigerator water dispenser not working diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    GE Profile Refrigerator Water not Working Troubleshooting

    When you’re facing a problem with your GE Profile refrigerator water not working, try replacing the water filter because a clogged water filter will prevent water flow through the dispenser. Next, check the water supply cut-off valve to make sure it is open. Open that valve if you find it shut.

    Check the water supply going to the fridge by shutting off the water supply cut-off valve and disconnecting the water line on the back of your GE Profile refrigerator. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check for water flow from the water supply line. If water isn’t flowing to your fridge, have a plumber fix the problem.

    If the water supply to the fridge is okay, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the problem with your GE Profile refrigerator water not working.

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    Glossary Terms

    A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

    R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

    Additional possible GE Profile refrigerator symptoms you may experience