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

GE refrigerator water dispenser not working

Common reasons your GE refrigerator water dispenser is not working

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

  • 64%

    64% of the time it's the
    Compressor

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Water Filter

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Dispenser

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a GE 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.


    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.

    What to expect when you experience a GE 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.

    Set up GE refrigerator repair service and we’ll have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix the fridge.

    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.

    What to do When Your GE Fridge does not Dispense Water

    Check the settings on your water dispenser when your GE fridge does not dispense water. If the control lock is enabled, the dispenser won’t work. Disable the control lock by following the instruction on the dispenser control panel or look up instructions for turning off the dispenser control lock in your owner’s manual. On some GE fridges, you’ll see a lock button that you need to press and hold for 3 seconds to disable the control lock.

    If the control isn’t locked, then a clogged water filter could keep the dispenser from working. If you haven’t replace the water filter within the last year, install a new filter and see if the dispenser works. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for installing a new water filter in your model of GE fridge.

    If the water filter is okay, unplug the refrigerator for 2 minutes to reset the control board. After restoring power to the fridge check to see if the dispenser works.

    If your GE fridge does not dispense water after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to diagnose and repair the dispenser failure.

    Troubleshooting a GE Refrigerator with Water Not Coming Out

    When no water comes out of the dispenser, check the control settings to see if the control lock is turned on. Disable the control lock if it’s on.

    A clogged water filter will block water flow to the dispenser. If you haven’t replace the water filter within the last year, install a new filter and see if the dispenser works. Replace the water filter every 6 months or as directed in the owner’s manual for your GE fridge.
    Check for ice production. If the ice maker isn’t getting any water, make sure that the water cut-off valve for the refrigerator is fully open. Open that valve if you find it shut.

    Check for ice production. If the ice maker isn’t getting water, then there may be a problem with the water supply going to the fridge. Shut off the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water supply line from the back of the refrigerator. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve. If no water flows from the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.

    If these troubleshooting tips don’t help you when your GE refrigerator has no water coming out, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the problem.

    How to fix a GE Refrigerator with No Water Coming Out

    When no water comes out of the dispenser, check the ice maker to see if it’s filling with water and producing ice. If so, then the water supply is okay and you can focus your troubleshooting on the water dispenser.

    Check to see if ice dispenses from the water and ice dispenser. If the ice dispenser works while the water dispenser doesn’t work, a switch inside the dispenser may not be detecting that the lever is being pushed in. Because the dispenser in a GE fridge is typically hard to disassemble, have a Sears Home Services technician fix the dispenser.

    If the ice dispenser doesn’t work, check the control lock on the ice and water dispenser control panel. If the control lock is enabled, turn it off according to the instructions on the control panel or in the user manual for your GE refrigerator.

    If the control isn’t locked, unplug the refrigerator power cord for 2 minutes to reboot the electronic control. After plugging the fridge back in to restore power, check to see if the dispenser works.

    If these troubleshooting tips don’t work, a bad water valve, failed electronic control or wiring failure. Schedule refrigerator repair service to have a service technician fix the problem.

    Why does my GE Refrigerator Get No Water?

    When your GE refrigerator gets no water, check the water supply cut-off valve. Open that valve if you find it shut. That should restore the water supply to your GE fridge.

    If you find the water supply valve open, then a plumbing problem in your home could be preventing your refrigerator from getting water.

    Some refrigerators use a self-piercing saddle valve to tap into a water pipe in your home and supply water to the fridge. This type of valve has only a small opening for water to flow to the fridge and that small opening can get clogged with deposits or debris.

    Sometimes, you can restore water to the fridge by fully shutting the saddle valve and then opening it back up. If this doesn’t work then you’ll need to have a plumber fix the water supply going to the refrigerator.

    Troubleshooting a GE Refrigerator with Water that Won’t Dispense

    When water won’t dispense through your GE refrigerator, check the ice dispenser to see if it works. If the fridge won’t dispense ice, then check the control lock on the dispenser. If the control lock is enabled, turn it off so the dispenser will work.

    If you didn’t find the dispenser control lock enabled, try resetting the control boards in the refrigerator by unplugging the power cord for 2 minutes. After plugging the fridge back in to restore power, see if the dispenser works.

    If only the water dispenser is broken and the ice dispenser works, have a service technician check the lever switch and water valve. A bad switch on the dispenser lever, a failed dispenser control board or a defective water valve could be preventing the water dispenser from working. Schedule repair service to have a service technician fix your GE refrigerator with water that won’t dispense.

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    Glossary Terms

    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.

    CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

    Additional possible GE refrigerator symptoms you may experience