Refrigerator water dispenser not working

Common reasons your refrigerator water dispenser not working

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

64% of the time it's the
Compressor

11% of the time it's the
Water Filter

9% of the time it's the
Dispenser

16% of the time it's the
Something else

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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need

Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.

Compressor Replacement

When a refrigerator compressor is locked, it can display various symptoms indicating a malfunction. The most prominent sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator section, resulting in higher temperatures and the risk of food spoiling. The freezer may also struggle to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, leading to no ice production from the icemaker or dispenser. Additionally, you may notice that the compressor is unusually quiet or fails to emit its typical humming sound during operation. In some instances, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The compressor's inability to circulate refrigerant properly can disrupt the defrosting process, resulting in ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could cause a sudden influx of melting frost into the drain line, leading to blockages, inadequate drainage, and potential water leaks.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

Water Filter Replacement

Using an outdated refrigerator water filter can cause a decline in water supply to both the icemaker and water dispenser. As time passes, the filter's effectiveness in removing impurities gradually diminishes, resulting in a decrease in the water flow rate. Moreover, you may detect a degradation in the quality of the dispensed water and ice. An old water filter may fail to efficiently eliminate contaminants, leading to a possible change in the taste or smell of the dispensed water. This change may be particularly noticeable if the filter has exceeded its recommended usage duration, usually about 6 months.

Water filter finder tool

Dispenser Replacement

When a refrigerator dispenser stops working, it can result in various issues, including the failure to dispense water or ice even when prompted by the user. This problem may arise from issues with the dispenser's water supply, controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. Users might experience slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or a complete failure. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to gather around the dispenser area or inside the refrigerator. To properly diagnose and fix these issues, it's best to consult a Sears Home Services professional.

How to dissasemble a refrigerator dispenser

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

Tips to resolving a water dispenser not working problem

Fixing water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there may be other issues, so a full diagnosis is essential to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Our recommendations for a refrigerator water dispenser that is not working

When your refrigerator water dispenser is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a service professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the problem. Our technicians are trained at diagnosing and repairing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to watch for with a refrigerator water dispenser not working diagnosis

Successfully diagnosing malfunctions in modern appliances can be a formidable task for individuals lacking comprehensive knowledge and training. Attempting to address refrigerator issues without employing precise diagnostic techniques may lead to ineffective repairs reliant on guesswork. The past decade has witnessed significant advancements in appliance technology, resulting in the integration of complex electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. As a result, do-it-yourself repairs on contemporary appliance models have become increasingly complex.

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Repair Refrigerator Resources

Ice Maker Not Making Ice? Troubleshoot and Fix It Today

Is your ice maker not producing ice? Follow our guide to fix common issues like jammed dispensers or clogged water filters. Schedule a repair with Sears Home Services if needed.

9 min readApr. 11Refrigerator