
Discover the top 5 KitchenAid refrigerator issues and their solutions for 2025 on Sears Home Services.
The most common reasons your refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a bad door switch, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
44% of the time it's the Door Switch
31% 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
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 42M refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
The dispenser control for the door that houses the water and ice dispenser must sense that the door is shut before the water dispenser will work on most refrigerators. When the door switch is broken, the interior light won't turn off when the door is closed. Test the door switch by pressing in on the switch plunger or lever with the door open to see whether the interior light turns off. If the light doesn't shut off when you press in on the switch, you'll likely need to replace the door switch to fix the water dispenser problem.
Using an outdated refrigerator water filter can cause a decline in water supply to both the icemaker and water dispenser.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.
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.
Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your refrigerator owner’s manual to find the cause of the water dispenser not working.
Make sure refrigerator or freezer doors are closed so the dispenser will operate. A side-by-side refrigerator only requires the freezer door to be closed to operate the water dispenser. On a French door refrigerator, the door with the dispenser and sometimes the other refrigerator door must be closed for the dispenser to operate. Is your Whirlpool refrigerator no water?
Unlock the dispenser as shown in this video:
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 refrigerator water filter:
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:
If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your refrigerator water dispenser not working, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
Fixing water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the door switch, 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.
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.
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.
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Jake is a great person.
He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.
Nancy V, Meridian, ID
Great job
Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.
Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ
Service appointment
Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again
Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY
Discover the top 5 KitchenAid refrigerator issues and their solutions for 2025 on Sears Home Services.
Master DIY repair tips for your refrigerator's ice maker this summer. Learn to fix common issues like blockages, motor problems, and ice makers that stop working
Get expert tips to fix 6 common Maytag fridge problems in 2025. Don't let your fridge break down, learn how to resolve these issues today!
Embarking on the journey to choose a new refrigerator can feel overwhelming with the myriad of options available.
A condenser is a component of HVAC and refrigeration systems, responsible for releasing absorbed heat from the refrigerant into the outside air or a water line, thus facilitating the cooling process.
A compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume, essential in various systems including refrigerators, air conditioners, and HVAC units for cooling and refrigeration processes.
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.