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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 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
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Common refrigerator repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
Door Switch Replacement
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.
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Using an outdated refrigerator water filter can cause a decline in water supply to both the icemaker and water dispenser.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.
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.
Why is there no water coming out of my water dispenser?
Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your 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 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?
Dispenser Control Panel is Locked
Unlock the dispenser as shown in this video:
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 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:
- Check the water supply shut-off valve to see if it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it closed.
- 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 refrigerator.
- 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 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 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 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.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.