Why is My Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working?

refrigerator water dispenser image

Is the water dispenser on your refrigerator not dispensing water? If so, you can try to solve the issue on your own or call Express Irvine Appliance Repair for refrigerator repair Irvine, California.

There are several reasons for a water dispenser in a kitchen refrigerator to stop working. Again, some reasons are going to sound a bit crazy. However, something as obvious as an on/off switch on the refrigerator has been the reason in the past. Be sure to review the more obvious potential problems before moving forward with refrigerator repair. Let’s start to tackle this appliance repair issue and see what reasons we can reference for a broken water dispenser on a refrigerator.

The reason for a broken water dispenser is usually either an installation issue, a filter issue or frozen water lines:

Refrigerator Installation Issues

You just installed a new refrigerator with a water dispenser, but it’s broken. The water dispenser must be hooked up to the home’s water line. That could be the issue.

If your brand new refrigerator is replacing a previous refrigerator that didn’t have a water dispenser or ice maker, there’s a possibility that you don’t have a water line near this area. A water line is usually run from underneath the home either in a crawl space or basement. You can get this line at just about any home repair store and they are pretty easy for the average homeowner to install. Typically they have come with a built-in water shut-off valve, which is important so that if you ever need to move the refrigerator, you can shut off the water.

If there is a connected water line, is the valve turned on? The valve handle should be in line with the hose. And, is there water running through the pipe you have installed to connect the water line? Simple and basic questions, but items that have to be accounted for.

If you removed the refrigerator doors during installation the water dispenser may not be plugged in. Review the manual to see the wire harness for that particular refrigerator. Check that it’s plugged into the refrigerator.

Once the water is hooked up, usually there is air in it. So, lifting and lowering the dispenser control on the refrigerator to get the air out of it is needed.
Filter Problems

On some popular refrigerators, there are various filters. These filters might “expire”, become clogged or freeze. All filters are based on your style and type of refrigerator. If your filter is clogged it will cause slow filling or no flowing period. It is suggested that your filter is replaced every 6 months. Changing filters can be difficult. If you run into hiccups, go online or call us and learn the right process to replace a filter.

One idea is to fill the water filter with water prior to installing it. A lot of time the water filters will take a long time to fill up, which could lead you to think the water dispenser on the refrigerator isn’t working right. You will want to read the directions if all else fails. To be sure it is not air trapped in the water lines, depress the dispenser lever for around 5 minutes.

A frozen water tank might also be the cause of the issue as well in some refrigerators. If the tank freezes it will begin to leak onto the fresh food bins. Small amounts of food inside of the fresh food bins can cause freezing to happen.

ADDITIONAL REFRIGERATOR RESOURCES