If your refrigerator water dispenser is dispensing either no or slow water, here is what to check to fix it. (No or Slow Water from Dispenser) If your refrigerator is newly installed, make sure you push the water dispenser lever down for 3 minutes to get the water reservoir to fill up completely. Usually the water reservoir is located inside the fresh food section. Top mount refrigerator models do not apply because there is no water reservoir.
On most refrigerator dispensers whether it be a Whirlpool refrigerator, Frigidaire refrigerator, Samsung refrigerator, KitchenAid refrigerator, Haier refrigerator, Jennair refrigerator, GE refrigerator, LG refrigerator, Kenmore Elite refrigerator, or Maytag refrigerator, it should take on average 8 seconds to fill an 8 ounce glass of water.
If your refrigerator has no lights on the control panel and no water or ice, check power to the refrigerator.
If all of a sudden your fridge is not dispensing water:
Be sure the water line valve in the wall to the refrigerator is turned on or open. Usually a saddle valve or similar will be used to connect the fridge water supply line to your home water supply. This valve needs to be completely open so the refrigerator receives water. You should also check the water inlet valve on the back of your fridge. This is electrically operated and can be tested with a volt meter to see if it is working properly. Also be sure that the water line behind the refrigerator is not kinked or bent. If you recently pulled the fridge out, you may have bent the water supply line when you pushed the fridge back in place. It is also possible that a water line has become frozen inside the fridge and that is why the water flow is restricted. Check all water lines for ice and or restricted sections.
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Troubleshooting Why the Refrigerator Water Dispenser Is Not Working
You may also have a clogged water filter. This filter is either built into your refrigerator or it is “inline” of the water line behind your refrigerator. A clogged water filter will cause no water at all or very slow water dripping from the dispenser. Change the water filter and this will most likely solve your issue. Refrigerator water filters need to be changed every 6 months. Once you have replaced the water filter, test the dispenser. If the water flows as it should, then you have fixed the problem.
If the water dispenser is not working, but you know it is being supplied with water and has power, then a defective switch in the dispenser is most likely to blame. You may need to take the dispenser apart and troubleshoot the valve and or switches in the dispenser. You may hear a clicking noise or a humming noise if a switch or valve is defective.
If the water dispenser drips water constantly then you have a water valve problem. You can look up your refrigerator model online and find the switch or valve that you need to replace and DIY.
If there is a slight dribble of a few drops of water after using the dispenser, this is normal and due to a delay in the system.
If the water dripping from the dispenser is a big problem, you can purge the complete water tank and water line system. Use a large cup and press down on the dispenser for 3 minutes. This will remove trapped air that can cause the water dispenser dribble. You should also empty the recess grill (water catch) and clean out underneath it to prevent water dripping out and making a puddle on the floor.
Common refrigerator water & ice dispenser parts breakdown
NOTE: The water and ice dispenser in the door will not work if the refrigerator door is open.
Remember, when troubleshooting a water no flow issue with your refrigerator, disconnect power and turn off the water supply for safety reasons.
If you know of other reasons a refrigerator stops dispensing water or ice, please leave a comment below to assist our other readers.
Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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Our GE side by side fridge’s water dispenser is dispensing ice cubes instead of water when we press the water button. Earlier it did sound like ice was dispensing from the ice maker but it still dispensed the water when we pressed the water button but now it’s quit dispensing the water completely. Any idea what the problem is?
Ralph,
This sounds like you have a frozen dispenser water line.
Due to the age of the fridge, the insulation inside the freezer door starts to break down and no longer keeps the inside of the door above freezing – unfortunately, right where the water line runs for the dispenser.
You can confirm this by trying to insert a zip tie (8-10″ long) fully in to the water dispenser line (where the water normally comes out). You should be able to fully insert the zip tie. If you’re not able to do so – you have confirmed that you have ice blocking the water from flowing freely.
I live in south Florida where there is a lot of calcium in the water, both city and we’ll water. My water was dispensing very slowly then not at all. My ice maker was still making small amounts of very small cubes. I changed the filter twice, no help. I finally disconnected the water supply to the fridge at the wall valve. There was a small calcium deposit right in the connection point that was about 98% blocking the water to the fridge. I soaked it in vinegar for 30 minutes, then used a small pick file to remove the deposit. I reconnected the supply, and the water dispensed out of the door like it was brand new! It took 2 wrenches, a flashlight, a small pick file and about 2 hours to complete from start to finish including soak time and cleanup. I hope this helps others.
Bear,
You could have a clogged water line or the dispenser is not working properly. What is the model number of your Maytag Gold Fridge Freezer?
-RR
Hello I have a maytag gold bottom freezer with 2 doors on top ice and water in the door , the ice maker is working fine . The water is making a bad humming noise and the water is barely flowing out . I have replaced the water filter and it is still happening. Thanks for any help
Ralph Chan,
If the water dispenser works only at certain times (such as at night but not when opened frequently) this may be because of a timer issue or a vacuum seal issue. Also, you may have a bad door switch that stops the water from dispensing when the door is sensed to be open. Use a meter and test a few of the parts to be sure they are operating properly.
-RR
GE profile 9 years old. Water dispenser stopped working except late at night, then stops in the morning. Has done this on 3 nights in a row. Seems that when the refrigerator is not opened for a while the water dispenser works but when the refrigerator is entered in the morning the water dispenser stops. Late at night the flow is very good and I have let it flow upwards of a gallon!!! What can be the problem please??