Refrigerator Water Dispenser Is Slow – Not Enough Ice Cubes

Water dispenser slow? Not enough ice cubes being made? If your refrigerator water dispenser is dispensing water too slow and you have low ice cube production, this could be a few different issues.

Water that dispenses from the refrigerator water dispenser too slow may mean a clogged water filter, low water pressure, a crimped water line, or clogged valve. The same goes with low ice cube production.

Refrigerator Water Dispenser SlowRefrigerator Water Dispenser Slow

What causes my refrigerator water dispenser to dispense water so slow and not enough ice?
1 – You could have a clogged refrigerator water filter.
2 – You may have low water pressure going to the fridge.
3 – Crimped or kinked water line.
4 – The saddle valve on the back of fridge may be clogged.
5 – Your water valve that supplies the fridge may not be fully open.

To troubleshoot this issue, it is best to check the ice cubes first. See if the ice cube tray is making a full ice load each time it creates ice. If the ice cube tray is not making the proper amount of ice cubes per cycle (half full), the ice cubes are hollow, or the ice cubes have a soft shell, this indicates the water pressure is too low.

check ice maker first if fridge water dispenser is slowCheck ice maker first if fridge water dispenser is slow

This may mean the water filter that filters the water to your complete fridge is clogged and needs to be replaced. Even if you replace the water filter every 6 months, it still may be clogged from heavy use or your water supply quality.

Replace your water filter, check for kinked water lines behind the refrigerator, be sure all water valves that supply your fridge with water are fully open, and open and close the saddle valve behind your refrigerator (if applicable).

If you need a new water filter for your refrigerator, you can find ALL factory approved fridge water filters here. You can buy them in 3 packs to save money.

Remember to replace the water filter every 6 months or more depending on the quality of the water in your area. If you need assistance on how to change your filter on your fridge, here is the way to change your refrigerator filter for your LG fridge filters, Samsung fridge filters, Maytag fridge filters, Frigidaire fridge filters, GE fridge filters, Whirlpool fridge filters, and Kenmore fridge filters.

change water filter if cloggedChange water filter if clogged

Your refrigerator water dispenser can be tested. Use an 8 ounce cup and fill the cup with 8 ounces of water. The water filling process should take from 4 to 8 seconds to fill. If it takes longer than 8 seconds to fill an 8 ounce cup, this indicates low water pressure, a bent or crimped water line, or a clogged valve. This means that a water filter may be clogged.

check water lines for bends or blockageCheck water lines behind refrigerator for bends or blockage

To resolve this: Replace the water filter, check for crimped water lines behind the fridge, be sure all water valves that supply your fridge with water are fully open, and open and close the water saddle valve behind your fridge (if applicable).

be sure water valve is fully openBe sure water valve is fully open

close and open saddle valve to clear blockageClose and open saddle valve to clear blockage

Other issues that can cause SLOW water dispensing and low ice production:
1 – A home water filtration system can reduce the water pressure to your home including the fridge. Check the owners manual on your home water filter system for more info.
2 – A Reverse Osmosis Water System can have clogged filters. If your R/O water system has a water line connected to your refrigerator, be sure the R/O is working properly an has new filters installed.
3 – A Faulty Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve Solenoid can be causing your slow or no water dispensing issues. Refer to your owners manual for more info.

Note: When you replace the water filter on your refrigerator, there may be air trapped in the lines and filter that need to be purged. After replacing your water filter, run the water dispenser for 30 seconds to remove air and any debris from the new filter.


How It Works – Refrigerator Water and Ice Dispenser Repair


Troubleshooting Refrigerator Water Dispenser Problems


How To Replace Refrigerator Water Inlet Valve Solenoid

If you still need help, assistance, or answers to fix your Refrigerator Water Dispenser Slow problem, ask the experts on our Appliance Repair Help page for free answers to fix your broken appliance!

If you know of other reasons a refrigerator water dispenser is slow to dispense water or ice cubes are not fully producing, please leave a tip or comment below to assist others with the same issue.

1 thought on “Refrigerator Water Dispenser Is Slow – Not Enough Ice Cubes”

  1. Sometimes an “ice jamb” will occur at the point inside the freezer where the water line enters from the back of the refrigerator (near the top corner). The ice build-up inside this section of tube prevents water from pouring into the ice tray. I use a hair dryer on high-heat to warm the outside surface of the freezer in the area where the waterline enters, thus melting the “ice jamb”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.