I recently replaced the water filter in my refrigerator and have since observed an issue. A vibrating or chugging noise occurs whenever I use the water dispenser. Could this be attributed to air being trapped in the water line, or perhaps to alterations in water flow as a result of the newly installed filter?
Refrigerator Making Noise When Dispensing Water
Identifying the Reason Behind the Noise
Understanding where the noise is coming from is the first step to resolving the issue. Here are some common reasons your refrigerator’s water dispenser may be noisy:
- Old or Dirty Water Filter: Filters are essential for providing clean water, but an old or clogged filter can become more of a hindrance, resulting in an annoying humming noise when you try to dispense water.
- Air in Water Pipes: If you hear a gurgling sound, it could be due to trapped air in the water lines. This is a common issue and usually easy to resolve.
- Faulty Water Inlet Valve: A more serious issue could involve the water inlet valve, which controls the flow of water into your refrigerator. If this part is malfunctioning, you might hear a hissing or screeching sound.
- Damaged Filter Housing: The water filter resides in a compartment known as the filter housing. If this part is damaged, you might hear a rattling or vibrating noise when using the water dispenser.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Quieting Your Fridge
Examining the Water Filter:
- Inspect for Dirt: The first step in resolving the issue is to locate and inspect the water filter. Check for any dirt, grime, or other debris.
- Testing a New Filter: Sometimes, the problem could be with the filter itself. If you have a new filter, try replacing the old one to see if the noise goes away.
- Checking Seals and O-Rings: These are rubber components that help the filter fit snugly. Make sure they are properly in place and are not damaged or worn out.
Troubleshoot Refrigerator Water Dispenser Making Noise
Other Areas to Check:
- Removing Trapped Air: To remove air bubbles in the water lines, use the water dispenser to fill about 15 glasses. This should force out the trapped air and eliminate the gurgling sound.
- Inspecting the Water Inlet Valve: This component is generally located at the back of the fridge. If you’re hearing a noise from the back, this could be the culprit, and you may need to replace it.
- Checking the Filter Housing: If the noise persists, open up the filter housing compartment to check for any visible damage or debris. Clean or replace as needed.
What to Do if the Water Dispenser Stops Working
Sometimes, the issue could be more severe, and your water dispenser may stop working altogether. Here’s what to do:
- Identify the Source of the Noise: Use the dispenser and listen carefully. This will help you figure out what to check next.
- Check Electrical Connections: Loose or disconnected wires can cause the dispenser to malfunction. Make sure all connections are secure.
- Inspect the Dispenser Switch: Each refrigerator has a switch that activates the water dispenser. If this is broken, you’ll likely need a new one.
- Examine Water Lines: Make sure there are no kinks or blockages in the lines that could be impeding water flow.
- Test Water Pressure: Low water pressure could also be a factor. If you suspect this, you may need to consult with a professional.
- Check for Frozen Lines: If the water is not dispensing, it could be because the water lines have frozen. Adjust the refrigerator’s temperature settings and check again.
- Cleaning the Dispenser: Over time, mineral deposits could build up and obstruct the water flow. A thorough cleaning might resolve the issue.
- Consult the Manual: If all else fails, the user manual specific to your refrigerator model will have troubleshooting steps you can follow.
Fix Fridge Water Dispenser Not Working
Water Filter Bypass Plug for Refrigerator
Cap Filter Bypass for Refrigerator
If you’ve tried troubleshooting the noise from your refrigerator water dispenser and haven’t had any luck, there’s another option you might consider: using a Cap Filter Bypass for your refrigerator. This is a specialized cap that can temporarily replace the water filter, effectively bypassing it. By using this cap, you can isolate whether the noise is indeed coming from the filter or if it’s originating from another part of the system. This can be particularly useful if you’ve replaced filters and still experience noise, as it helps you rule out one potential problem area. It’s a handy tool for quick diagnosis and is compatible with various refrigerator brands.
Water Filter Bypass Plug for Refrigerator
NOTE: These issues and solutions are not confined to any single brand of refrigerator. Whether you own a Bosch, Emerson, Frigidaire, GE, Haier, Hotpoint, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, or Whirlpool, the principles for troubleshooting and fixing these issues remain the same.
With this guide, you should be well equipped to diagnose and possibly fix the noises coming from your refrigerator’s water dispenser.
Still confused? Don’t hesitate to leave your questions and your refrigerator model number in the comments for personalized advice.
Kayla,
Here are a few things that can cause the loud noises when dispensing water:
One possible cause is a problem with the water inlet valve, which regulates the flow of water into the fridge.
If the valve is faulty or not installed properly, it can vibrate and create a loud noise when water is being dispensed.
Another possible cause is a loose or damaged water line.
If the water line is not securely attached to the back of the fridge, it can vibrate and make noise when water is flowing through it.
Also a clogged water filter can also cause the fridge to make noise when dispensing water.
Hope this help!
-RR
Loud noise coming from back of fridge when dispensing water.
Phil,
Try this… If your fridge is making the clunking noise when dispensing water, try removing the filter and just putting it back in.
Check this video… Whirlpool Fridge Water Clunking noise
Simple solution, but may fix your issue.
Let us know.
-RR
Hi
Thanks for the reply – I have checked this but it cannot be the cause as the water line is routed through the freezer door to the dispenser. The noise is stopped when I open the fridge door not freezer door. The only part of the water supply in the fridge compartment is a cooling loop which routes in and out at the back of the fridge and is nowhere near the door.
Model number is S20D RBB32-A/G
Phil,
We do not know the model number of your Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator, but we can say with almost certainty that the water line that is running through the door of your refrigerator down to the dispenser is probably bent or somehow the water is not flowing properly.
If you can open the refrigerator door and the water still dispenses but stops making the noise it’s most likely because the water line is straightening out when you open the door.
This is the water pressure building up and causing the strange noise coming from the water dispenser on your Whirlpool refrigerator.
You will have to do a visual check on the water line inside your refrigerator door.
If the water line is damaged, obviously you will need to replace it and you should not hear the noise anymore.
If you wanna give us the model number of your refrigerator we can try to help you a little further.
-RR
I have a loud clunking noise from my Whirpool Side by side fridge freezer when dispensing water.
The noise is coming from the water inlet valves.
I have tried by passing the filter, fitting an external filter and finally change the inlet valve – noise remains but I have just discovered that opening the fridge door whilst dispensing water eliminates the noise and improves the flow. Any ideas on what the problem is?
I’m having the same issue! Plus the ice maker stopped working. Had a repairman here yesterday and he commented the filters can be the problem and not a good fit. Supply chain and quality issues can result in filter not snug. He took the filter out, put back in without the fridge filter cap adapter. Also, he ordered a new ice maker. Water was dispensing fine….for a day. When I remove the filter the water dispenses fine. And now the ice maker is working again. What’s the solution?
I had the same loud hammering noise when I changed my water filter and couldn’t figure out why. With mine I folded a partial paper towel and put it behind the water filter so it made it a little more snug and no longer anymore noise. Yah!!
We have a Bosch fridge and weirdly over-tightening the filter causes it to make the most obnoxious noise. It took us a bit to figure out what was wrong.
Hello. I have a 2016 Kenmore Elite side by side. Water dispenser and ice work fine.
The problem is air in the water. I changed the filter and purged several gallons. Air bubbles are very prominent. The odd thing is that with the filter out there are still are air bubbles.
I had the city come out to test outside line…
all clear. I also noticed the back of the fridge was noisy when dispensing water so I replaced the water inlet valve. Still noisy and still air bubbles. There is also a dual water inlet valve though yet to replace that one. Thoughts?
Joan,
Make sure you are buying genuine OEM water filters for your refrigerator. If you use a 3rd party brand, it may save you money, but it may not be up to the proper standards and cause issues such as noisy shuddering sounds.
-RR
I have a Jenn Air fridge with a water dispenser inside the fridge. When I replaced the water filter my fridge started making a noisy shuddering sound and the water flow slows down. When I put the old filter back in the noise stops and the water flow returns to normal. When I put the bypass plug in noise stops and the shuddering noise stops. I called and was sent another replacement filter, but the same problem happened again. I again put the old filter back in and the problem stopped. Have the filters changed he noiI called and ordered another filter. The same problem occurred again. I tried putting the old filter back in and the shuddering noise stopped. Have the filters changed?
We put in a new water filter but water very slowly runs out, we ran 4 gallons of water thru it as the water filter requires it! We took the water filter back out and the water runs as it is suppose to! We put in another water filter back in and it also runs very slowly! When we first push the dispenser it comes out normal but quickly goes back to a slow trickle! Could you please tell us what is wrong? Thank you!