How to fix a refrigerator that's not dispensing water

Cold, filtered water from your refrigerator—it's delicious, refreshing, and incredibly convenient. So it's incredibly frustrating when your fridge stops dispensing it. Don't worry though, Asurion Experts are certified, trained and have experience with every major home appliance, so they can help. Here's their guide to why water isn't coming out of your refrigerator and how to fix it.

Why is my fridge water dispenser not working?

The first step to fixing any appliance is to figure out what the issue is. If the water dispenser isn't working on your fridge, these are the common causes and how to get things flowing again.

A clogged or dirty water filter

A dirty or clogged water filter means less water can flow through the system. The good news: Replacing it is usually a straightforward process. Check your refrigerator's manual (it's usually available online) for instructions on how to replace your filter, including which replacement you'll need and how often to change it to prevent further issues. A dirty or clogged water filter can also cause a clog in your water supply lines—so after cleaning the filter, be sure to clean the water line.

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A blocked, kinked, or frozen water line

Water can stop flowing from the fridge dispenser when supply lines become frozen, clogged, or kinked. Some water lines run through the freezer, so if the temperature is set too low, the water line will become frozen. If there is ice in the line, allow it to defrost. Follow the steps in our guide to cleaning your refrigerator water line to help determine if a clog is your issue.

You should also check for kinks or bends in water lines that could slow the flow of water, and make sure there is ample space behind your refrigerator for the lines.

A damaged water inlet valve

The water inlet valve connects your fridge to your home's main water supply. It can become clogged or broken over time. To check the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator, turn off the water supply, and remove the rear panel. Check the valve and connected lines for any leaks or damage.

An issue with a water inlet valve can also stem from power not reaching it effectively. If you have electrical skills, you can test the power supply using a multimeter (if not, we recommend you book a repair with an appliance expert). With the water line still disconnected and the power still off, locate the valve's solenoid coils. Disconnect the two wires from the terminals located on the coil. Use a multimeter to test the solenoid and see if it is running electricity steadily. If it isn't, it may need to be replaced.

Other causes of a broken refrigerator water dispenser

If there are no issues with the water supply system, you may need to take a look at a few other components. Malfunctions involving a faulty pressure switch, a water dispenser actuator, a refrigerator door switch, or a control board could be among your problems. You can inspect these components visually for damage or shorts or test the circuits with a multimeter.