KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser not working

Common reasons your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is not working

The most common reasons your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.

29% of the time it's the
Compressor

26% of the time it's the
Water Filter

23% of the time it's the
Dispenser

22% of the time it's the
Something else

Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid refrigerator

Compressor Replacement

A locked refrigerator compressor can exhibit several symptoms indicative of a malfunction. The most noticeable sign is a lack of cooling in the refrigerator compartment, leading to elevated temperatures and the potential for food spoilage. The freezer may also fail to maintain the desired freezing temperatures, resulting in no ice production from the ice maker or dispenser. Additionally, you'll observe that the compressor is unusually silent or fails to produce its typical humming sound during operation. In some cases, the compressor may attempt to start but fail, resulting in repeated clicking noises. The inability of the compressor to circulate refrigerant properly can affect the defrosting process, leading to ice buildup in the freezer. Furthermore, a faulty compressor could send a sudden influx of melting frost to the drain line, causing it to back up, preventing adequate draining, and potentially causing water leaks.

Troubleshooting compressor problems in refrigerators

Water Filter Replacement

Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the ice maker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.

Water filter finder tool

Dispenser Replacement

When a refrigerator dispenser malfunctions, it can lead to various issues including the dispenser's failure to dispense water or ice, regardless of user input. This malfunction may stem from problems with the dispenser water supply, dispenser controls, or mechanical components within the dispenser assembly. There may be slow or insufficient water flow, inconsistent ice dispensing, or even complete non-functionality. A malfunctioning dispenser may also leak, causing water to pool around the dispenser area or even inside the refrigerator. For a thorough diagnosis and resolution of these issues, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional address the situation.

How to dissasemble a refrigerator dispenser

What to expect when you experience a KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser not working issue

How is the water dispenser not working problem fixed?

Correcting most water dispenser not working problems usually involves replacing the compressor, water filter or dispenser. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator water dispenser that is not working

When the refrigerator water dispenser is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.

What to look out for with a refrigerator water dispenser not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

KitchenAid Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water: Expert Troubleshooting tips

Follow these expert troubleshooting tips when your KitchenAid refrigerator is not dispensing water.

See if the dispenser control lock is turned on. The water dispenser won’t work if the dispenser control is locked. Press and hold the designated control lock button for 3 seconds to unlock the control panel. You should then be able to dispense water from the fridge.
Replace the water filter. A clogged water filter can be the cause of your KitchenAid refrigerator not dispensing water. If you haven’t replaced the filter within the last year, it’s definitely time to replace it now. The water dispenser may begin working again after replacing the water filter.
Check to see if the ice maker is making ice. If the ice maker isn’t producing ice (the ice mold is dry), then check the water supply going to the fridge. Make sure that the water supply cut-off valve is fully open. Open that valve if you find it shut. If you find that water supply cut-off valve open, shut the valve and remove the water line from the connection on the back of the fridge. Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket and briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check for water flow. If no water flows from the end of the supply line, have a plumber fix the refrigerator water supply.

These basic troubleshooting tips may help you find and fix the problem when your KitchenAid refrigerator is not dispensing water. If not, the fridge may have one of these problems preventing the water dispenser from working:

Defective electronic control board.
Failed dispenser control board.
Faulty water dispenser lever switch.
Frozen water supply line going to the water dispenser through the freezer door.
Wiring failure.

When you’re unable to find and fix the cause of your KitchenAid refrigerator not dispensing water on your own, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to repair the fridge.

What to do When You Find Your KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Not Working

Resolving a problem with the water not working on your KitchenAid refrigerator begins with replacing the water filter if you haven’t replace it within the last year. A clogged water filter is a common cause for a fridge not getting water.

Next, pull the refrigerator out from the wall (use a helper if necessary) and check the water supply cut-off valve. Make sure that valve is fully open. If the water supply valve is a saddle-type valve with a small opening for water to flow through, shut the valve and then open it back up. Cycling that valve shut and then back open may clear deposits and/or debris from the valve opening so your refrigerator gets water again.

If these initial tips don’t help, take these steps to check the water supply going to your fridge:

Shut off the water supply cut-off valve.
Disconnect the water supply line from the back of your KitchenAid refrigerator.
Place the end of the water supply line in a bucket.
Briefly open the water supply cut-off valve to check water flow coming from the end of the supply line.

If water doesn’t flow from the end of the supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your KitchenAid fridge.

If the water supply going to your fridge is okay, a number of other issues could be causing your KitchenAid refrigerator water not working problem. These failures can prevent the fridge from getting water:

Failed inlet water valve.
Defective electronic control board.
Bad dispenser control board.
Wiring failure.

You’ll typically need to have a service technician diagnose and repair these more complicated issues with your KitchenAid refrigerator water not working. Schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to find and fix the cause of the water supply failure.

Troubleshooting a KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working but Ice Maker Is

When just the water dispenser is not working on your KitchenAid refrigerator, a problem with the electronic control board, dispenser control board or water dispenser lever switch could be causing the problem. A wiring failure can also prevent the water dispenser from working even though the ice maker works.

If the ice maker makes ice but the ice dispenser isn’t working, check the dispenser control lock feature. If that control lock is turned on, ice and water won’t dispense. Press and hold the dispenser lock button for 3 seconds to turn off the control lock if you find it turned on.

Other problems that can prevent the water and ice dispenser from working even through the ice maker works include:

Failed main electronic control board.
Bad dispenser control board.
Problem with the dispenser lever and/or switches.
Wiring failure.

Schedule KitchenAid refrigerator repair service when you’re unable to find and fix the cause of your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser not working but the ice maker is working. We’ll send a service technician to your home to fix the dispenser problem in no time.

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Glossary Terms

What is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

What is R-12 Refrigerant?

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

What is CFC Certification?

CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

What is a Refrigerator Thermostat?

A refrigerator thermostat is a device within a refrigerator that regulates its temperature by turning the cooling system on and off based on the interior temperature compared to the set desired temperature.