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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 bad door switch, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.
29% of the time it's the Door Switch
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
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Most common repairs needed to fix a KitchenAid refrigerator
Door Switch Replacement
The dispenser control for the door that houses the water and ice dispenser must sense that the door is shut before the water dispenser will work on most KitchenAid refrigerators. When the door switch is broken, the interior light won't turn off when the door is closed. Test the door switch by pressing in on the switch plunger or lever with the door open to see whether the interior light turns off. If the light doesn't shut off when you press in on the switch, you'll likely need to replace the door switch to fix the water dispenser problem.
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.
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.
Why is the water not flowing in my KitchenAid refrigerator?
Start by following the troubleshooting tips in your KitchenAid refrigerator owner’s manual to find the cause of the water dispenser not working.
Doors not closed completely
Make sure refrigerator or freezer doors are closed so the dispenser will operate. A side-by-side KitchenAid refrigerator only requires the freezer door to be closed to operate the water dispenser. On a KitchenAid French door refrigerator, the door with the dispenser and sometimes the other refrigerator door must be closed for the dispenser to operate. Is your Whirlpool refrigerator no water?
Dispenser Control Panel is Locked
Unlock the dispenser as shown in this video:
Check the Water Filter
If you haven’t replaced the refrigerator water filter in the last 6 months, it may be time to do that now. A clogged water filter can keep the water dispenser from getting water.
Here’s a video that shows how to replace a common type of KitchenAid refrigerator water filter:
Check the refrigerator water supply
Check to see if the ice maker is getting water. If the ice maker mold is empty and not filling during the harvest cycle, then check the refrigerator water supply by following these steps:
- Check the water supply shut-off valve to see if it is fully open. Open that valve if you find it closed.
- If the water supply going to your fridge uses a saddle valve, deposits and debris can clog the small opening that the saddle valve uses. Shut the saddle valve and then open it back up to clear debris or deposits from the small water supply opening of the saddle valve. This may restore the water supply to your KitchenAid refrigerator.
- Verify that you have water going to the refrigerator through the water supply line. Shut the water supply cut-off valve and disconnect the water line from 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. If water doesn’t flow from the end of the water supply line, have a plumber fix the water supply going to your fridge.
If these tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your KitchenAid refrigerator water dispenser not working, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the issue.
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 a door switch, 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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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
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.
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.