Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not getting water

Common reasons your Whirlpool Refrigerator ice maker not getting water

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker is not getting water are a defective water valve, a faulty icemaker assembly, or a malfunctioning PCB.

  • 30%

    30% of the time it's the
    Water Valve

  • 25%

    25% of the time it's the
    Icemaker Assembly

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    PCB

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator

Water Valve Replacement

When a water valve is defective, it impacts the proper functioning of the water dispenser and icemaker. If the water valve fails to open, the icemaker won't receive the water necessary to produce ice, and the dispenser won't dispense water. Additionally, a defective valve may lead to water leakage, particularly near the water valve assembly. In some instances, a malfunctioning water valve can cause the water dispenser or icemaker to cease working entirely. If the water valve fails to close, water flowing into the icemaker may leak to the evaporator and fan, subsequently freezing into a solid block of ice. This impedes airflow, compromising the proper cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Icemaker Assembly Replacement

A faulty refrigerator icemaker can have diverse effects, impacting various aspects of the refrigerator's operation, including its ability to make ice. Increased noise during the ice-making process could indicate a problem in the icemaker's components. A malfunctioning icemaker may lead to water leaks around the icemaker assembly, potentially causing water puddles in and around the refrigerator. If the bail arm fails to shut off ice production, it could result in the icemaker drawer jamming due to an overproduction of ice, potentially leading to damage to the drawer or adjacent shelf. The failure of other components in a refrigerator that stops cooling will affect ice production, so a thorough inspection of the refrigerator by a Sears Home Services professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

PCB Replacement

A defective printed circuit board (PCB) can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power, lack of cooling, and water leaks. The PCB controls communication and power between various components of a refrigerator that control temperature regulation, fan operation, the defrost cycle, icemaker functions, and dispenser functions. If the PCB fails, any or all of these components may stop working. Because so many components can be impacted, Sears Home Services professionals should conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.

Why is water not coming into my Whirlpool ice maker?

Check the ice maker settings and make sure that the ice maker is turned on. If the ice maker is turned on, follow these troubleshooting tips to resolve the ice maker failure.

check-the-refrigerator-water-valve

Lack of water

Lack of water due to a faulty inlet water valve is a common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator to stop making ice.

If the water dispenser isn’t getting water and your ice maker isn’t filling with water, you’ll likely need to replace that valve.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace a refrigerator water inlet valve:

Frozen fill tube above the ice mold

If the ice mold is dry but the water dispenser works, check the fill tube above the ice mold by squeezing it. If it’s clogged with ice, defrost the fill tube using a hair dryer on a low heat setting.

Check for a jammed ice cube blocking the ejector arm

An ice cube that’s jammed and blocking the ejector arms from rotating can prevent the ice maker from working.

If you see an ice cube stuck in the ejector arms, use a wooden spoon to pry out the ice cube.

If the stuck ice cube didn’t damage the ice maker ejection arms and gears, the ice maker may start working again. If not, you’ll likely need to replace the ice maker module.

When you’re unable to find and fix the cause of an ice maker problem in your GE refrigerator, schedule service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to diagnose and repair the problem.

What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator icemaker not getting water issue

How is the icemaker not getting water issue fixed?

Correcting most refrigerator icemaker not getting water problems usually involves replacing the water valve, icemaker assembly, or PCB. 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 icemaker not getting water problem

When a refrigerator icemaker is not getting water, 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, including issues that require Whirlpool refrigerator repair ice maker services.

What to look out for with a refrigerator icemaker not getting water 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker getting water?
A clogged water line, broken water inlet valve, or malfunctioning control board could prevent the ice maker from receiving water. Inspect these components for blockages or faults.
Could a broken water inlet valve prevent my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker from getting water?
Yes, if the water inlet valve is faulty, water won’t flow to the ice maker. Replacing the valve should resolve the issue.
How can I fix my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker if it’s not getting water?
Check the water line, valve, and control board for issues. Replacing any faulty parts should restore water flow to the ice maker.
What should I do if my Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker still isn’t getting water after replacing the valve?
If the ice maker continues not to get water, the control board or wiring may need professional inspection and repair.

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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.

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