Quick Answer: If your refrigerator water dispenser is not working, check the ice maker and water filter. Other causes may include a frozen reservoir, a faulty micro switch, control panel issues, or a problem with the door sensor. If these steps don't help, contact a refrigerator repair professional.
You press your water glass into your refrigerator dispenser...and get nothing. When water is not coming out of your refrigerator, there are several things you can do to try and resolve this problem. In this article, we’ll provide you with a troubleshooting guide that might help you fix the issue on your own. But before you get started, let’s play it safe. Close the main water valve that supplies water to your refrigerator and unplug it, so no power is flowing to the appliance. Now let’s see if we can quench your thirst for a DIY remedy and get that water flowing again.
1. Check the Ice Maker First
The ice maker should be your first stop as you search for an answer. If the refrigerator water dispenser is not working but the ice maker is, your water pressure could be to blame. Your fridge needs less pressure to make ice than it does to dispense water. Check your refrigerator’s manual to see the necessary water psi for both to function.
On the other hand, if both the water and the ice maker won’t work, there may be an issue with the water line or the inlet valve bringing water into the fridge. You can slide the unit forward (away from the wall) and see if there are any kinks in the line—also check for leaks while you’re at it. If everything looks okay, contact a refrigerator repair expert to test the inlet valve.
2. Check the Water Filter
On average, these filters need to be changed every six months, but when they have a significant amount of dirt or minerals to filter out, they may need replacing much sooner. You’ll find the water filter behind a panel in the fresh foods section of your fridge, or at the bottom inside of the door (if you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual for the location). Follow our refrigerator filter guide to safely check if the filter should be replaced. Some refrigerators models have a bypass filter you can plug in to test if the main filter was blocking your water.
3. Inspect the Water Reservoir
If your refrigerator is set too cold, it may cause a frozen water reservoir, which blocks the water dispenser. Depending on the appliance model, this reservoir is either inside the door or behind a panel in the back of the fridge. If you can reach the reservoir, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest setting to thaw the water in the line. Then simply adjust the refrigerator temperature to avoid the issue in the future. If you are unable to locate or reach the water reservoir, you may consider defrosting your fridge for a day so the water melts.
4. Look for a Faulty Micro Switch
When you press your cup into the water dispenser lever, you normally hear a click and a hum. This means the micro switch under the lever is working. If you don’t hear the click and the dispenser doesn’t appear to be jammed, you may need an expert to replace the microswitch.
5. Test the Control Panel
Many newer refrigerators have an electronic control panel that operates the dispenser. Press all the buttons to see if they’re working properly, and make sure the lock feature is not engaged. If one or more of the buttons does not work properly, it’s time to contact a professional to diagnose the underlying problem.
6. Check the Door Sensor
Water dispensers are designed to only work when the refrigerator doors are closed. So older models have buttons on the inside of the door, and newer models have sensors, to determine if the door is closed. That button or sensor can get jostled, broken, or disconnected—for example during a move. To troubleshoot, plug your fridge back in so it has power. Open the fridge door and press the door button (if present) or hold a magnet to the sensor to see if the light in the fridge turns off. If the light turns off, then the door sensor is connected and working properly. If not, contact a refrigerator repair expert to fix the problem.
After All That … My Refrigerator Still Doesn't Dispense Water
With so many potential reasons why a refrigerator water dispenser is not working, finding the DIY solution can be frustrating. And even after going through all the necessary steps, you may still not be able to resolve the problem yourself. However, you can reply on your local, experienced, and trained appliance pros at Mr. Appliance. We can quickly diagnose the fix your broken appliance so you can focus on all your other DIY projects. We can also set you up with an appliance maintenance plan that will help keep your appliance running smoothly all year long. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do When Your Refrigerator Is Not Dispensing Water
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what to do when your refrigerator is not dispensing water.
Why is my refrigerator water dispenser not working?
A common reason for a water dispenser not working can be a frozen or clogged water line. If your fridge’s internal water line freezes or debris builds up in the filter, water flow may be blocked. Other causes of your water dispenser not working might include a faulty dispenser switch or control board, or a water inlet valve failure. Call your trusted appliance service professional to determine your particular refrigerator repair.
What should I check if water is not coming out of my refrigerator?
If water isn't coming out of your refrigerator, start by checking if your child lock is activated on your dispenser switch setting. Next, inspect the water supply line for any kinks or blockages. Ensure the water filter is not clogged or frozen.. If these checks don’t solve the issue, it might be a sign of a problem with the water inlet valve, the dispenser’s motor, or the control board. For efficient refrigerator repair, your experienced appliance repair service professional is available to diagnose and resolve the issue with expert care.
Can a bad water filter cause my refrigerator water dispenser to stop working?
Yes. A bad or clogged water filter is one of the most common reasons your refrigerator’s water dispenser may stop working. Most refrigerators require a filter change every six months. A dirty or blocked filter can restrict water flow and trigger automatic shut-off functions. Replacing the filter and running water through the dispenser to clear air and any loose carbon particles often resolves the issue. Be sure to use the correct filter type for your model.
How do I know if my refrigerator water dispenser line is frozen?
You’ll know your water dispenser line may be frozen:
- if you hear the dispenser motor humming or clicking but no water is coming out
- if your fridge or freezer is set too cold (below 37°F)
Try defrosting the line by using a line heater kit—or contact your trusted appliance service professional to address your frozen water line and any underlying issues.
When should I call a professional for refrigerator repair?
It’s time to call a trusted service professional for refrigerator repairs if you’re encountering:
- Electrical issues: Your fridge won’t turn on even if it’s plugged in and the breaker is not tripped, you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or sparks, or your control panel is not responsive
- Temperature problems: You hear clicking and buzzing sounds and your refrigerator or freezer won’t remain cold, even after adjusting temperature settings
- Leaks and water dispenser troubles: Your ice or water dispensers don’t work after changing the filter, you can’t manage frozen water lines on your own, or you see water or ice forming under or inside your fridge
- Malfunctioning ice maker: Your ice maker is making strange noises, leaks, produces ice inconsistently or forms blocks of ice instead of cubes
Addressing issues like faulty valves, broken switches, or electronic control problems require specialized tools and training.
Is low water pressure a common reason why water is not coming out of my refrigerator?
Absolutely. If your home has low water pressure throughout—typically under 20 psi—your fridge may not dispense water properly. You may need a plumber to inspect your home’s pressure levels before appliance service can resolve the issue. If low water pressure is isolated to the fridge, your trusted appliance service professional may need to address a clogged filter, frozen water supply line, or a faulty inlet valve.
