A refrigerator water dispenser is a convenient way of enjoying some chilled water in a matter of a few seconds. Not only that but it is also filtered inside the fridge, which is a major benefit in terms of health. However, sometimes, refrigerator water dispensers can run into problems and stop working and your only option may be to find appliance repair experts. As frustrating as it seems, you do not need to worry. Here are some tips that will help you troubleshoot the issue.

Check The Water Filter

If your water dispenser has stopped working all of a sudden, the first thing you need to check is the water filter. It is one of the easiest problems to fix. A water filter is designed to filter water by trapping contaminants and other factors that might affect the water’s quality. With time, the filter will get dirty and eventually clogged.

To fix it, you should either clean or replace the water filter. If your refrigerator is new, you should only clean the air filter. However, if the unit happens to be old, you need to replace the filter. The best way to avoid such situations in the future is by consulting the user manual and following a maintenance schedule.

Depending on the make, model, and variant along with other important factors, you may have to clean the filter at least once on a weekly or monthly basis. If you have to replace the refrigerator water filter, make sure you opt for the exact replacement. Although we will suggest contacting the manufacturer for the replacement part, but if not available for some reason, you should look for another option that is of the same size and quality.

Frozen Or Clogged Water Supply Tube

If cleaning the water filter does not work, you will need to check the water supply tube and make sure it is neither frozen nor clogged. Oftentimes, water supply tubes tend to get frozen due to extreme temperatures. This is common in side-by-side refrigerators, in which the tubes connecting your water supply to the door are frozen due to improper temperatures.

If this is the issue, you can simply thaw it out. Make sure you do not use sharp materials to do so. Such tools can damage the internal components and can be expensive to fix. In addition to that, it is fairly common for the water supply tube to become clogged as well.

With time, dirt and debris can also accumulate hindering the supply of water. Simply clean the tube and see if it solves the issue.

Malfunctioning Water Inlet Valve

The water supplied to the dispenser of your fridge is done by the water inlet valve. It simply allows water in by opening and might stop working if the water pressure happens to be too low or is defective itself. A normal functioning water inlet valve should have at least 20 PSI.

If the water pressure is okay, you should check the water inlet valve. For checking this valve, you should use a multimeter. If the tool shows the valve does not have any continuity, it will need to be replaced.

Inspect For A Faulty Door Switch

While trying to troubleshoot a refrigerator water dispenser not working, you will need to go through several components that might be directly or sometimes even indirectly related. The reason is that the problem might take place with some other component but the signs might be indicating another component.

For instance, your refrigerator water dispenser not working might be due to a faulty door switch. Initially, you might think there is no relation between the two but it is a sort of safety feature that does not allow the dispenser to provide water if the door is not properly closed to prevent leaks.

That said, you must check the door switch for issues. If it is broken or blocked by something, you will need to fix it ASAP. In case your commercial kitchen equipment has a door switch malfunction, leave the repairs to a commercial appliance repair Alexandria technician.

Replace The Control Board

If nothing else works, your refrigerator’s control board may be fried. A control board is the most important component sending signals and communicating with all the components. So, if the control board happens to stop working for some reason, the entire unit will stop functioning.

Even though control boards are rigid components but will malfunction due to power surges. Unfortunately, the control boards are not repairable and will need to be replaced. You might come across experts who can repair the boards but you should not be tempted unless they offer a guarantee.

Other Water Dispenser Issues

Water From The Dispenser Is Warm

The only reason your refrigerator has a dispenser built-in is to get instant chilled water. Keep in mind that the water stored inside the unit has a different temperature. That said, the water coming from the dispenser is cooled down to only 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if the water is warmer than the set temperature, you will need to look for its causes. Check the temperature control settings. It may also be due to new installation, the water dispenser not being used for a long time, or a large amount of water being dispensed.

Generally, a dispenser should be given a good 24 hours to cool down the water stored inside. If large quantities of water are dispensed, it will surely take some time for the machine to cool down the upcoming water supply.

Ice Or Frost Buildup

Sometimes, you might come to find ice buildup inside or on the ice dispenser of your refrigerator. It can be on the door or in the chute. It is a normal situation and there is no need to panic. You can simply remove ice from the chute using a damp sponge.

But, if you notice that frost or ice formation is taking place regularly, you will need to keep the door open and keep the ice bucket out to make sure the flap is closing properly. If the door is not closing properly, you will need to consult an expert.

How To Prevent Refrigerator Water Dispenser Issues?

The best way to prevent refrigerator water dispenser issues is by scheduling periodic expert maintenance. Refrigerators like other household appliances need maintenance to function normally. With time, dirt, dust, grime, oil, and other factors could hinder the performance of the components.

In between the expert inspections, you should also weekly or monthly inspect and clean the relatively less risky parts. Do not attempt to do so when the unit is turned on. Make sure you turn it off first and disconnect from the main power source.

Cleaning the air filters and other such simple components is easy but you should not wander away. Instead, follow the user manual and consult an expert when it comes to maintenance and complicated issues. You might think of it as expensive but it saves you from a lot of trouble in the future.

Conclusion

A refrigerator water dispenser not working calls for some simple fixes. Unless there is a major reason, these issues are neither complicated nor expensive to fix. However, make sure you keep the unit maintained and be on the lookout for signs & symptoms that might turn into something bigger sooner or later. And involve a refrigerator repair Fairfax technician whenever required.