We know how it can be a real bummer when your fridge won’t dispense water or ice. Nothing’s more disappointing than pushing that lever and not having that refreshing glass of water or those ice cubes for your sweet tea. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you figure out what’s going on and hopefully even show you how to fix it.
Common Problems When Your Fridge Won’t Dispense Water or Ice
There are quite a few reasons why your fridge won’t dispense water or ice. It’s not always about a clogged ice maker. Let’s roll up our sleeves and check out some of the most common culprits and give you a few tips on how to fix them.
Control Lock Is On
What causes a refrigerator water dispenser to stop working? Ever think your fridge might be trying to protect you… a bit too much? Some models have a control lock feature to prevent unintentional dispensing. This can certainly come in handy when you have little ones around. But it can also cause some confusion when no ice or water is dispensing.
First, check if your fridge has a control lock feature. If it does, the control panel will usually have a lock icon. If the icon is lit or there’s an indication the lock is engaged, that’s your culprit. Simply follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to disengage the lock and get things flowing again, usually by just pressing the lock button.
Your Is Ice Maker Turned Off
If your ice maker isn’t making ice but the water is working, it could be that it’s just turned off! If the ice maker is turned off – by lifting the bar or hitting a button – it can stop the flow of both water and ice.
This is a quick fix. For most models, if the bar is lifted, simply push it down to turn the ice maker back on. If there’s a button, just give it a press. Remember, it might take a little time for the ice to start forming again, so give it a few hours before expecting your first batch of ice cubes.
Frozen Water Line
Noticing your fridge water is not working but the ice is? A common issue we see is when the water line inside the fridge decides to turn itself into an ice sculpture. This can block the water from reaching your dispenser and ice maker. This usually happens when the temperature settings on your fridge get a bit too chilly.
How do you clear a clogged refrigerator water line? First, check out your fridge’s temperature settings. You’re aiming for around 37-40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer. If they’re lower, adjust them and then sit tight for a few hours. If that water line doesn’t thaw out, you might need to defrost your refrigerator.
Clogged or Old Water Filter
Your fridge’s water filter could be all clogged up, or it might just be plain old tired. Either way, this can stop the water from reaching your dispenser and ice maker.
Changing your water filter should do the trick. Make sure to look at your owner’s manual to find out the right filter model and how to change it. Most refrigerators recommend swapping out the filter every six months to keep things flowing smoothly. Make sure it’s properly inserted so water can flow through freely.
Broken Water Inlet Valve
That water inlet valve is a tiny little thing that does a big job – it opens up to let water into your dispenser and ice maker. If it’s clogged or broken, your fridge just won’t dispense water or ice.
Unfortunately, replacing a broken water inlet valve isn’t an easy project. You’re better off calling the pros for this one.
Switch or Control Board Issue?
Sometimes, it’s not the water but the dispenser switch or the control board that’s causing the problem. If these parts are faulty, you guessed it; your fridge won’t dispense water or ice.
Both the dispenser switch and control board are a bit tricky to replace. If you think they’re the problem, we recommend getting a professional in to take a look.
Remember, we’re all about getting hands-on and fixing up what we can. But sometimes, it’s best to call in the pros for help. So, if your fridge won’t dispense water or ice even after you’ve tried these fixes, or if you’re not feeling confident about any of them, give us a call at Northeast Appliance Repair Service. We’re always ready to lend a hand with all your appliance service needs.
