Kenmore refrigerator water dispenser not working after replacing filter

Cold, filtered water from your refrigerator—it's delicious, refreshing, and incredibly convenient. So it's incredibly frustrating when your fridge stops dispensing it. Don't worry though, Asurion Experts are certified, trained and have experience with every major home appliance, so they can help. Here's their guide to why water isn't coming out of your refrigerator and how to fix it.

Why is my fridge water dispenser not working?

The first step to fixing any appliance is to figure out what the issue is. If the water dispenser isn't working on your fridge, these are the common causes and how to get things flowing again. If at any point you get stumped or it seems like you need an advanced repair, contact an Asurion Expert for help.

A clogged or dirty water filter

A dirty or clogged water filter means less water can flow through the system. The good news: Replacing it is usually a straightforward process. Check your refrigerator's manual (it's usually available online) for instructions on how to replace your filter, including which replacement you'll need and how often to change it to prevent further issues. A dirty or clogged water filter can also cause a clog in your water supply lines—so after cleaning the filter, be sure to clean the water line.

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A blocked, kinked, or frozen water line

Water can stop flowing from the fridge dispenser when supply lines become frozen, clogged, or kinked. Some water lines run through the freezer, so if the temperature is set too low, the water line will become frozen. If there is ice in the line, allow it to defrost. Follow the steps in our guide to cleaning your refrigerator water line to help determine if a clog is your issue.

You should also check for kinks or bends in water lines that could slow the flow of water, and make sure there is ample space behind your refrigerator for the lines.

A damaged water inlet valve

The water inlet valve connects your fridge to your home's main water supply. It can become clogged or broken over time. To check the water inlet valve, unplug the refrigerator, turn off the water supply, and remove the rear panel. Check the valve and connected lines for any leaks or damage.

An issue with a water inlet valve can also stem from power not reaching it effectively. If you have electrical skills, you can test the power supply using a multimeter (if not, we recommend you book a repair with an Asurion Expert). With the water line still disconnected and the power still off, locate the valve's solenoid coils. Disconnect the two wires from the terminals located on the coil. Use a multimeter to test the solenoid and see if it is running electricity steadily. If it isn't, it may need to be replaced.

Other causes of a broken refrigerator water dispenser

If there are no issues with the water supply system, you may need to take a look at a few other components. Malfunctions involving a faulty pressure switch, a water dispenser actuator, a refrigerator door switch, or a control board could be among your problems. You can inspect these components visually for damage or shorts or test the circuits with a multimeter. We recommend you reach out to an Asurion appliance repair expert to help you diagnose these problems and repair or replace these components.

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The water that dispenses from your refrigerator is one of the best ways to enjoy a glass of water. Not only is it perfectly chilled, but it’s also filtered by a purpose-built water filter inside the fridge. The cold fridge water often even tastes better than your home tap water because of the filter and the chill. But when your water dispenser stops working, you need a solution fast.

Fridge water filters can fail in a surprisingly diverse number of ways. They can stop dispensing water or start spraying water everywhere. The water may stop being filtered or start containing small bits of the filter medium. And this can be caused by any number of fridge malfunctions. If your refrigerator water dispenser is not working properly, try the following list of troubleshooting possibilities to track down the source of your problem. From there, a repair is often quick and easily taken care of. 

Straighten or Replace the Dispenser Tube

If your fridge water dispenser seems blocked or is spraying water at the dispensing point, then the most likely culprit is the dispenser tube. There will be a small plastic tube that runs from the water line to the in-door dispenser, and down into the dispensing assembly. There may also be a plastic tube end-piece where the water pours into your glass. Check the entire line for damage, a clog, or bend in the line. If the line is bent, try to straighten it. If it is broken or non-functional, replace the necessary section of water line and dispenser tubing. 

Clean Out the Water Lines

For low pressure, irregular dispensing, and lack of water, consider the possibility of a clog. Clogs are especially likely if there is a flaw in the water line or if the water filter is not up to date. Inspect the water line in segments and the components that run water through them for the possibility of a clog. You can often tell by seeing how water is flowing through the tubes. If you find a clog, it can usually be cleaned out by running vinegar and possibly baking soda through the line. You may also find a bend in the tubing that is acting as a clog.  

Inspect and/or Change the Water Filter

Water filters are the source of many fridge water system troubles. Each fridge model has a slightly different water filter and system. The way the water filter fits into its socket closes into housing, and clips into the water lines can all contribute to the flow (or lack of flow) through the water dispenser. Check to see if your water filter is halfway twisted or clipped so that the water flow is not even. This may have also resulted in leaks or flooding near the water filter. The water filter may even still have its packaging cap on, blocking water flow completely.

It’s also possible that your water filter is too old. A bad water filter can make the water bad and, of course, stops filtering it. This increases the chance of a clog caused by chalky minerals that are usually filtered. If it’s been more than six months since your last water filter change, change it out for good measure and be sure to follow the directions for your fridge model and filter exactly for best results. 

Test the Water Pressure

Getting only a trickle of water from your fridge water dispenser? If it’s not a clog or a line-twist, then it’s likely to be related to water pressure instead. You can test the pressure of the fridge water system at various points to track the problem down. Start at the water line in the wall, where your fridge gets its water from in the first place. If there’s no water pressure here, of course, your fridge can’t muster any more pressure for the water dispenser.

If there’s water pressure supplied to the fridge but not at the dispenser, work backward to find where the water pressure drops off. You’ll find either a clog or a leak. 

Defrost the Water Line

Water lines often go through the freezer and/or ice maker in order to provide ice and drinking water in the same dispenser assembly. However, this also means there’s a risk of water freezing in the line which, as you know, can cause problems. Open up your freezer door and check the ice maker and water lines to find out if there’s ice inside the tubes as well. If there is, a hairdryer on low is actually the fastest way to safely defrost your water lines without defrosting the freezer or disassembling the lines. 

Check the Pressure Switch

Now that you’ve fully investigated the water lines, don’t forget to test if the pressure switch is the problem. The pressure switch is where you press your glass to receive water. This can be a micro switch behind a flexible pad or it can be a large lever, depending on the design of your refrigerator. Understandably, if this switch is broken or disconnected then you won’t be getting water from the dispenser. Fortunately, replacing the pressure switch is usually a quick mechanical replacement or repair. 

Inspect for a Faulty Door Switch

Another switch worth checking is your fridge/freezer door switch. Because the water lines must move from the fridge housing into the fridge door to dispense, the door must be fully shut before water pours. This is practical, to prevent leaks. However, if your freezer door switch is broken or blocked by something, it won’t acknowledge that the door is safely closed and water will not dispense. 

Replace the Control Board

Finally, it’s possible that your fridge’s control board is selectively or completely fried. If other features like ice dispensing, timers, and filter lights aren’t working, then the problem may not be with your water dispenser assembly at all. If nothing else presents itself, ask a professional to test your control board for functionality and possibly install a replacement.

—Dispensing cold drinking water from the fridge is a surprisingly complex process of tubes, filters, ice makers, and closed doors. If your water dispenser is not working correctly, contact us today for an expert technician’s help in troubleshooting and quickly repairing the problem.

Why is water not coming out of my fridge after replacing filter?