7 Main Reasons Your Refrigerator Water Dispenser Stopped Working

If you observe that your refrigerator water dispenser stopped working, then there is no cause for alarm, it might be as a result of some reasons I will be listing out below. Before calling your refrigerator mechanic or repairer, it is wise you conduct a little bit of troubleshooting on your part.  The top 7 reasons why your refrigerator dispenser stopped working are as follows:

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1. Faulty Refrigerator Water dispenser switch

   It could be that the switch that turns on the dispenser is actually faulty. Depending on the model of the refrigerator you are using, you can actually lose and bring out the switch,  then test for continuity with the two terminals of the switch by using a multi-meter. If the switch test negative for continuity, then it means it is faulty and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

2. Defective Refrigerator Water dispenser control board

   If all the functions of the control board are disrupted, then it means the control board of the refrigerator dispenser itself is defective. You can lose and bring out the board, then conduct a little bit of troubleshooting. Though the board itself cannot be tested, you can easily search for some damaged signs like if any of the components had got burnt or so.

3. Malfunctioning door switch

   Normally, the door switch disables the water dispenser when the refrigerator door is opened. But it later turns it on when the refrigerator door is closed. A malfunctioning door switch can still prevent the dispenser from working even when the door is closed. Just like you did with the dispenser switch, you can easily test the two terminals of the door switch for continuity by using a multi-meter. If the switch test negative for continuity, then it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

4. Faulty water inlet valve

   In normal condition, the refrigerator inlet valve opens to allow water to travel from the water source to the water dispenser in the refrigerator. The inlet valve can experience two different types of fault or failure, and they are; mechanical and electrical failure.

A mechanical failure can occur as a result of the build-up of mineral deposits in the valve, thereby preventing the valve from opening. If this type of fault actually happens, it is preferable to replace the valve with a new one. Cleaning up an old valve is not totally acceptable.

An electrical failure can be determined by testing the solenoid coils of the valve for continuity. If one or more of the coils tested negative for continuity, then it means that the valve needs to replaced as soon as possible before the refrigerator water dispenser can function well again.

5. Low water pressure

   For the refrigerator water dispenser to work appropriately, the water inlet valve needs a water pressure of 20 to 120 PSI (per square inch). To determine the pressure of water that is been supplied to your valve, carry out the following steps:

• Turn off the water supply
• Disconnect the supply line from the inlet valve, and hold it over an empty bucket
• Turn the water supply back on, and observe if there is a strong flow of water from the water source. A weak flow indicates a problem with the water supply or the water supply valve.

6. Frozen water supply

   A frozen water supply tube leading to the ice maker tray or the water dispenser can also lead to a malfunction in your refrigerator water dispenser. You can supply heat to the supply tube by using a hairdryer. You need to be aware that a frozen water supply tube is often caused by a defective inlet valve or a low water pressure from the water supply.

7. A defective main control board

   Although this problem is not very common, a defective main control board can result in the water dispenser not functioning properly. Just like you did with the dispenser board, you can investigate the main control board for signs of burnt or damage to any of the components. If you discover any damage to any of the components, then you can replace the main control board with a new one, provided every other part of the refrigerator water dispenser is functioning properly.

If after you might have conducted all these troubleshooting processes and you still discover that your refrigerator water dispenser is not working properly, then you need to consult your mechanic or repairer.