Whirlpool Fridge Keeps/Not Dispensing Ice or Water

A refrigerator that won’t dispense ice or water can be an inconvenience. However, a refrigerator that keeps dispensing ice and water can not only be wasteful; it can also be dangerous and costly. What do you do when your Whirlpool fridge is experiencing these issues?

If your Whirlpool fridge is not dispensing water or ice, it could be due to a frozen water line. The line can freeze if the freezer temperature is set too low. To resolve this, adjust the freezer temperature to a warmer setting and wait for a few hours to allow the line to thaw.

Another reason for this issue could be a clogged water filter. Over time, filters can accumulate sediments and minerals, blocking the flow of water. Replacing the water filter is a simple fix. Locate the filter, usually found in the refrigerator’s base grille or upper right corner inside, and replace it with a new one.

Whirlpool Fridge Keeps/Not Dispensing Ice or Water

This article will discuss the most common causes of Whirlpool refrigerator ice and water dispensing problems and how they can be fixed at home.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice and Water Dispensing Problems

Many of the problems with a Whirlpool refrigerator that is having ice and water dispensing problems can be checked and fixed at home without the need to call a maintenance specialist. The fixes are often simple, from dirty buttons that have become stuck to internal programs that need to be reset.

However, suppose you are not familiar with certain more complicated tasks, such as using a pressure gauge to test your water supply. In that case, you should call a maintenance specialist to inspect the appliance safely.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Keeps Dispensing Water

If your Whirlpool refrigerator keeps dispensing water, the first thing to check is the control panel on the door. Although some newer models have touch-display, older models will have buttons that need to be pressed to dispense water or ice. Often these buttons need to be held down in order to activate the desired function.

Causes

Stuck buttons: Due to the debris that can accumulate in a kitchen, it is not uncommon to find the buttons on your refrigerator becoming stuck. Over time, particles in the air, such as flour and sugar, along with moisture and grease will build up in areas that are overlooked during cleaning. If this happens, water may continue to dispense even after you release the button.
Bug in the system: For control displays that are touch-screen, it is possible for a small internal bug to confuse a request and not interrupt the internal signal. Much like with a phone or computer, the system will function using a set of programmed commands that are signalled as the user makes a request. If the signal is not recognized correctly, the fridge will not know to stop dispensing water.

How to Fix

If water is being rapidly dispensed, you may need to locate and shut off the unit’s water supply. This is often located under the sink. Always begin by unplugging the appliance from the power outlet to avoid any chance of electrical shocks.

Next, find the water main and switch the valve off, shutting down any water supplied to the appliance. After you turn the water off, there will still be some water in the pipes, and you may see additional water dispensing before the lines are flushed.

Try to Release the Button Manually

Once the water is no longer an issue – or if it was just a small drip, to begin with – check over the control panel to see if the button appears to be stuck:

Firmly press the button to see if it will loosen.
Spray a small amount of kitchen degreaser to the control and wipe the area clean with a paper towel.

If the issue is daily debris, the button should come loose with some movement and cleaning. It may require a second spray and clean with a degreaser if the build-up is extreme.

Perform a Reset

If the button is not stuck, or if you have a touch display, you may need to perform a system reset to clear any internal bugs causing the issue. This can be done simply by unplugging the appliance and leaving it without power for 10-15 minutes. Once reconnected to power, the internal program will be restarted fresh.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Keeps Dispensing Ice

As mentioned above, a stuck button or bug in the system can cause both water and ice to keep dispensing, even when you are not engaging the button. However, most refrigerators have a lever that needs to be depressed to access ice. This level can be found in the space provided for the glass and will activate when the glass is inserted.

Cause

Much like the build-up of debris causing buttons to stick, a similar thing can happen at the lever used to dispense ice. Grease and other particles can gather inside the space in the same way it does around buttons. If enough grease and particles accumulate, the lever can stick in the ‘on’ position, and ice will continue to flow.

How to Fix

The lever will need to be moved and clean to clear the residue and work correctly. Gently reach behind and pull the lever back to its stationary position and wipe clean anything that may have become stuck. You can avoid this from happening in the future by only adding ice to empty glasses. The sticky droplets from sugary drinks can also cause the lever to get stuck in place.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water

If your Whirlpool refrigerator is not dispensing water, chances are it has more to do with the water mains at your home than with the fridge itself. However, some internal issues can also be behind the problem. When checking internal issues, always be sure that the unit is unplugged and the water is switched off.

Causes

Low water pressure is a common issue. For homes that are high above the water level, or in remote areas, you may find low pressure throughout your home. In other situations, it could be an area-wide issue. However, there are a few things to check on your unit also.

Low water pressure: Low water pressure from your home will prevent the water inlet valve in your appliance from adequately supplying water to the unit. In this case, you can check the valve yourself. However, low pressure will need to be assessed by a professional.
Clogged water filter: Your fridge will have a water filter designed to keep chemicals and minerals from building up in the pipes and tubes used to dispense ice and water. This may be found near the inlet valve, or inside the unit near the dispenser. If they have not been checked or cleaned, it could be that they have become clogged, and water can longer easily flow into the appliance.
Frozen water tube: When the freezer is set too low, you may find that the water tube for the dispenser freezes and can no longer produce water. As water is pumped into the unit and out through the dispenser, the tube will fill with water. Even after dispensing is finished, there will be some water leftover in the tubes that can freeze over time.

How to Fix

When looking at internal parts, or moving the unit to look behind at pipes and outlets, always begin by unplugging the appliance. If you are not confident in checking internal issues, it is safer to call a repairman. They will likely perform a thorough system check to find the problem.

Check the water pressure. Locate the water inlet valve, which can be found at the back of the unit, and test the water pressure using a pressure gauge. This valve will be connected to the water main found under the sink. When removing the hose, have a bucket ready to catch any water that may still be in the line. Ideally, the pressure needs to be above 20 psi (pound per square inch) to function correctly.
Replace the water filter. The water filter is often found either in the unit’s door or at the bottom of the fridge behind a panel or grill. Carefully remove the filter and inspect for build-up. At this point, you could try to dispense water to check the flow. If the flow returns to normal, you will know the filter was the cause of the problem.
Thaw the water tube. To check the tube, locate and carefully pull free from the valve. Attempt to blow air through the pipe. If air flows, it is not blocked. However, if you are unable to blow air through, it is likely frozen solid. You will need to remove the tube entirely and allow it to thaw. You should also check the freezer temperature, ensuring that it is between 0-10°F (-17.78–12.22°C).

Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Ice

As with a fridge that is no longer dispensing water, a clogged filter or low water pressure can also cause your Whirlpool refrigerator to stop dispensing ice. A couple of other very common causes are luckily, very easy to fix. There is no need to turn the unit off for these fixes.

Causes

Most refrigerators that have internal ice and water dispensers will have contingencies that stop any flow when the door is opened. This prevents water and ice from spilling out when you open the door or if the door is accidentally left open. Many newer models will also have some kind of child lock.

The door is not closed: In most cases, a lever or a sensor will recognize the door is open and will prevent any ice or water from being dispensed. In the same way the light goes out when you close the door, a lever or sensor will also activate the ice and water dispenser. If this lever is broken, or if the sensor is faulty, the dispenser may not re-engage when the fridge is closed again.
The feature is locked: Many newer models of refrigerators have locking features that can stop certain functions. These are usually designed for child safety. However they can be enabled if the owners plan to be away for an extended period.

How to Fix

These issues can be checked and remedies without the need to shut off the power and water. However, if you find that the fridge door will not close, it might mean that the seal has failed, and it will need to be replaced. This should be done by a professional.

Check the Door

The first thing to do is to check that the door can close properly. In many cases, an overfull fridge or item that is protruding from the shelf can prevent the door from closing all the way. You can check this by opening the door and looking for anything that may be in the way. When you close the door, press firmly to secure the seal, then run your hand around the edge to feel for cool air.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 12, 2020.

If the door is closing correctly, and you feel no cold air, check the dispenser.

Check the Lock Feature

The lock feature usually is clearly labeled on the controlled display on the front panel of the appliance. In some cases, it may be a single button – that can easily be pressed by mistake – or a couple of options that need to be pressed together.

Try to select the lock feature. It will either engage or disengage. If it disengages, then it has been activated by mistake. If not, engaging and disengaging it may fix any internal bugs, like with a system reset.

Final Thoughts

There are several easy ways to fix an ice and water dispenser that is not working. Regular cleanings of the control panel and dispenser are essential to keep the parts working correctly. Similarly, regular checks of the inner water tube and filter will ensure the flow is in good order.

Other simple solutions include ensuring the door can close completely and that no locking features have been activated. However, low water pressure can also affect your Whirlpool refrigerator, and though you can check this at home, you may need a professional to fix the overall issue.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 12, 2020.