Maintaining and Troubleshooting Domestic Refrigerators: Chapter 4
Refrigerator Troubleshooting: Water Dispenser
In this module, we will discuss the common refrigerator problem associated with the water dispenser. We will also learn how to fix these problems. Skip to quiz!
Diagnosing Malfunctions
The common problems with the water dispenser are:
Water does not dispense,
Water is not cold from the dispenser,
Water leaking from dispenser, and
Water tastes or smells bad
The water dispenser fails to run because of:
Frozen or clogged fill tubes or water lines
Clogged filter
Faulty or clogged water valve
Water Line and Fill Tube
Recall that water dispenses in our glass through a plastic tube. This plastic tube is connected to the waterline. If our fridge water dispenser seems blocked or is spraying water at the dispensing point, the most likely cause is a clogged water line or tube.
We need to check the entire line for damage, a clog, or a bend in the line. If the line is bent, we should try to straighten it. If it is broken or non-functional, replace the necessary section of the water line and dispenser tubing.
Grab the end of the water line protruding up into the dispenser opening and loosen it. Lift the loosened water line and gently pull the old water tube up and out the refrigerator door.
Insert the end of the new water tube into the hole. Carefully feed the tube up through the hole without forcing it until you see its end. Attach the water line to the filter head and water valve.
If the water line is clogged, it can usually be cleaned out by running vinegar and baking soda through the line. Clogs are likely to occur if there is a flaw in the water line or if the water filter is not updated.
Water Filter
Recall that the water from the supply line passes through the filter. However, if your water tastes bad, the water filter is not effectively cleaning our drinking water anymore. This increases the chance of clogging the filter.
If the water filter is clogged, it won't allow water to flow through. This can result in insufficient water pressure. We should replace the water filter every six months.
To replace the filter, twist it to the left and pull it out of the filter housing. Use the decorative filter cap from the old filter on the new filter for filters in the grille. Line up the new filter, push it into the filter housing, and twist the filter to the right.
We need to wipe up any water spills in the fridge while replacing the filter. We should run 2 gallons of water through the water dispenser to purge air and residue from the filter and water line. We should reset the filter replacement reminder light to indicate when to do the next replacement.
If the water filter is not clogged, we should check the water line from the water valve to the ice maker. This is because the water line can freeze, not letting water into the ice maker.
To fix the frozen water line, we should locate the tube that is frozen. Then, we should use a hairdryer to defrost water lines without disassembling the lines safely.
Water Filter
Recall that the water inlet valve assembly of the refrigerator controls water flow to the ice maker and the water dispenser. Once we find out that there is no clogging or freezing of the waterline, we should check the water valve.
If the water valve is damaged, cracked, it will leak. This will cause a loss of water pressure and water under the fridge.
Similarly, if the water valve does not open, it won't allow water to flow through. That is why we should check both mechanical and electrical failure of the valve.
To check for an electrical failure, access the refrigerator water valve usually found at the bottom rear of the refrigerator cabinet. Use either a multimeter to check the continuity of the valve solenoid coils.
We need to disconnect the water supply line connected to the valve. Then, disconnect the wires from the terminals located on the solenoid coils.
Set the multimeter to the lowest Ohms of resistance setting. The number of coils on the water valve can vary, and each coil will have two terminals. Place a probe on one of the terminals, and place the other probe on the other terminal.
If the meter reading results between 500 and 1500 ohms of resistance, the coil has continuity. However, there is no continuity if the meter reads 0L or 1 in the far left digit. This means the valve has failed electrically and will need to be replaced.
To check for a mechanical failure of the water valve, we should disconnect the water supply line from the water valve. Place a bucket under the end of the water supply line. Turn ON the water to the supply line and check the flow.
If the water flow seems weak or irregular, the problem is with the water supply. A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged. We need to replace the clogged water valve.
We need to unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. We need to close the water supply cut-off valve for the refrigerator. Place a towel under the water valve assembly to catch water.
We should loosen the compression nut and pull the water line free. Remove the screws from the rear compartment cover and pull the cover off. Unplug the wire harness and pull the water inlet valve out.
We should then reconnect the wire harness on the new water inlet valve. Position the new water inlet valve and rear compartment cover on the back of the refrigerator. Connect the water line and tighten the compression nut firmly. Open the water supply cut-off valve.
The water dispenser fails to run because of:
Frozen or clogged fill tubes or water lines
Clogged Filter
Faulty or clogged water valve
If our fridge water dispenser seems blocked, the most likely cause is a clogged water line or filter.
Once we find out that there is no clogging or freezing of the waterline, we should check the water valve. We should check both mechanical and electrical failure of the valve.
Question #1: Why does the refrigerator water dispenser fail to run? (select all that apply)
Frozen or clogged water lines
Faulty or clogged water valve
Faulty defrost heater
Clogged filter
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Frozen or clogged water lines
Faulty or clogged water valve
Clogged filter
The water dispenser fails to run because of:
Frozen or clogged fill tubes or water lines
Clogged filter
Faulty or clogged water valve
Question #2: How do we clean the waterline of the refrigerator?
By running oxygen through the water line
By running nitrogen through the water line
By running vinegar through the water line
By running ice cubes through the water line
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: By running vinegar through the water line
If the water line is clogged, it can usually be cleaned out by running vinegar and baking soda through the line.
Question #3: When do we need to replace the water filter on our refrigerator dispenser? (select all that apply)
Every week
Every three days
Every leap year
Every six months
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Every six months
We should replace the water filter every six months.
Question #4: We should troubleshoot the water valve considering its mechanical failure only.
True
False
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Answer: False
We should check both mechanical and electrical failure of the valve.
Question #5: Which test do we perform to troubleshoot the electrical failure of the refrigerator water valve?
Nitrogen purge test
Continuity test
Rattle test
Clog removal test
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Continuity test
To check for an electrical failure, we use a continuity test of the valve solenoid coils.
Question #6: What indicates mechanical failure of refrigerator water valve?
A irregular flow of water at outlet of water supply line
No change in multimeter reading
A regular, steady flow of water at outlet of water supply line
Multimeter reading between 500 and 1500 ohms of resistance
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: A regular, steady flow of water at outlet of water supply line
A regular, steady flow could indicate the water valve has become restricted or clogged.