In this article, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix your Hitachi refrigerator dispenser problems without breaking a sweat.
Table of Contents
Hitachi Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working – What to Do
If your Hitachi refrigerator water dispenser is not working, inspect the following components and fix the defective ones:
1. Water Inlet Valve
Water flowing through the water inlet valve forces it to open with a water pressure of at least 20 psi. If the valve is broken or if the water pressure is not sufficient, the water will not open, and you will notice it when your dispenser refuses to dispense water.
To know if the water inlet valve needs replacement, test it for continuity.
2. Water Tube
To know if the water tube of your refrigerator dispenser is frozen, pull out the tube from the bottom of the refrigerator door and use a leaf blower to circulate air through the tube. Have it in mind that a frozen water tube does not permit the circulation of air.
If you notice that the water tube is frozen, melt the ice with a hairdryer. Also, make sure you keep the freezer temperature at a range of 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the water tube from freezing again or becoming too warm.
3. Dispenser Switch
The dispenser switches transfer voltage to the refrigerator dispenser. Your refrigerator dispenser will not function if one of the dispenser switches goes bad.
The best way to know if the dispenser switches are working is to carry out a continuity test. If the test results show the dispenser switches do not have continuity, replace them.
4. Door Switch
Your refrigerator dispenser turns off when you open the refrigerator door because of the door switch. If the door switch breaks down, your dispenser will not work.
Use a multimeter to test the door switch for continuity. If the test indicates a lack of continuity, replace the door switch.
5. Water Filter
Another very important refrigerator component to troubleshoot is the water filter. If the water filter is clogged with dirt and dust, cleaning it will not solve the problem. You have to replace it.
In fact, refrigerator manufacturers recommend that the water of a dispenser should be replaced 2 or 3 times yearly. If you cannot get a new water filter immediately, you can install the bypass plug that comes with the refrigerator in the meantime.
6. Dispenser Control Board
This component controls the operation of the other components of the dispenser system. The entire dispenser system may not work if the dispenser control board breaks down. Test the control board to know if it needs replacement.
How to Clean Hitachi Water Dispenser
To clean your Hitachi refrigerator dispenser, disconnect the refrigerator power cord from the power supply. After that, disconnect the water supply from the dispenser.
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws securing the water tank and the water tube. Make a solution of white distilled vinegar and water, and pour it into the water tube using a funnel.
Scrub the water tank and the surface of the dispenser with a small brush. After that, flush out the vinegar solution and reconnect the water tank and the tube.
Finally, flush the vinegar residue with fresh water. You do not want to have vinegar residue in your drinking water. Plug the power cord back into your wall outlet, and you are good to go!
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Hitachi Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Cooling — Solution
If your Hitachi dispenser is not cooling, check the following:
1. Power Supply
Power supply issue is one of the most common causes of dispenser malfunction. To know if an inadequate power supply causes the cooling problem of your dispenser, plug the refrigerator power cord into the wall outlet. Also, check if any part of the cord is burnt or cut.
Note that the voltage demand of refrigerators depends on the number of features they come with. So, if you are using a high-end Hitachi refrigerator, the voltage consumption will be higher. In light of this, check the user’s manual of your refrigerator model to know the voltage and power requirements.
2. Refrigerant
Another reason why your refrigerator water dispenser is not cooling is probably because of the refrigerant leak. The refrigerant makes it possible to have hot and cold water in your dispenser. If there is a leak, you will notice it when the dispenser no longer produces cold or hot water.
Another way to detect a refrigerant leak is if water starts leaking out of the appliance.
The thing about the refrigerant leak is that it also affects the compressor and tubing of your refrigerator. So, you need to go for a replacement immediately you notice any signs of leaks.
3. Water Filter
A water filter is installed in a dispenser to sieve out dirt from the water. Over time, the dirt accumulates on the water filter and clogs it. When that happens, the water filter is no longer able to perform its function properly.
You will notice a discoloration in your water or an unusual taste if the water filter is clogged with dirt. Sometimes, the dispenser may not even dispense water at all if the water filter is not replaced.
Hitachi Refrigerator Water Dispenser Leaking – What to Do
Do the following if you have a leaking refrigerator water dispenser:
1. Inspect the Water Line
To know the source of the leaking problem, check if air is trapped in the water line of your dispenser system. Discharge the water from the dispenser into a container. As the water is discharged, the trapped air will escape in the process.
2. Check the Water Inlet Valve
Another refrigerator component that may be responsible for the leaking problem is the water inlet valve. Check the water inlet valve by shutting it off and removing the water line connected to the refrigerator.
After that, place one end of the water line in a bucket and turn on the water supply to examine the water pressure. If the pressure is low, the source of the problem is the water valve.
You can also use a water pressure regulator or a pressure relief valve to check the water pressure of the dispenser. If the pressure is below 20 psi, you need to replace the water inlet valve.
Replacing the water inlet valve requires a bit of plumbing and electrical experience. If you do not have such experience, it is best to hire a professional to get the job done.
3. Empty the Drip Tray
At the bottom of the dispenser, you will see a drip tray installed to collect excess water. Those moments when you pull your glass away quickly before the dispenser stops the drip tray ensures that water does not spill all over the floor.
But then, if the drip tray is filled, it will eventually overflow, and you will notice a leak from the dispenser area. You have to empty the drip tray just before it is full to prevent it from overflowing.
Hitachi Refrigerator Water Dispenser Maintenance Tips
While some refrigerators dispensers can work for over a decade without developing any fault, others may become faulty just after a few months of use, depending on how well they are maintained.
If you need your dispenser to give you water just the way you want it, then it is important to have the dispenser in good working condition always. If your refrigerator water dispenser is not adequately maintained, not only will it break down quickly, it will also dispense contaminated water, which will affect your health.
In light of the above, here are some tips to help you maintain your Hitachi refrigerator water dispenser:
1. Clean the Refrigerator Dispenser Frequently
We cannot overemphasize the importance of regular cleaning of your dispenser. Not only will the parts function better, but they will also last longer.
After using the dispenser, wipe off any spill, which can corrode some parts of the dispenser. When cleaning your dispenser, do not turn off the refrigerator.
You can use a damp towel to clean the dispenser exterior and a solution of distilled vinegar to clean the water line and the water tank. Check out the video below to learn more about cleaning your refrigerator water dispenser…
2. Unplug the Refrigerator When Not in Use
Just like the human body needs to rest for it to be re-energized, your refrigerator needs to rest to serve you better. The dispenser will always store a certain amount of cold or hot water if the refrigerator is turned on.
In addition, your electricity bill will keep increasing if you connect the refrigerator to a power source, even when you are not using it.
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