No water from your GE refrigerator? Let us help you troubleshoot. This article will show you how to fix your GE refrigerator that does not dispense water or even ice.
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No Water Or Ice from GE Refrigerator – Solutions
Here are ways to solve the problem of no water or ice from your GE refrigerator:
1. Install New Water Filter
To change the water filter, carefully raise the filter until it stops or sets at a 90-degrees angle. Then, pull it out without twisting the cartridge.
Next, align the top of the new filter; let the word “Front” face outward. Firmly push the filter in, and ensure it is well seated. Once again, do not twist the cartridge. Finally, slip the filter back into position, and shut the door.
After the installation, flush the system with a minimum of two gallons of water. This will purge every trapped air in the system.
Remember to place a towel underneath the filter housing before opening the door. This should absorb any water that will drip.
The location of the water filter differs depending on the refrigerator’s model. The same applies to installation. Consult the user manual to know where the filter in your GE refrigerator model is and how to remove or replace it.
This video is an example of how to remove and install a water filter in a GE refrigerator…
Note that if the water filter is clogged, it will restrict the water flow to the dispenser. And in turn, keep it from dispensing. So, change the filter every six months at the very least.
In addition, you can use the bypass plug to easily confirm if the water filter is blocked. Remove the old filter, install the plug, and run the dispenser tap. If the flow improves, it means the filter is blocked and should be replaced.
2. Defrost Water Supply Line
Disconnect the water supply tube below the door and defrost it. Leave it for some minutes to ensure all the ice inside it has thawed.
Additionally, ensure the freezer’s temperature is between 0-10⁰F. A colder temperature may freeze the water supply line.
To know if the tube is frozen, blow air through the tube after disconnecting it. If air does not freely pass through it, then it is frozen and needs to be thawed.
3. Thaw Frozen Water Tank
Set the temperature control of the refrigerator to a warmer setting, then wait for 24 hours. This should resolve the issue.
If the water tank is frozen, it may be cracked or split, leaking water into the refrigerating section. You will need to replace the water tank. But first, cut the water flow to the dispensing units.
To avoid the recurrence of this, ensure the refrigerator is fully and properly loaded. Do not load items directly in front of the air vents to ensure proper circulation of cold air.
Furthermore, if your model is equipped with a deli/meat pan lever, do not turn it to the coolest setting. This may make the tank freeze, particularly for a unit that has low water usage. So, the deli/meat pan lever is best set to a mildly cold setting.
4. Replace Damaged Water Inlet Valve
To change an inlet valve, move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the rear panel at the bottom. This will grant you access to the valve located on either side of the refrigerator.
Turn off the water supply, and disconnect the water supply hose from the inlet valve. Now, unscrew the mounting plate attaching the valve to the appliance, and detach the wire harnesses and the water lines.
Attach the water lines to the new valve, reconnect the harnesses, and remount the valve. Reattach the water supply hose, but first, remove the covering on the inlet port.
Keep in mind that you may need to cut off a few inches from the water lines before reattaching them. This is true if the ends of the water lines are weak or torn.
In addition, ensure that the water pressure is not less than 20 psi and that there are no leaks. Then, replace the rear panel and move the unit back in position.
This video is a demonstration of how to change the water inlet valve…
If the water pressure is low or the valve defective, the valve will shut off the water supply to the refrigerator. Hence, the dispensing units will neither produce ice nor dispense water.
5. Reset Ice Maker Supply Line Burst Valve
Turn off the shutoff valve and remove the burst valve from it to relieve pressure. Then, fix the burst valve again and slowly turn the shutoff valve on.
The burst valve connects to the water line between the shutoff valve and the refrigerator. It shuts off the water flow once you turn the supply line bursts or the shutoff valve sharply.
However, this is particular to refrigerator installations equipped with the burst valve, since not all installers put it.
6. Change Defective Dispenser Control Board
Once you notice that the dispenser control board functions are not working, replace the board. This is an easy repair. Just order the part and replace it following the steps in the user guide.
The dispenser control board regulates the functions of the dispensing system.
7. Check Dispenser Switches
To know if a switch is faulty, check all the switches for continuity using a multimeter. If there is no continuity on any of them, replace the defective one.
The job of these switches is to send current to the dispensing unit. So, if any is faulty, the dispenser ceases to work.
8. Replace Faulty Door Switch
To know if this switch is faulty, check for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the switch if you notice that there is no continuity.
The door switch shuts off the water and ice dispenser once the refrigerator’s door is opened. And if this switch is bad, the dispenser will remain turned off all the time.
9. Install New Control Board
To replace a defective control board, you will require the services of a technician. However, the board is most times, not the cause of this kind of problem.
Nevertheless, if you are sure that all the dispenser components are not defective, replace the control board.
In addition to these other repairs, ensure the water supply valve is fully open and the water line is not kinked. Get a certified plumber to look at the water supply to ensure there are no problems with it.
If your refrigerator has just been installed, ensure you hold the dispenser cradle down for 2 minutes or more. This should get the water reservoir filled. Once you can dispense water, run the dispenser tap for at least 5 minutes to purge air from the system.
However, this does not apply to top freezer refrigerators with dispensers since they do not have a water reservoir.
Additionally, ensure the wire harness is plugged in. This applies when you remove the door during installation. Check your user manual for the exact location of the wire harness.
Here is a general troubleshooting video for the problem of no water or ice from a GE refrigerator…
If you are still in doubt about what the problem is, contact GE and ask for assistance. Alternatively, use the chatbox to your right to contact any of our technicians. They will be happy to assist you.
Check out these other articles…
GE Refrigerator and Freezer Not Getting Cold [How to Fix]
GE Refrigerator Quit Working [How to Fix]
How to Clean a GE Water Cooler [Quick Guide]
How Do You Clean a GE Freezer Drain? [Quick Guide]
GE Refrigerator Cooling Issues [Fixed]
GE Refrigerator Does Not Make Ice [Quick Fix]
No Water In GE Ice Maker – What to Do
If you notice that your GE ice maker does not get water, here is what to do to fix it:
- Ensure you connect the ice maker to the power supply and turn it on. Plug the power cord into either of these places – the rear or left wall of the freezer.
- Ensure the paddle or feeler arm moves freely. If ice obstructs its movement, it will signal the icemaker to stop ice-making.
- Ensure you turn the water supply valve on. You will find it in the basement or underneath the sink. This is the same household line that supplies the refrigerator.
- Remove the icemaker to verify that the ice maker’s fill tube is clear of any obstruction. Have a repairman check this.
- Ensure the water filter is working properly. If it is not, replace it. You can use the bypass plug to check the filter.
All you need to do is to replace the filter with the bypass plug and run the dispenser tap. If the water flow from the dispenser improves, it means you should replace the filter. Additionally, endeavor to replace the filter every six months.
If this problem persists, contact GE care for further assistance.
