Whirlpool refrigerator dispensing issues can be frustrating, but they do not have to be. Learn how to solve dispensing issues with your refrigerator.
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Do Whirlpool Refrigerators Dispense Cold Water?
Whirlpool refrigerators dispense cold water. The water system allows water to enter the refrigerator from the main source and through the water line. Once in the refrigerator, the water flows into the water reservoir, where it stores and cools for your convenience. The refrigerator’s temperature ensures the water in the reservoir is cold; it does not have a separate cooling system.
So, if the refrigerator’s temperature is set to the recommended point, the water comes out cold. One of the main reasons for a Whirlpool refrigerator not dispensing cold water is a wrong water connection, and another reason is clogged condenser coils.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispensing Warm Water – Quick Fix
Several issues can cause a Whirlpool refrigerator to dispense warm water. If the refrigerator’s water is connected to the house’s warm water supply, the refrigerator can only dispense warm water. And if you have not used the dispenser in a long time, it may produce warm water. The same applies if someone used the dispenser before you.
The problem may be more extensive. It may come from the condenser coils or the main control board. Read this article for further instructions on how to fix each possible cause. Note that a new refrigerator installation should run for not less than 24 hours for the temperature to drop enough for the dispenser to produce cold water.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispensing Water Slowly – Fixed
If you find that your Whirlpool refrigerator is dispensing water slowly, check the water filter. The filter, if old, can restrict the free flow of water to the dispenser. It may need to be replaced, especially if you have used the filter for longer than six months. Some homes may not need to replace the filter often due to excellent water quality or a lack of use. However, if you heavily use the ice maker and water dispenser, replace the water filter every six months.
But if you recently replaced the filter and the dispenser is slow, flush the system to remove any trapped air. Trapped air can affect the pressure and cause the dispenser to stop working. It is crucial to flush the water lines every time you replace the filter, whether or not there is trapped air in the system. It cleans the line and removes any dirt on the filter head.
Furthermore, a correct filter installation is vital to how well the dispenser works. The refrigerator’s user manual contains instructions on installing the new filter, whether inside the refrigerator or in the base grille. Note that if the filter fits below the crisper drawer, ensure the filter locks in place and the arrows align.
An old filter can also affect the water pressure. The same is true if you use a reverse osmosis water filtration system. The pressure must be up to 20 psi for the dispenser to work. You can use a special tool to check the water pressure or hire a plumber to determine the pressure level. If it is below the recommended point, you may have to run a separate water line from the in-house filtration system and use a refrigerator filter. And if the filter is the problem, get a recommended Whirlpool refrigerator filter and replace the old one.
However, the water dispenser system may be faulty if you follow all the steps above and the problem persists. Contact the Whirlpool Service Center in such a case and request service. Thoroughly cleaning the dispenser and water line may fix the problem. If a Whirlpool service is not convenient, get professional help from an independent appliance technician.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispensing Water But Not Making Ice – What to Do
Ensure the ice maker is on, and the shut-off arm is down, not up. The down position signifies the ice maker is ready to make fresh ice. If your ice maker has a dedicated power button, locate it and press it until the ice maker begins working. Also, ensure the temperature in the freezer is low enough to freeze the water in the ice mold. Set it between 0 degrees and 5 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
The water inlet valve must be in good working condition to supply water to the ice maker. Water flows through the inlet valve from the main source into the ice maker. It controls the amount of water that enters the machine per time to prevent an overflow. But if the valve, which is electrically controlled, stops working, it cannot supply water, and the ice maker does not produce ice. You may have to replace the valve if it has no continuity or receives power but does not function.
Furthermore, the ice maker water line must be unobstructed to supply water. There may be debris or ice clogging it; a water line kit comes in handy. If you do not have the kit, flush the line with water or manually defrost it if the obstruction is ice. However, replace the ice maker if none of the above solutions works.
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Replace the water filter and ensure you use the correct type for your refrigerator model. Also, install it correctly for optimum functionality. Follow the instructions in the refrigerator’s user manual to install the filter. If there are challenges in getting the filter to work, check the head for dirt or damage.
Other things to check are the main water source, Control Lock feature, water line, door switch, and how well you engage the dispenser lever. But if none o these works, the problem may be with the dispenser system, which means checking the dispenser switches and the dispenser control board. Find further instructions in this article on a Whirlpool refrigerator water not working and follow them to fix your refrigerator.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Only Dispenses Crushed Ice – Solution
The ice bucket must contain cubed ice before the dispenser can produce cubed ice. If the ice bucket has clumps, it cannot work. Next, select the correct ice option before dispensing. The refrigerator may dispense some crushed ice before cubed ice if you recently used crushed ice.
Ensure the ice bucket is fully installed in the refrigerator, and there is no ice behind or inside it. Ice fragments may block the dispensing area under the ice bucket, preventing the cubed ice from dispensing. Also, the liver that controls the ice chute door must be functional; otherwise, the dispenser cannot work. Check out this guide for steps to troubleshoot and fix the ice production issue.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Dispensing Ice – Quick Fix
The refrigerator door must be shut so the door switch can engage and turn on the ice dispenser. If the door is slightly open, the door switch may remain inactive, and the dispenser will not work. Also, ensure the Control Lock feature is not enabled; check the lock icon on the control panel to confirm.
Furthermore, ensure ice does not clog the ice chute and you fully engage the dispenser lever. If these do not solve the problem, it may be that the dispenser has an internal fault. Loose wiring or connections can impede its functionality. Check the dispenser switches, solenoid, auger motor, dispenser door motor, dispenser actuator, and dispenser control board, as this article explains.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Noise When Dispensing Water – How to Fix
Uninstall the water filter and inspect the head for dirt or debris. Clean the filter head and ensure there is no damage on it. Otherwise, the filter may cause the refrigerator to make a noise when dispensing water. Install a bypass plug and try the dispenser.
If the noise continues, the filter is not faulty. But if the noise stops with the plug, replace the filter. After replacing the filter, remove trapped air from the water lines by dispensing a few gallons of water because it generates noise. But if the noise continues, consider replacing the filter.
Pay attention to the point from where the noise comes. Check the water inlet valve if it is loudest at the back of the refrigerator. The inlet valve becomes noisy when there is a significant mineral buildup from constant use. Try cleaning the screen filter if you can remove it from the valve, and remove as much dirt as you can from the valve. If this fails to stop the noise, consider replacing the water inlet valve.
Finally, check the water filter housing. A loose filter housing may vibrate every time you dispense water and engage the water filter it houses. The same is true if the filter housing has any other fault. Remove it from the refrigerator and inspect it for faults. Replace the housing if there is any damage.
Will a Whirlpool Refrigerator Dispense Water Without a FIlter?
A Whirlpool refrigerator can function without a filter, but you must install a bypass plug. The primary purpose is to close the filter area to prevent leakages when using refrigerator water. Some Whirlpool refrigerators have built-in bypass plugs, and with such models, you do not need to install an external plug. However, using the water dispenser with a water filter means the water is not filtered, which may not be clean enough to consume.
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