Your Frigidaire water dispenser can fill you with equal parts of awe and stress – depending on whether it’s working that day or not.
Unfortunately, due to how many components are required for a well-functioning dispenser, they’re quite temperamental and can often stop working for no obvious reason.
So, if your Frigidaire water dispenser is not working, don’t worry. I’ll help you by guiding you toward a fix, starting with the easiest to diagnose, find and fix, then finishing up with instances where you might require some technical assistance.
Frigidaire Water Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fixes
- Make sure your refrigerator door is closed when dispensing
- Check that your Control Lock is off
- Perform a quick reset to see if it’s just a short-term glitch
- Check that the temperature settings on your refrigerator are set in line with Frigidaire’s guidance; this is normally around 3°C / 37°F but can vary by model – so double check your owner’s manual
If your Frigidaire water dispenser still isn’t working – don’t worry. I’m sure we can get you back up and running by the end of this article.
First, Reset Your Frigidaire Refrigerator
The easiest way to reset your Frigidaire refrigerator (or any brand) is through a hard reset. This is done by turning off the mains power for 30 minutes, then turning it back on.
Tip: Remember to keep your refrigerator doors closed for the duration to keep your contents cold ad fresh!
If this hasn’t resolved your issue, don’t worry – just run through the troubleshooting below.
Read also: How to Reset Frigidaire Ice Maker
8 Reasons Why Your Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser is Not Working
- Refrigerator temperature is set too low
- Control Lock is on
- There’s air in the water line
- The water filter cartridge needs to be replaced
- There’s inadequate or disrupted water flow
- The water valve is faulty
- The door switch is faulty
- The control panel is faulty
1. Refrigerator Temperature is Set Too Low
This is the most common problem, but luckily also has the easiest fix.
If your internal refrigerator temperature is set too low, this may cause moving elements within the water dispenser to freeze and not work properly.
For most Frigidaire models, the recommended temperature is 3°C / 37°F, but this can vary by model – for example, it’s 4°C / 39°F if you have a Custom-Flex Drawer – so double check your owners guide.
If you have a combined fridge-freezer appliance, you should also ensure that the freezer settings are not too low, as this can also interfere with the water dispenser.
For most Frigidaire models, the recommended freezer temperature is -17°C / 0°F, but this can vary by model, so double-check your owner’s guide.
How to Fix
For refrigerators with a digital control panel, just use the (+) or (-) temperature buttons until you reach 3°C / 37°F (or the recommended temperature in your owner’s manual).
For the freezer, follow the same process until the screen shows -17°C / 0°F.
If your refrigerator has a manual dial instead – it will have a ‘normal’ or ‘recommended’ setting marked at around the halfway point on both the refrigerator and freezer dials.
If you want to be extra sure it’s at the right temperature, you can invest in a manual thermometer inside the fridge and/or freezer to check the actual readings and adjust your dials higher/lower accordingly.
It can take 24 hours for the new settings to take effect or longer if you have an older model.
Once your refrigerator and freezer report the new temperatures, you can test your water dispenser to see if this has fixed the problem.
2. Control Lock is on
On most Frigidaire models, having Control Lock on will prevent the dispensing of both water and ice, in addition to other settings and possibly even the doors.
It might not be obvious that it’s on, as it’s hidden within the settings menu, so it’s best to double-check.
How to Fix
- Click the ‘options’ button on the middle of the control panel
- Scroll through using the up and down arrow keys until you find the control lock
- If on, simply press the + button to switch it off, then save
3. There’s Air in the Water Line
A key indicator that there may be air in the water supply line is a dripping or bubbling water dispenser.
However, if there’s a significant amount of air in the line – this could stop the dispenser from working entirely.
How to Fix
The underlying cause of air in the line is a poorly connected water supply.
This could mean a tear in the line somewhere or one of the connections is loose.
To stop any new air from getting into the line, you should follow the water supply from the dispenser to the mains, checking that everything is connected as it should be.
Start at the coupling above the door (particularly if you’ve recently removed and reinstalled the doors) and follow this all the way to the main supply.
Along the way:
- Check for any bubbling, leaks, or damage that indicates the line may need to be replaced
- Make sure that all the connectors are tight
Once you’ve done this, hold down the water dispenser button for 2-3 minutes (with a bottle or bucket underneath) to eliminate any air in the line.
4. The Water Filter Cartridge Needs to be Replaced
To identify whether the water filter is the main culprit for your problems, you can remove it – and test whether water flows freely without it.
If the water does flow without the filter, your diagnosis is confirmed, and you’ll need to replace the filter.
If there is still no water coming from the dispenser with the filter removed, the fault must lie with the water supply line instead (see problem #5).
How to Fix
If the water filter is faulty, you’ll need to source a new one and look to have it replaced. You’ll have to repeat this task every 6 months to keep your water clear and fresh, so I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
You’ll need to source the part, and it’s recommended that you use a genuine one – these can be purchased directly from Frigidaire.
There are multiple types of water filters available, so look for your model number when buying to make sure you’ll get the right one.
Read also: What Water Filter Do I Need for My Frigidaire Refrigerator?
PureSource Ultra Filter
- Prepare the new filter by unboxing and removing the protective caps
- Locate the filter in the fridge. It’s likely in the top right
- Press the filter in to release
- Take the old filter out, dispose of it, then replace it with the new one
- Get a bowl or bottle and dispense 1.5 gallons to get rid of any air in the line and to prime the new filter – this will need to be discarded
PureSource2 Filter
- Prepare the new filter by unboxing and removing the protective caps
- Locate the filter in the fridge. It’s likely in the top right
- Press the ‘release’ button – it’ll be on or near the filter
- Take the old filter out, dispose of it, then replace it with the new one – slide it in until it clicks
- Get a bowl or bottle and dispense 1.5 gallons to get rid of any air in the line and to prime the new filter – this will need to be discarded.
PureSource Plus Filter
- Prepare the new filter by unboxing and removing the protective caps
- Locate the filter in the fridge. It’s likely in the top right
- Twist the filter cover off to gain access
- Pull the filter down to detach, then replace it with the new one
- Twist the filter cover back on and into place
- Get a bowl or bottle and dispense 1.5 gallons to get rid of any air in the line and to prime the new filter – this will need to be discarded
5. Inadequate or Disrupted Water Flow
If you’ve tested the water supply without the filter, and there is still no water coming from the dispenser with the filter removed, the fault must lie with the water supply line instead.
You should follow the route of the line from the dispenser to the mains, checking that everything is connected as it should be, starting at the coupling above the door and following this all the way to the main supply.
Along the way:
- Straighten out any kinks in the line
- Check for any obvious leaks or damage that indicate the line may need to be replaced
- Make sure that all the connectors are tight
- Confirm that the mains supply is fully open
How to Fix
If you’ve found any leaks or damage to the supply line, you’ll need to source a new one to replace it.
This can be done as a DIY project, or you could call a professional plumber to fit this for you.
You’ll first need to purchase a water line kit connecting your house’s pre-existing water supply pipes to the refrigerator.
Each different model will have specific instructions with it that you should follow.
Read also: Frigidaire Refrigerator Leaking Water
6. The Water Valve is Faulty
The water pressure through the valve should be at least 20 PSI and consistent. If the pressure is any lower than this or fluctuates, it indicates that the valve is defective.
How to Fix
This can be a DIY project. However, if you prefer, or if your refrigerator is still under warranty, I’d recommend getting a professional in, as any DIY work could void the rest of your warranty.
If you decide to take this on, you’ll first need to test the pressure using a multimeter. Then, if the pressure is indeed below 20 PSI or if it fluctuates, you should source and install a replacement part.
- Disconnect and turn off the water supply
- Locate the water valve by disassembling the back of the refrigerator housing
- Remove the old water valve
- Install the new water valve
- Reconnect and turn on the water supply
7. The Door Switch is Faulty
As mentioned earlier, the refrigerator doors must be closed for the dispenser to work.
The refrigerator ensures this by sending a signal from the door switch to the control panel when the door is opened or closed. If this signal is not sent or received, the dispenser may not work.
How to Fix
You need to test the door switch using a multimeter. If the readings fluctuate, the door switch is faulty, and you’ll need to source and install a replacement.
8. The Control Panel is Faulty
The control panel behind the dispenser is responsible for a lot of the ‘thinking’ involved – what component to action when a button is pressed etc.
As such, a faulty control panel can cause all water dispensing components to lose power.
How to Fix
You’ll first need to test each component of the dispenser (including the dispenser switch itself) using a multimeter and then the full control panel.
If you can identify the faulty component, you’ll be able to replace just this rather than the control panel, which will be much more cost-effective.
Frigidaire Refrigerator Water Dispenser – Other Common Problems
If your Frigidaire water dispenser is working but not as you’re used to or you’d expect, have a flick through these common problems to diagnose the underlying cause of your issue.
Frigidaire Water Dispenser Dispensing Water Slowly
If your Frigidaire water dispenser is dispensing water slowly it is typically caused by low water pressure. This is due to either low pressure from the main supply (most likely if it’s a new refrigerator), a fault with the supply line, or a faulty water valve.
How to Fix
You should follow the route of the water supply line from the dispenser to the mains, checking that everything is connected as it should be, starting at the coupling above the door (this may be loose if you’ve recently removed and reinstalled the doors) and following through to the mains supply.
- Straighten out any kinks in the line
- Check for any obvious leaks or damage that indicate the line may need to be replaced
- Make sure that all the connectors are tight
- Confirm that the mains supply is fully open
Water Being Dispensed is Warm/Room Temperature
If the water coming out of your dispenser is warm/room temperature rather than cool, it indicates that the water reservoir hasn’t had time to refill or the refrigerator temperature is too high.
How to Fix
For refrigerators with a digital control panel, just use the (+) or (-) temperature buttons until you reach 3°C / 37°F (or the recommended temperature in your owner’s manual). For the freezer, follow the same process until the screen shows -17°C / 0°F.
If your refrigerator has a manual dial instead – it will have a ‘normal’ or ‘recommended’ setting marked on both the refrigerator and freezer dials.
It can take 24 hours for the new settings to take effect or longer if you have an older model.
Once your refrigerator and freezer report the new temperatures, you can test your water dispenser to see if this has fixed the problem.
In the case of overuse – your inbuilt supply tank/reservoir may be simply running out before it’s had time to cool properly.
If it’s a one-off because of a large gathering, it should be fixed when your household returns to normal.
If you have a large family and this is a common occurrence, maybe try filling some water bottles up and storing them separately inside the fridge so that you’ve always got a supply of cool water.
Water Being Dispensed Tastes Funny
If the water coming from your Frigidaire water dispenser has a bad or funny taste, it’s a sign that:
- The water filter needs to be replaced
- The water supply line is too long
- The dispenser isn’t being used frequently enough to replenish with fresh water
How to Fix
To fix this problem, we must first diagnose the cause. If this is a new problem, it’s most likely the filter or infrequent use.
- First, try removing 5L from the dispenser (assuming your reservoir is 4 liters, you can check this in your owner’s manual), leave 30 minutes for the reservoir to refill, and then taste the water again
- If the water still tastes bad, try dispensing some water with the filter removed. If the water now tastes closer to normal, you’ll need to replace the filter
If this has been a problem since the first installation, it’s more likely that the water supply line needs to be shorter.
You can shorten this yourself if there’s an obvious excess – but you may need to get in touch with a plumber to install a new mains supply closer to your refrigerator.
