The built-in water dispenser is probably the most frequently used feature within your GE refrigerator – it makes staying healthy and hydrated so much easier, with freshly filtered and perfectly cooled water just a click away.
However, it can be frustrating when your GE refrigerator water dispenser stops working.
Before we get into this in more depth, have a try at these quick solutions below to see if they get you back up and running:
- Make sure your refrigerator door is closed when dispensing
- Check that your Child Lock/Dispenser Lock/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 GE’s guidance; this is normally around 2°C / 36°F but can vary by model – so double-check your owner’s manual
First, Reset Your Ge Refrigerator to See if It Solves the Problem
A hard reset is the easiest way to reset your GE refrigerator (or any brand). 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 fresh!
If this hasn’t resolved your water dispenser issue, don’t worry – just run through the troubleshooting below.
Read also: How to Reset GE Ice Maker
8 Reasons Why Your Ge Refrigerator Water Dispenser is Not Working
- Refrigerator temperature is set too low
- Child Lock/Dispenser Lock/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 GE models, the recommended temperature is 2°C / 36°F, but this can vary by model (anything from 35°F-38°F), 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, which can also interfere with the water dispenser.
For most GE models, the recommended freezer temperature is -18°C / 0°F, but this can vary by model so double-check your owner’s guide.
How to Fix
If you have a dial numbered 1 (warmest) to 9 (coldest), set this to 5 and see how you get on. You can then adjust either way to get the right temperature for your fridge.
If you want to be extra accurate – you could purchase a thermometer and leave it in the refrigerator or freezer.
If your options are between 1 (warmest) and 7 (coldest), then try starting with 4, and if you’re limited from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest), then go with 3.
For French-door or bottom-freezer style appliances, use the < > arrows to navigate to the temperature settings, then the + – buttons to make this higher or lower, then ‘Enter’ or ‘Confirm’ to lock the changes in.
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. Child Lock/dispenser Lock/Control Lock is on
On most GE models, having Child Lock (or Dispenser Lock or Control Lock) on will prevent the dispensing of both water and ice. If this is on, the relevant lock light will be lit up.
How to Fix
For most models, you can turn the relevant lock off by pressing and holding the lock button for 3-5 seconds until the halo stops flashing and instead goes dark.
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 there’s 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 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 first remove it – and test whether water flows freely without the filter in place.
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 refrigerator from developing error codes, 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 GE.
There are multiple types of filters available, so check on the filter or in your owner’s manual to make sure you get the right one.
Replacing MWF & XWF Filters
- Twist the filter to the left while gently pulling downwards.
- Dispose of the old filter and plastic cap from the new filter
- Position the new filter and turn to the right – it’ll guide itself upwards
- Pop a bowl under the dispenser and dispense around 1-2 gallons of water to purge the air from the system
Replacing RPWFE Filters
- Open the filter door and pull the filter downward to disengage, then swing it outward
- If you have blue filter housing only – twist the filter a quarter (90 degrees) to the left
- Pull the filter away from the housing
- Dispose of the old filter
- Align the new filter with the holder. The word ‘FRONT’ should either be facing the top of the unit (blue filter) or outwards
- Push the filter in until fully secured
- If you have blue filter housing only – twist the filter a quarter (90 degrees) to the right
- Pop a bowl under the dispenser and dispense around 1-2 gallons of water to purge the air from the system
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.
If you’re confident, 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.
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 could be a DIY project if you’re confident. However, if you prefer, or if your refrigerator is still under warranty, I’d recommend getting a professional in.
Tip: If under warranty, I recommend getting a professional to complete this, 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
This could be a DIY project if you’re confident. However, if you prefer, or if your refrigerator is still under warranty, I’d recommend getting a professional in.
If you decide to take this on, you’ll need to test the door switch using a multimeter. If the readings fluctuate, this indicates the door switch is faulty, and you’ll need to source and then 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.
GE Refrigerator Water Dispenser – Other Common Problems
If your GE 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.
Water is Dispensing Slowly
This symptom 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 set too high.
How to Fix
If your refrigerator temperature is set higher than 2°C / 36°F, you should change the settings.
If you have a dial numbered 1 (warmest) to 9 (coldest), set this to 5 and see how you get on. You can then adjust either way to get the right temperature for your fridge.
If your options are between 1 (warmest) and 7 (coldest), then try starting with 4, and if you’re limited from 1 (warmest) to 5 (coldest), then go with 3.
For French-door or bottom-freezer style appliances, use the < > arrows to navigate to the temperature settings, then the + – buttons to make this higher or lower, then ‘Enter’ or ‘Confirm’ to lock the changes in.
For models without arrows, simply click the ‘fridge’ button multiple times to cycle through the different temperature settings and stop once you reach 2°C / 36°F.
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 – it’s possible that your inbuilt supply tank/reservoir is 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.
On the other hand, 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 the 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, or 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 4.5 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 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.
