When you’re used to a constant supply of fresh water from your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser, it’s understandably frustrating when one day out of the blue it’s no longer working.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a technical whizz to fix it, you just need to know where to look and what to test – it’s often an easy fix after that.
Whirlpool Water Dispenser Not Working – Quick Fixes
Cheap and cheerful, these things may seem small but can cause havoc for your water dispenser.
- Make sure your refrigerator door is closed when dispensing
- Check that your Control Lock and Demo Mode are 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 Whirlpool’s guidance; this is normally around 3°C / 37°F but can vary by model – so double-check your owner’s manual
If your water dispenser still isn’t playing ball, don’t worry. I’m sure we can get you back up and running in no time.
First, Reset Your Whirlpool Refrigerator
The easiest way to reset your Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool Ice Maker
9 Reasons Why Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser is Not Working
- Refrigerator temperature is set too low
- Control Lock is on
- Demo Mode 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 Whirlpool models, the recommended temperature is 3°C / 37°F, but this can vary for a few specific models – so double-check your owner’s 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 Whirlpool 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
For refrigerators with a digital control panel, 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 -18°C / 0°F.
If your refrigerator has a manual dial instead – the recommended setting is right in the middle. For example, if you have options between 1 to 5, the recommendation would be 3.
If you think this might be the problem and want to be extra sure it’s at the right temperature, invest in a manual thermometer for inside the fridge and/or freezer.
By doing this, you can check the actual readings and then adjust your dials higher/lower accordingly – the higher the number, the colder the device will be.
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 Whirlpool models, having Control Lock on will prevent the dispensing of both water and ice. It’s symbolized by a padlock, but you must look closely to see whether the lock is open or closed.
How to Fix
Find the ‘to lock’ button on the screen, then press and hold for 3-5 seconds to either lock or unlock.
3. Demo Mode is on
Many Whirlpool refrigerators have a Demo (or Showroom) mode. With this turned on, the refrigerator won’t cool or dispense water – but all the lights will be on and working.
How to Fix
On most models, you can simply press and hold the two temperature keys for 5 seconds. This will deactivate demo mode and return all your functions to normal.
If this doesn’t work – refer to your owner’s guide for specific instructions for your model.
4. 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 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.
5. 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 #6).
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 Whirlpool.
There are multiple types available, so look for your model number and select the right one. Even subscription deals are available if you’re prone to forgetting when to replace the filter.
Replacing Purple #1 Filter or Orange #2 Filter
- Find your filter – it should be in the top right of the refrigerator
- Open the door to access the filter
- Drop the filter down, twist it to the left and gently pull.
- Discard the old filter
- Prep the new filter by removing the cover, and the protective covers from the O rings
- Slot the new filter into place, making sure the arrow is pointing up
- Close the filter door, and the filter will snap into place
- Run 4 gallons of water through the line to prep and flush the new filter and remove any air in the line
Replacing Blue #3 Filter
- Find your filter – it should be in the bottom left of the base grille
- Press the ‘eject’ button to release the filter
- Remove the back filter cap
- Discard the old filter (keep the cap!)
- Prep the new filter by replacing the blue cap with the black cap – place it on so the ridges align, then tighten
- Slot the new filter into place, making sure the arrow is pointing up
- Gently push the filter in until the ‘eject’ button resets
- Run 4 gallons of water through the line to prep and flush the new filter and remove any air in the line
Replacing Green #4 Filter
- Find your filter – it should be in the top right of the refrigerator, connected to the roof
- If you have an outward-facing filter – push the filter tab down, then pull the cover down. If you have a bottom-facing filter – pull the tab towards you, then push the small level down.
- Twist the filter to the left and gently pull.
- Discard the old filter
- Slot the new filter into place, making sure the grooves line up – then push it in and turn clockwise
- Close the filter door, and the filter will snap into place
- Run 4 gallons of water through the line to prep and flush the new filter and remove any air in the line
6. 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 and look to have it replaced. 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 that will connect your house’s pre-existing water supply pipes to the refrigerator.
Each different model will have specific instructions with it that you should follow.
7. 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
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. If the pressure is below 20 PSI or 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
8. 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’ll 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.
9. 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
If your refrigerator is still under warranty, I’d recommend calling a professional, as any DIY work could void the rest of your warranty.
However, if you decide to take this on, 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.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser – Other Common Problems
If your Whirlpool 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
Slow Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser 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
For refrigerators with a digital control panel, 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 -18°C / 0°F.
If your refrigerator has a manual dial instead – the recommended setting is right in the middle. For example, if you have options between 1 to 5, this would be 3.
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.
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 Whirlpool 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, 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 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 is too long.
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.
