How to Fix a Refrigerator's Ice Water Dispenser

It's healthy to drink lots of water during the day.

Ice water dispensers are a feature added to most modern refrigerators. They often stop supplying water when there is trapped air in the pipes or a blockage in the water supply. It's useful to have easy access to chilled, filtered water during hot weather or after exercise, so it makes sense to fix the problem promptly. Fixing your dispenser will restore your refrigerator to full working order.

Instructions

1. Close the refrigerator door, and unlock the water dispenser. Water isn't released unless the door is closed and the control lock disabled. Holding down the "Lock" or padlock icon button for several seconds will disable the lock.

2. Turn the shut-off valve to "Open" before dispensing water -- you might have closed the valve while moving refrigerator. The valve is usually found within the supply line on the wall or underneath the nearest sink.

3. Ensure the water pipe is straight behind the refrigerator -- sharp turns or twists will restrict water flow to the dispenser. Rearrange how the pipe sits until it is free of kinks. Be careful the supply isn't pinched when you move the refrigerator back in place.

4. Flush the water pipes by running the dispenser for five seconds, every five seconds for a total of two minutes. Collect the water in a large container, and use it to water plants in your home. Flushing removes trapped air from the pipes.

5. Remove the water filter, if fitted, from inside the refrigerator compartment. Change the filter with a suitable replacement if water flow is restored without a filter. Limescale will block the filter unless it's changed every six months. Order replacement filters from the manufacturer.

References

• KitchenAid; Refrigerator User Instructions; December 2007