How to Fix a Water Dispenser on a Kenmore Side-by-Side That Keeps Spewing Water

Water shouldn't spew from the dispenser.

If you purchased your Kenmore refrigerator in the last few years, chances are it has a water dispenser. Many modern refrigerators dispense ice and filtered water on demand through a nozzle on the front of the appliance. The dispenser could malfunction and spew water if you have recently installed a new water filter or disconnected the water supply. Fixing the problem involves purging the refrigerator's water pipes of any trapped air.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth
• Soapy water
• Bucket or large waterproof container

Instructions

1. Clean the water dispenser button and sensor arm with a cloth and warm, soapy water. The dispenser button is what you push when you want water; the nozzle is where the liquid comes out. Dirt on or around the sensor may stop it from correctly detecting input. Water leaks out when the sensor button is malfunctioning. Press and hold the "Lock" button for three to five seconds before cleaning so you don't accidentally activate the water.

2. Drain the dispenser into the bucket or container for three minutes. Place the bucket beneath the nozzle and hold the dispenser button so the water starts running. Draining the system clears trapped air pockets -- you may find the dispenser leaks or spurts when air is stuck in the pipes or filter system. Discard the bucket of water or use it to water plants. The dispenser should stop spurting after being run for a few minutes.

3. Stop and start the dispenser every five seconds for two minutes into the bucket or container. Trapped air in the water pipes will cause a leak or spurt at the nozzle. After five minutes, all air should have left the system. Air usually enters when you change the filter or disconnect the water supply.

4. Check that the water pipe is tightly connected at the door. The water pipe flowing to the dispenser runs past the bottom door hinge, near the floor. Open the refrigerator door and push the two sections of pipe either side of the metal joint together. A loose connection here will leak water, affecting the dispenser. Contact a technician if you suspect a problem with the internal piping.

References

• Manage My Life: Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator Manual (PDF)
• General Electric Appliances: Profile Side-by-Side Refrigerator Owner's Manual and Installation (PDF)
• KitchenAid: Refrigerator User Instructions (PDF)