Most owners of Whirlpool refrigerators with water dispensers commonly encounter three problems with their dispensers.
One, the water may need to be dispensed faster, or other times too slowly. In an extreme case, the water dispenser may not be dispensing water at all. If your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is slower than usual, this post is for you.
Here are several reasons why your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is slow and how to fix it.
Why your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is slow and how to fix it
A few factors can cause a slow water dispenser in a Whirlpool refrigerator:
The Water Supply is Frozen
Ensure that the water supply to the refrigerator is fully turned on or open. Any kinks or obstructions in the water line can make the dispenser slow. For instance, the water supply tube could be frozen.
To check if the issue is a frozen water supply tube, remove it and blow air inside it. If the air doesn’t pass through, the supply tube is frozen. If this is the case, wait for the line to dissolve.
How to fix it
- Make sure your freezer maintains the correct temperature. This should ideally be between 0-10 degrees. If the freezer is too cold, it can freeze the water line.
- A very common fix is to thaw the frozen water line. You can do this by unplugging the refrigerator and leaving open freezer and refrigerator doors. This would allow the line to melt naturally.
The Water Pressure is Low
Refrigerator water dispensers are designed to operate optimally within a specific water pressure range.
This is typically around 30 to 120 psi (pounds per square inch) or (207-827 kPa). When the water pressure falls below this range, it can lead to a slow and weak water flow from the dispenser. Low water pressure can lead to slow dispensing.
The water inlet valve has to open for the dispenser to dispense water. It won’t open if it’s defective or the water pressure is too low. If your refrigerator has a pressure regulator, it might need adjustment or replacement.
The pressure regulator controls and maintains the water pressure supplied to the appliance. It ensures the water pressure falls within the ideal range required to function the water dispenser properly.
How to fix it
- Check if the water supply to the refrigerator is thoroughly open and not restricted. Examine the water line for any leaks or obstructions. Straighten out you find and repair any leaks.
- Ensure the water pressure is above 20 psi. If it meets the requirement, use a multimeter to check the water inlet valve for continuity. If it doesn’t have continuity, it’s time to replace the valve.
- Adjust the pressure regulators to achieve the correct water pressure. If the water pressure is too low, the regulator can be adjusted to increase it within the recommended range.
- If the pressure regulator is old or faulty, it may need replacement.
Defective Valve or Water Filter
If none of the above issues are the problem, the water valve or pump may be faulty. If your refrigerator has a water filter, it might be clogged and need a replacement.
An old or clogged water filter can slow down the water flow. A blocked water filter can impede water flow to the dispenser and cause it to malfunction.
How to fix it
- Remove the water filter and then install it.
- If it’s been a while, Replace the water filter with a new one.
- These components control the flow of water to the dispenser. You might need to replace them, but it’s a job best left to a professional.
- In replacing the filter, ensure you do it as your user manual recommends. Install a new one according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are Whirlpool’s instructions on how to replace your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser.
- On average, changing the water filter every six months is advisable to maintain adequate water flow.
- If you replace the water filter and the slow dispensing continues, you need to ensure the water filter is suitable. You should use only OEM water filters; otherwise, the water flow may be slow. The OEM is a refrigerator water filter most compatible with the Whirlpool brand. It boasts of NSF certification for quality assurance. It also helps diminish chlorine taste and odor in the water. Furthermore, the filter effectively removes particles like rust and dirt.
Temperature Settings
Sometimes, extremely low or cold temperatures in the refrigerator can cause water lines to freeze. This would result in slow dispensing.
Proper temperature settings in the freezer are essential to prevent the water line from freezing. You maintain a properly functioning water dispenser in your Whirlpool refrigerator.
How to fix it
- Ensure the temperature settings are appropriate.
- If the water lines are frozen, you might have to thaw it. To do this, disconnect the water line at the base of the door. You could allow it to thaw naturally or carefully use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Once melted, water flow should improve.
- Adjust the temperature settings to be slightly warmer. The freezer temperature should be in a range of 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, it’s not too cold to prevent freezing.
Air in the Line
After changing the filter or disconnecting the water supply, air can get trapped in the line, causing slow flow. When air is mixed with water, it can cause the water to splatter out of the dispenser. This can cause quite a mess.
How to fix this
- To fix this, try running the water dispenser for a few minutes. This would clear any trapped air.
- Use a different container to collect the water that comes out initially. This is because it may contain air or discolored water.
- If the issue persists, you can turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Then, slowly turn it back on. This can help release trapped air from the line.
- Inspect the water line for leaks or loose connections, as air can enter the line through leaks.
The Dispenser Control Board could be the problem.
The dispenser control board might be faulty if the system is not working. This is more likely if no other components are the problem. The dispenser control board is the central control unit for the dispenser system. It manages most of its functions. When this control board malfunctions, it can lead to a complete loss of power to the entire dispenser system.
How to fix it
- If only a specific part of the dispenser is not functioning, checking the individual dispenser components first is advisable, as the issue is more likely localized. On the other hand, if the entire dispenser system is non-operational, the control board is probably the culprit.
- If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it could be a more complex problem with the water valve, inlet valve, or dispenser mechanism. In such cases, contacting Whirlpool customer service or a professional technician for repairs is best.
Consider your refrigerator’s user manual for specific guidance and safety precautions. Once you address these issues, you can enjoy a faster and uninterrupted water flow from your whirlpool water dispenser.