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Whirlpool Refrigerator water filter not working
Common reasons your Whirlpool Refrigerator water filter not working
The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is not working are an old water filter, a defective water valve, or a malfunctioning PCB.
45% of the time it's the Water Filter
20% of the time it's the Water Valve
4% of the time it's the PCB
31% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Whirlpool refrigerator
Water Filter Replacement
Using an old water filter in a refrigerator can lead to a reduction in water to the icemaker and water dispenser. The filter's capacity to effectively remove impurities diminishes over time, causing a decrease in the water flow rate. You may also notice a decline in the quality of the water and ice dispensed. An old water filter may no longer effectively remove contaminants, leading to a potential change in taste or odor of the dispensed water. This can be particularly noticeable if the filter has been in use beyond its recommended lifespan, typically 6 months.
Water Valve Replacement
When a water valve is defective, it impacts the proper functioning of the water dispenser and icemaker. If the water valve fails to open, the icemaker won't receive the water necessary to produce ice, and the dispenser won't dispense water. Additionally, a defective valve may lead to water leakage, particularly near the water valve assembly. In some instances, a malfunctioning water valve can cause the water dispenser or icemaker to cease working entirely. If the water valve fails to close, water flowing into the icemaker may leak to the evaporator and fan, subsequently freezing into a solid block of ice. This impedes airflow, compromising the proper cooling of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
PCB Replacement
A defective printed circuit board (PCB) can lead to various failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power, lack of cooling, and water leaks. The PCB controls communication and power between various components of a refrigerator that control temperature regulation, fan operation, the defrost cycle, icemaker functions, and dispenser functions. If the PCB fails, any or all of these components may stop working. Because so many components can be impacted, Sears Home Services professionals should conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Why won't my Whirlpool refrigerator dispense water with the filter in?
When water won’t dispenser with the water filter installed, check the filter to make sure that it’s the right one for your Whirlpool refrigerator model.
Installing the wrong filter can prevent water from flowing through the dispenser and to the ice maker.
Also, use the original manufacturer’s replacement filter instead of using a less expensive aftermarket refrigerator water filter. Aftermarket filters can sometimes cause water flow problems.
Follow the additional tips below for dealing with common refrigerator water filter problems.
Expert Tips for Handling Common Problems with Refrigerator Water Filters
This video provides expert advice for handling common refrigerator water filter problems:
Replacing a refrigerator water filter is usually simple, but sometimes it can be difficult to remove or install—or the new filter can leak. If you’re having a hard time, we’ve got some tips to help you replace your filter so you can get back to enjoying great tasting water and ice.
1. Wiggle the refrigerator water filter
When removing or installing the water filter, you may need to wiggle it back and forth slightly, to help loosen water seal deposits.
Wiggling the new water filter as you insert it will help align the filter as you slide it into the filter head.
2. Shut off the water supply
Water pressure exerted on the filter head can make it difficult to remove a water filter. Try shutting off the water supply valve for the refrigerator. Then run some water through the water dispenser to release water pressure at the filter head and remove the water filter.
3. Extend the water filter housing head completely
For pull-down and swing-out water filters, you may need to extend the water filter head from the housing completely before removing the filter.
4. Use only the original manufacturer replacement water filter
Inexpensive aftermarket water filters can get stuck. They can also can damage water seals and fittings in the water filter housing. Using knock-offs can also cause water leaks through damaged seals and water filter housing-fittings. Don't take chances—buy the brand-name filter that the manufacturer designed specifically to fit your refrigerator.
5. Purge water through the dispenser and then check for leaks
Purging water through the dispenser gets rid of air in the supply system that can cause leaks. Air trapped in the water lines can force water out of the dispenser. If the dispenser still drips after purging water, try purging 2 more gallons of water as constantly as possible to remove any air in the water system supply lines. If water continues to leak after purging more water, you may need to replace the inlet water valve.
If you’re still having trouble with your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter after following these tips, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
What to expect when you experience a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter not working issue
How is the water filter not working issue fixed?
Correcting most refrigerator water filter not working problems usually involves replacing the water filter, the water valve, or the PCB. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a refrigerator water filter not working problem
When a refrigerator water filter isn't working, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of refrigerator failures.
What to look out for with a refrigerator water filter not working diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your refrigerator problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.