Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter?

Whirlpool refrigerators are designed to provide clean, filtered water through their built-in water dispensers. However, there can be instances where the water dispenser may not function as expected after a filter replacement.

This could be due to various reasons such as incorrect filter type, faulty filter, improper filter installation, locked controls, frozen water tubes, malfunctioning switches or inlet valves, water supply or seal issues, or failure to flush the system after filter replacement.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Probable Cause	Fix
Wrong Filter Type	Ensure you use the correct Whirlpool or EveryDrop-approved water filter. If you have the wrong filter, replace it with the appropriate one.
Faulty Filter	Remove any debris or blockage from the filter and make sure there is no trapped air. If the filter is dry, wet it before reinstalling.
Incorrectly-Fitted Filter	Remove the filter and refit it correctly according to Whirlpool’s instructions.
Locked Controls	Turn off the “control lock” on your refrigerator to unlock the dispensers (water and ice dispenser).
Frozen In-door Water Tube	Thaw the dispenser and adjust the freezer temperature to a range of 0-10°F.
Faulty Dispenser/Fridge Door Switch	Test both switches using a multimeter and replace any faulty switches.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve	Assess the inlet valve using a multimeter and consider replacing it if it is determined to be faulty.
Water Supply Issue	Turn on the water supply, clear any blockages in the water supply line, and ensure the water pressure is at least 20 psi or higher.
Seal/Gasket Problem	Remove the filter and seal, then reinstall them carefully, paying attention to the rubber seal/gasket.
Failure To Flush The System	Flush out the water system to remove any remaining bad water if you haven’t done so already. This will help ensure clean water is dispensed.

Quick Guide to Troubleshooting Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Issues

Wrong Filter Type 

Ensure you are using a genuine Whirlpool or EveryDrop-certified water filter for your Whirlpool refrigerator. Using the wrong filter may result in a non-functioning water dispenser. Try reinserting the old filter to confirm if the dispenser works with it, indicating that the new filter is the wrong type.

Faulty Water Filter 

Even with the correct filter, it can still be faulty. Check for any debris blocking the filter or any air trapped during installation, which can hinder water flow and affect the dispenser. Clean the filter insertion point during installation to prevent clogging, or use the bypass plug provided with the filter to remove air.

Incorrectly Fitted Filter 

Properly fit the water filter into its designated place, ensuring it is not too loose or too tight. If the dispenser does not work, try removing and reinstalling the filter correctly according to Whirlpool’s recommendations.

Locked Controls 

Check if the control lock function on the refrigerator has been unintentionally activated, which can disable the water dispenser. Turn off the control lock on the panel display to unlock the dispenser.

Frozen Indoor Water Tube 

A frozen indoor water tube can cause the dispenser to stop working. Adjust the freezer temperature to the recommended range of 0-10°F and use a hair dryer to blow warm air over the dispenser to thaw the tube. Alternatively, allow the unit to naturally defrost before readjusting the temperature.

Faulty Dispenser/Fridge Door Switch 

Test the continuity of both the dispenser and fridge door switch using a multimeter. If either switch does not show continuity, it may be faulty and in need of replacement.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve 

Check the water pressure to ensure it is at least 20 psi, as the water inlet valve requires adequate pressure to open and allow water flow. If the pressure is low or the valve is defective, replace the water inlet valve.

Seal/Gasket Problem 

Ensure the rubber seal/gasket of the water filter is properly positioned and not moved during filter installation. Reposition the seal before reinstalling the filter to ensure proper functioning of both the filter and dispenser.

Water Supply Issues 

Verify that the water supply is turned on and providing sufficient water flow to the dispenser. Check for any blockages or kinks in the supply line and adjust the water pressure to meet the minimum requirement of 20 psi using a water pressure gauge.

Failure to Flush the Water System 

After replacing the filter, it is recommended to flush the water system to remove any air or impurities. Hold a container against the dispenser lever for approximately 5 seconds and release, repeating the process to flush out any remaining air or contaminants from the system. Discard 2-3 gallons of water before the system is thoroughly flushed.

Resetting a Whirlpool Water Dispenser

There are several ways to reset the temperature on a Whirlpool refrigerator:

• Control Panel Reset: Press the power freeze and power cool buttons simultaneously and hold them until the refrigerator resets.
• Filter Reset: Press and hold the filter button for 3 seconds.
• High-Temperature Reset: Press the temperature alarm switch to mute the alarm or press the fridge set button after closing the refrigerator’s door.
• A/V Indicator Reset: Press the indicator switch and wait for about 5 seconds for the fridge to reset.

FAQ

How to Reset Whirlpool Refrigerator After Changing the Water Filter? 

To reset your Whirlpool refrigerator after changing the water filter, simply press and hold one of the following button combinations for about 3 seconds until the status light changes or fades:

• Filter Reset
• Max Ice + Max Cool
• Water Filter

Why is the Water Dispenser on my Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Working?

The water dispenser on your Whirlpool refrigerator may not be working due to insufficient water supply caused by a blockage or low water pressure. Check for any blockages in the water line or ensure that the water pressure meets the minimum requirement.

Can a Water Filter Cause the Water Dispenser to Stop Working? 

Yes, a clogged water filter can block the water supply to the dispenser, causing it to stop working. It is recommended to replace the water filter every six months to prevent clogging and ensure proper water flow to the dispenser.

Conclusion

While Whirlpool refrigerators are generally reliable, they can occasionally experience issues with the water dispenser, especially after a filter replacement. However, many of these issues can be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps.

Before reaching out to a professional, consider trying these troubleshooting tips. You might save both time and money in the process.