Refrigerator - No Water from Dispenser

If there is no water coming from the dispenser on your refrigerator, or if it dispenses slowly, there are a number of things that you can check. Check the following to troubleshoot the issue prior to scheduling a repair for your refrigerator.

New Installation

• Verify that the water supply line to the refrigerator is turned on. A saddle valve is often used to connect the water supply line coming from the house plumbing to the refrigerator and the valve must be fully open for the refrigerator to receive water.
• Make sure the refrigerator dispenser cradle has been held down for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the water reservoir to fill completely. Once water is dispensed, you can purge air from the water lines and water inlet valve by dispensing water for 5 minutes or in the amount of 2 gallons.
  • This does not apply to Top Freezer refrigerator models with a water dispenser because there is no water reservoir.
• If the doors were removed during installation, be sure that the door wiring harness is plugged in. Refer to the Owner's Manual/Installation Instructions for the specific location of the door wiring harness on models with the removeable door feature.

Filter Issues

• On models with a water filter, a clogged or partially clogged filter will result in no water or slow running water from the refrigerator dispenser. Please change the filter.
• • We recommend replacing the water filter every 6 months.
  • To confirm if a filter is clogged, please remove the filter and install the supplied filter bypass plug in its place. Try using the dispenser and if the water flow improves from the dispenser, the filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. If you need the bypass plug and one was not supplied with the refrigerator or has been misplaced, one can be ordered at no charge by calling 1-800-GECARES. In Canada, call 1-800-561-3344.
  • If you have a Bottom Freezer refrigerator model with an RPWFE filter, you should check out the Refrigerator – RPWFE Operation and Troubleshooting page.
  • To purchase a new water filter, visit our Shop Water Filters - Purchase a GE Appliance part online page.
• Air may be trapped in the water system after replacing the filter. Press the dispenser cradle for at least 5 minutes to purge any air from the water lines.

Frozen Water Tank

• Check the water tank behind the vegetable bins to see if it is frozen or cracked. Note: This does not apply to Top Freezer refrigerators since they do not have a water reservoir tank. You cannot typically see water in the tank; however, a frozen tank will often be split or cracked and will leak water onto the fresh food floor. If this happens, it will require service to replace the water reservoir. Schedule a repair appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.
  • Low food load in the fresh food section can cause the tank to freeze.
  • How the food is loaded can cause cold air circulation issues. View a video about proper food loading:
     
    Improve Refrigerator Performance - Food Loading
     
     
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  • The controls may be set too cold. Set the refrigerator control to a warmer temperature setting and wait 24 hours.
  • The meat/deli pan lever may be turned to the coldest position, on models so equipped. On refrigerators that have a low water usage, this can cause the water tank to freeze. You will want to switch the lever on the meat/deli pan to the cold setting instead of coldest or use more water from the dispenser on the door.

General

• View a short video about troubleshooting refrigerator water dispenser issues:
   
  Troubleshooting Water Dispenser Issues
   

Refrigerator Repair Needed

If these tips do not resolve the issue with the refrigerator, a service call may be needed. For repair assistance, please schedule a service appointment with GE Appliances Factory Service.