Ideally, one of the most typical explanations for a Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser that doesn’t dispense or is slow or dispenses odd-tasting water is a clogged filter. So, you expect everything to be okay after the filter change. But is your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser not working after replacing filter?
Well, your Whirlpool water dispenser is not working after replacing the filter because the filter is the wrong type, faulty, or incorrectly fitted. It could also be due to locked controls, frozen water tubes, faulty switch or inlet valve, water supply or seal problem, or failure to flush the system.
There are several viewpoints to look at, and I will help you narrow down the possibilities. I’ll explain the causes and share the fixes to enable you to troubleshoot the water dispenser.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to start enjoying clean and better-tasting water from your whirlpool unit after the fixes. Moreover, we’ll examine what happens when you bypass the water filter and whether the move is right.
Let’s jump into it.
In a hurry? See below a quick troubleshooting guide for your non-operational Whirlpool water dispenser.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide For Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter
| Probable Cause | Fix | |
| 1. | Wrong Filter Type | Ensure you use the right Whirlpool or EveryDrop-approved water filter. So, you may have to change the filter again |
| 2. | Faulty Filter | Get rid of debris blockage and trapped air before reinstalling the filter. And if it’s dry, wet it first |
| 3. | Incorrectly-Fitted Filter | Remove the filter and refit it correctly this time around, following Whirlpool’s instructions |
| 4. | Locked Controls | Turn off the ‘control lock’ on your refrigerator if it’s on to unlock your dispensers (water and ice dispenser) |
| 5. | Frozen In-door Water Tube | De-thaw the dispenser and then adjust the freezer temperature to 0 – 100F |
| 6. | Faulty Dispenser/Fridge Door Switch | Test the two switches with a multimeter and replace the faulty one |
| 7. | Faulty Water Inlet Valve | Assess the inlet valve with a multimeter and consider replacing it if it proves faulty |
| 8. | Water Supply Issue | Turn the water supply on, clear blockages on the water supply line, and raise the pressure to 20 psi or more |
| 9. | Seal/Gasket Problem | Remove the filter and seal and reinstall them while paying extra attention to the rubber seal /gasket |
| 10. | Failure To Flush The System | Flush out the water system if you didn’t do it to get rid of the bad water |
10 Possible Reasons for A Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter
Now, if you’ve just replaced the water filter and your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is not working, consider these ten possibilities:
1. Wrong Filter Type
Whirlpool refrigerators are filter-specific. The company only recommends their water filter or EveryDrop-certified options.
So, the water filter may not work unless you get one. And if it doesn’t, then your water dispenser won’t work.
Fix
Try refitting the old filter to see if the water dispenser will work. If yes, then the new filter is the wrong type. So, you’ll need a genuine Whirlpool or EveryDrop-certified water filter.
2. Faulty Water Filter
Sometimes, you may buy the correct filter, but it turns out faulty. Wondering why?
If something like debris blocks the filter, it’ll prevent water from passing through – so the dispenser won’t work.
Sometimes the filter may trap air during installation, which blocks it, or it may be too dry to work.
Fix
Check the filer for debris or dust clogging. That could happen if you didn’t clean its insertion point during installation.
As for air clogging, fit the bypass plug (that comes with the filter) and run the water for 2-3 minutes to force the air out. And if the filter is too dry, remove it and soak it in water before reinstallation.
3. Incorrectly Fitted Filter
You must fit the water filter correctly for it to work. It should sit properly in place and shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.
Fix
Try turning the water filter to see if it works. You may have to take it out and reinstall it correctly if it doesn’t. Here’s how to go about it:
- Lay a rag on the floor to catch any dripping water when you take out the filter
- Turn the filter anticlockwise to remove it
- Install the filter as Whirlpool recommends, and then try flushing out the old water
4. Locked Controls
Confirm that you haven’t unintentionally turned off the refrigerator’s ‘control lock’ functionality. It could happen when cleaning the fridge.
Once you turn the functionality on, you lock the dispenser, among other functions.
Fix
You’ll need to turn off the control lock on the panel display if it’s on. That’ll unlock the dispenser.
5. Frozen indoor Water Tube
A frozen indoor water tube paralyzes the dispenser’s operations. It means the freezer temperature is lower than 00F, which is not ideal for running the water dispenser.
Fix
Turn the freezer on and try blowing warm air over the dispenser (using a hair dryer). You can also leave the unit to de-thaw naturally before readjusting the temperature to 0 – 100F.
6. Faulty Dispenser/Fridge Door Switch
The water dispenser won’t work if the dispenser or fridge door switch is. So, you must test both controls to rule out their differences.
Fix
Test the continuity of the dispenser and fridge door switch using a multimeter If one of these switches does not show continuity reading on the multimeter, it ought to be faulty. So, consider replacing it.
7. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The unit’s water inlet valve depends on a water pressure of 20 psi and above to open and allow water to pass through. If the pressure is low, it won’t open up. It’ll also not open up if it’s defective.
Fix
A multimeter also comes in handy when testing a faulty water inlet valve. If the valve is defective, it won’t show a positive continuity result. And if so, replace it.
8. Seal/Gasket Problem
The water filter typically has a rubber seal/gasket that holds it tight and prevents leakage. Sometimes you may accidentally move the seal from its position when installing the filter.
If that happens, the filter won’t work, which means the dispenser may also fail.
Fix
Take out the filter and reposition the seal before reinstalling the filter.
9. Water Supply Issues
You need enough water supply for the dispenser to work. If that’s not the case, the dispenser will fail.
Here are the things to check out:
- The water supply could be turned off – Check your water supply and turn it on if it’s off to feed the dispenser with water.
- Blocked supply line – Check the water supply line for blockages and kinks and unblock it as they could prevent the dispenser from getting enough water.
- Low water pressure – The Whirlpool dispenser will only receive water if its pressure is at least 20 psi. If that’s not it, you need to increase it, which you can do by adjusting it from the main and unclogging the supply line. Use a water pressure gauge to measure your water pressure.
10. Failure to Flush the Water System
Lastly, Whirlpool recommends flushing the water system each time you replace the filter. Failure to do so fails the water dispenser.
Fix
If you didn’t flush the washer system immediately after changing the filter, consider doing it. Here’s how to go about it:
- Hold a sturdy container or glass against the dispenser lever for about 5 seconds
- Once the five seconds elapse, release the lever and wait for a few seconds to see if water starts flowing
- If it doesn’t, repeat the steps several times as you discard the bad water
- You may have to discard 2-3 gallons before you can thoroughly flush out the system
Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Only Works Without Filter? Explanations!
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to take out a clogged filter than keep it if it’s the reason your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser won’t work.
By removing the filter, you put the fridge in a filter bypass mode, allowing water to get to the dispenser unfiltered. So, you’ll be able to dispense water.
The danger is that the water may not be safe, given that it’s unfiltered. So, instead of bypassing the water dispenser, replace the clogged filter.
How to Reset a Whirlpool Water Dispenser That’s Not Working After Replacing Filter?
You can reset your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser after a filter replacement using any of these options:
Option 1 – Max Cool + Max Ice
Consider pressing the Max Ice and Max Cool switches on your refrigerator simultaneously for 3 seconds or until the unit flashes or sounds a tone.
Option 2 – ‘Water Filter’ Press
Locate the ‘Water Filter’ switch on your refrigerator and press it for 3 seconds. If the filter icon changes to blue, the reset is complete, and you’ll notice the terms’ replace filter’ disappear from the fridge display.
Options 3 – ‘Filter Reset’ Press
You can also reset the unit by resetting the filter. That requires you to press the ‘Filter Reset’ switch and hold it for 3 seconds. The status light turning off indicates a successful reset.
Remember, whirlpool refrigerators come in different models. So some of the reset techniques above may work on some units and fail on others.
People Also Ask
1. But How Do I Reset My Whirlpool Refrigerator After Changing The Water Filter?
The easiest way to reset your Whirlpool refrigerator after changing the water filter is by pressing any of these buttons combinations for 3 seconds until the status light changes or fades:
- Filter Reset
- Max Ice + Max Cool
- Water Filter
2. Why Is My Water Dispenser On My Whirlpool Refrigerator Not Working?
Your water dispenser on your Whirlpool refrigerator is not working because it doesn’t receive enough water, possibly because of a blockage or low water pressure.
3. Can The Water Filter Cause the Water Dispenser Not to Work?
A clogged water filter blocks the water supply to the dispenser. So, yes, a water filter can cause the water dispenser not to work. For that reason, replacing the water filter after six months is advisable.
Closing Thought On Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter!
Generally, your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser should work after replacing the filter. If that’s not the case, something could be wrong with the filter, water supply, dispenser switch, door switch, control lock, water inlet valve, or seal. So, check everything together with the indoor water tube for freezing.
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