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How to Find & Fix Water Dispenser Leaks: Easy Troubleshooting

water dispenser leaks
Written by Warner Levit
Last Update: December 6, 2022

It is very typical to see little drops of water under the fridges or the dispensers. There are various reasons for this leak.

And this article will go through the different reasons for these leaks giving you step-by-step instructions on how to fix those water dispenser leaks in your refrigerator or water dispenser.

Why Your Water Dispenser Leaks?

To some people, the reason for the holes might be mysterious. A lot of reasons for some of these leaks range from collecting crushed ice.

This is perfectly normal because there are tiny pieces of brushed ice poles by the icy chute when the ice melts there are cracks where the water drips down the dispenser.

For those freshly installed dispensers, it can take a little longer to cool down totally.

Within the time it cools down the water tanks which are made of plastic changes their structure.

When it is frigid, it constricts, and it expands when the temperature increases, all of this constriction and expansion can cause leaks underneath the dispenser.

At times when you notice there is a steady drip in the number of leaks.

It can mean that there is air in the pipes or even an improperly connected water line, especially when you open the door.

It can also happen that when you have newly replaced the water filter, air might be trapped inside the water filter.

It is important to remember

  • Air left in the water system can cause drips
  • A lot of the time when moving the refrigerator into the house, the doors are removed. when they are eventually put back in place, air can find its way into the water hoses
  • If the water dispenser only leaks a few drops immediately after use, there is no problem!
  • Try to dispense about ten liters of water when you notice any leak in your new water dispenser to rid of any air in the water dispenser system

Water Dispenser Troubleshooting

Water Dispenser Troubleshooting

  • Leave the refrigerator or the water cooler to cool for as long as a whole day after installation; approximately twenty-four hours.
  • Make sure you dispense around two to three gallons of water
  • This should stop the drip, which means there was air inside the waterline. However, if it does not stop, take away the water filter and dispense a gallon of water
  • Place the water filter back. The dripping should stop now, as that means air was caught in the filtration system. If the dripping does not stop, however, that might indicate that your dispenser might need servicing. Contact the manufacturer or retailer for more detail.

Possible Reasons

It is convenient to have water dispensers attached to your refrigerator.

Now it can be bad for your kitchen floor when you begin to notice any leaks from the fridge and dispenser.

Water on the floor can damage the wooden floor and can pose a hazardous ingredient to your kitchen floor.

You should always be looking to repair your filter when you notice any leaks here are some reasons why the dispenser might develop leaks.

Trapped air:

When you notice any leaks in your refrigerator water dispenser.

It might be because air is strapped inside the waterline, causing an unusual build-up of pressure in the water systems, which means water is forced out from any of the cracks or openings in the device.

What to do is to drain the tank entirely quickly.

Hold a cup of water after purging the container and place them directly under the dispenser’s spigot and fill the bowl with the water.

Do this for about three minutes. This is enough time to let the air out of the device in so far as this is the reason for the leak

Water valve:

You might have to replace the water valve if the problems persist.

The water pressure in your refrigerator should not be too high. When it is too high, there is a problem. The water valve might be faulty when the water dispenser leaks.

The water valve might be worn in cases of excess usage.

unless you have had your years replacing pipes, it is only recommended you live this job for the professionals

Catch Pan:

Just below the dispenser, there is usually a place where all the excess water gathers and collects.

This area holds water when you remove the cup before putting off the water dispenser or putting on the spigot without any container.

The catch pan can overflow. It is easy for you to mistake the overflow of the catch pan for a dispenser issue.

But t might only be a housekeeping problem. It is okay that from time to time you have to empty the catch pan to avoid overflow

Normal dribble:

There are regular drips that come from the dispenser of the refrigerator.

When water hits the IceCube, it splashes which can make the dispenser appear to be leaking or if a glass cup is removed too fast.

The dripping water should only drip for a short period before it stops; however, some dispensers might drip for even a few more seconds after the glass is removed.

Fixing a Leaking Water Dispenser

Refrigerators with built-in water dispenser have a significant advantage, it gives you access to pure and fresh water without the added work of filling a jug and keeping them in the fridge.

The water we drink helps make us healthier here are steps to take when changing the water filter.

The primary reason for the leaks is caged air distorting unprecedented pressure.

Know how a refrigerator works and in the steps taken below, you might find that the model of the refrigerator you are using may mean that the buttons and parts are located in a different area.

Step 1: After leaving the sensor arm, keep a glass under the spigot for a few seconds.

You will notice a few drips coming out of the faucet, this is normal.

A grille located under the faucet help to catch and then evaporate this seldom drops when they occur.

Step 2: Use a warm cloth to clean the dispenser, especially around the arm.

Notice that it is effortless for a splash to get on the dispenser when ice cubes drop in your glass.

This overtime can be problematic as it will abate the sensor’s arm from moving back when pressed. This is a good reason for the leaks.

Step 3: The dispenser has to be kept running. It is suggested to run it intermittently.

For five seconds while on and five seconds while off. You can stop after two minutes.

When you do this, the air in the pipes is let out, whenever you change the filter; for example, it is recommended that you completely clear the device system.

You can use the water you have purged out of the system to water a plant. When you follow this instruction well, the leaks should stop

Step 4: Finally, try to check your refrigerator’s plumbing systems for any leaks when a water connection inside the fridge is damaged, or poorly connected leaks can find their way out.

If you can, tighten any loose connections and replace any pipes. Get a professional if unsure about what to do next.

Finding the Location of the Shut-off Valve in a Refrigerator

Typically the waterline of refrigerators has the shutoff valve attached to the cold water route.

This should be located just below the kitchen sink, or the basements, or only in a cabinet very close to the refrigerator.

A small quarter-inch copper-made wire attached with an at-valve.

This valve should have a little post coming out from the side along with cable running through the center

Make sure that before turning off the, shut f devices like the ice maker, if you do not put off the icemaker, it may continue to cycle off and on potentially causing damage o the valve

All you have to do is turn the valve clockwise until it is stretched to turn off

Replacing the Fridge Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet is electrically operated and connects the water supply for the household to your fridge they supply the ice maker and the water dispenser if you need them.

This valve can be found at the back of the refrigerator, through use, and over time the valve can become faulty, creating problems like the water dispenser not working or even leaking.

Replacing the valve proves to be a simple process.

  1. Unplug the refrigerator and push the fridge forward do not forget to turn off the water supply
  2. Remove the cover behind the fridge
  3. Remove the back, and you will find the quarter-inch screws, remove them to pull the valve out
  4. Behind the valve are two electrical harnesses which you have to disconnect
  5. Clean the tubing attached after it has been removed
  6. Reinsert the clean tubes into the pipes and make sure they are snapped shut
  7. Place back the terminals

Tuck everything back away into its original positions and plug the refrigerator

Voila! Clean your water dispenser and it should be as good as new.

Having a clean kitchen is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

You know you would always get that edge against that friend or family member that comes to check how you are faring.

With their condescension. show him a clean kitchen stuffed with a convenient and luxurious refrigerator and water dispenser. know this…you have won!

An Additional method

If you have already tried some steps and didn’t get any potential results, then try this simple following method:

  • Attach the water bottle again

If you see a water leakage in your dispenser from the water bottle, then you have to check the point where it’s connected.

It can happen if the jug is attached incorrectly. and it may cause leakage.

If it’s not accurately joined, then take out the container and reattach it and tighten the connectors properly.

Attach the water bottle again

  • See if there is any clog

If you have a bottleless water dispenser and have leakage from the clog, then you must have a closer look.

If it is clogged, the blockage increases the pressure driving the water out.

The pressure is hard to remove because you have to change the clog physically.

  • Tighten loose valves

For a long period of time using the water dispenser, sometimes the water valve can’t be tight enough to prevent leakage.

It will affect your water bills and waste more water. To keep away from this, check the valves, fix them, and make sure they give the best seal.

FAQ’s

1. Why leak water after changing the filter?

Ans: If you see you have leakage after you change the filter, it means surely the water has entered the waterline and needs to be cleaned.

Put a bucket under the tap and turn them on for 2-3 min to take out the air. It is enough time to remove the trapped air

2. How do you know if your refrigerator water valve is bad?

Ans: The cubes might be little or there might be a strong chunk of ice rather than individual shapes.

It’s also conceivable that the icemaker will quit working. These are indications of breaking down the water valve.

About the author

Warner Levit

Water Filtration Expert

As a trained chemist and an independent researcher I started working on a portable water filter project as part of my business plan. While carrying out my research, I got involved with FaucetsReviewed. My fields of expertise include environmental science, biochemistry and water purification chemistry. Apart from contributing to this website, I’m currently working on my book “Water Filtration Science”. It will be published soon. I grew up in California, and completed my postgraduate degree from the University of California-Berkeley. I also work as a private counselor on the household water management system.

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