Samsung, a renowned South Korean company specialising in household electronics, is based in Seoul and offers a variety of home appliances, including various side-by-side refrigerator models equipped with water dispensers. Taking care of repairs for your refrigerator's water dispenser can be a cost-effective approach, as numerous issues can be resolved at home. To complete this task, you'll have to gain access to the space located behind your freezer.
Samsung fridge water dispenser not working but ice is
Given the absence of a single identifiable cause, we will examine all potential suspects and categorise them based on their likelihood of occurrence. Now, let's address and resolve the issues with your Samsung refrigerator's water dispenser.
Check the water pressure
To begin, you should start by examining the water pressure at the water inlet, as this may be the root cause of the issue. In general, Samsung advises a minimum water pressure of 20 psi for the ice maker to function correctly.
However, the water pressure required for the water dispenser is notably higher. For refrigerators equipped with a water filter, a water pressure ranging from 43 to 125 psi is necessary for normal water dispensing. For those without a water filter, the water pressure should fall between 21 and 125 psi.
With these specifications in mind, it can be valuable to use a water pressure gauge to test the pressure within the water line. If the pressure is at 20 psi, it's important to note that this is adequate for the ice maker but insufficient for the water dispenser to work effectively. Consequently, you may need to increase the pressure.
For optimal results, if your model includes a water filter, it's recommended to raise the pressure to at least 50 psi. However, if your refrigerator lacks a water filter, increasing the pressure to at least 30 psi is advisable.
Quick Tip: Consult your owner's manual, as it should contain information on the minimum required water pressure for your specific model.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Fridge
Pros
- Innovative Features
- Energy Efficiency
- Design and Style
- Spacious Interior
Cons
- Price
- Reliability Concerns
- Limited Availability of Parts
- Complex Features
Differences Between Samsung fridge and Whirlpool fridge
Samsung
Samsung is known for its innovative technology, which often includes advanced features like touchscreen displays, smart connectivity, and flexible storage options. Some models offer features like a family hub for communication and entertainment.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool refrigerators also have various innovative features but may not be as technologically advanced as Samsung. They focus on practicality and reliability.
Alternative to Samsung fridge
KitchenAid
KitchenAid, a subsidiary of Whirlpool, specialises in premium appliances, including high-end refrigerators with sleek designs and advanced features.
Check to see if the water tank reservoir is frozen
Have you checked the temperature settings in your refrigerator? The ideal temperature for a fridge falls between 35°F and 38°F, while the freezer should be set at 0°F.
If your refrigerator is set to temperatures lower than this range, it could lead to issues with water dispensing. This is because the water tank, usually located at the back of the fridge compartment, may become too cold and freeze the water inside. Additionally, the water supply line inside the door could freeze, a problem frequently encountered in side-by-side refrigerators.
To resolve this, you'll need to thaw or defrost your unit. The simplest method is to unplug the refrigerator and let it sit for approximately two to three hours. However, if you're in a hurry, you can manually initiate a defrost cycle.
Once the unit has completely defrosted, be sure to adjust your fridge's temperature settings to maintain them between 35°F and 38°F, and set the freezer temperature at 0°F. These recommended settings are not too cold to freeze the water reservoir but are cold enough to keep your food items fresh.
Quick Tip: If you don't want to defrost the entire unit, you can unclog the water supply line separately. You can use a tool available on Amazon that draws in warm water and pumps it into the water supply line to quickly thaw the frozen water in the water tank.
Replace the dispenser switch; it could be faulty
The water dispenser is primarily activated through the water dispenser switch. Here's what you should be aware of:
When you press your glass against the dispenser lever, it should result in a noticeable click and a humming sound before the water is dispensed. This is typically an indication that the switch located beneath the lever is functioning properly.
However, if you press the lever and do not hear the expected click, it's possible that your dispenser switch is malfunctioning. But before jumping to conclusions, it's a good idea to test it for continuity to ensure that it's indeed faulty.
Keep in mind that if the switch lacks continuity during testing, it's likely defective, and you may need to replace it. For a replacement, we recommend using the OEM Samsung refrigerator dispenser switch from Samsung for the best results.
Purge air from the water line
On occasion, the issue could be attributed to the presence of air trapped in the water passage line. Yes, you heard correctly, and this is particularly likely if you've recently installed new pipes or made changes to existing ones, or if there was a disruption in water supply for some time.
The problem here is that tiny airlocks can make their way into the water reservoir due to these changes or interruptions. Subsequently, they may create an airlock within the reservoir itself.
If this is the case, there's no shortcut; you'll need to clear the airlocks. To purge the air from the water line, simply press and hold the water dispenser lever for about five minutes. This action should help flush out any trapped air in the tank.
Important note: If you notice water beginning to dispense during this process, you should continue pressing the lever until any sputtering stops and you have a consistent flow of water.
Please be aware that this method is most effective if you've recently connected the water line or replaced the water filter.
Conclusion
When you encounter the issue of the Samsung water dispenser not working on your Samsung refrigerator, it's important to consider several potential factors.
By examining the water pressure, temperature settings, functionality of the dispenser switch, and the possibility of airlocks in the water passage line, you can effectively diagnose and address the problem.
This comprehensive approach will help you restore the functionality of your Samsung fridge's water dispenser, ensuring it provides the convenient and reliable water access you expect.