Fridge Won't Dispense Water/Ice: Filter Head Repair DIY

Fridge Won't Dispense Water/Ice: Filter Head Repair DIY
Is your Whirlpool/Kitchenaid refrigerator water dispenser not working? Is your fridge ice maker not making ice? Sometimes these 2 failure modes go hand in hand but the refrigerator repair of the fridge water dispenser sometimes fixes both issues. The reason is the ice maker often gets its water supply from the fridge water filter, and if you have a bad water filter head that is clogged or not doing its job correctly, this will also cause your ice maker to not make any ice.
✅ Tools used in this KitchenAid refrigerator repair video:
✅ RIDGID One Stop Wrench: amzn.to/2LNIHDn
✅ Whirlpool 67004106 Refrigerator Water Filter head & Tube Assembly amzn.to/2VUZB4m
✅ Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter: amzn.to/2LK8etM
✅ GreatNeck Nut Driver Set, 7-Piece: amzn.to/2VGjaMI
✅ Supco WV5154 Whirlpool Dual Inlet Water Valve: amzn.to/2Hp1Hnv
✅ EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 4 amzn.to/2WanZBK
We receive a commission from Amazon when you buy products through these links.
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In this video we show you how to repair one of the Top 5 causes of your fridge water dispenser not dispensing water, and focus on how to repair your fridge filter water head assembly with hoses. We show you how to specifically run a water inlet valve test on this Kitchenaid refrigerator, which is also a Whirlpool refrigerator since Whirlpool makes fridges for most of the major appliance manufacturers. So if your water dispenser is broken, you need to follow our tips here on your Kitchenaid fridge and get your fridge water dispenser working once more. then you'll know how to repair KitchenAid refrigerators DIY style if your fridge water dispenser is not working.
the water dispenser was broken
In this video, we also show you how to perform a water inlet valve test, before you consider a water inlet valve replacement when your water dispenser is not working in your Kitchenaid refrigerator. This will help you confirm if this is the root cause of a water dispenser broken and not dispensing water.
Fridge water dispenser not working
If your water dispenser is not working on your refrigerator and your fridge water dispenser is still not working even after a filter change, then it's time for a refrigerator water filter head. A water filter head replacement is highly recommended, do not get cheap and try to rebuild the water filter head, they often fail soon after you repair them.

[@jeffostroff]

✅ Tools used in this KitchenAid refrigerator repair video: ✅ RIDGID One Stop Wrench: amzn.to/2LNIHDn ✅ Whirlpool 67004106 Refrigerator Water Filter head & Tube Assembly amzn.to/2VUZB4m ✅ Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter: amzn.to/2LK8etM ✅ GreatNeck Nut Driver Set, 7-Piece: amzn.to/2VGjaMI ✅ Supco WV5154 Whirlpool Dual Inlet Water Valve: amzn.to/2Hp1Hnv ✅ EveryDrop by Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter 4 amzn.to/2WanZBK We receive a commission from Amazon when you buy products through these links.

[@nickcolabello7592]

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[@BIGTUKVCU]

Great video - bad filter head for me - ordered a genuine part, followed your steps - works like a charm again - Thanks!

[@sheliadevaughn8964]

Your site is awesome! Love the way you explain, show exactly what to do step by step and provide alternatives repairs until replacement parts arrive. I don’t usually add comments but yours was one worthy of letting others and you know that your site is the must see site. BTW, I love your T-Shirt saying 😊Thanks!

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it Sheila!

[@robertlutey6903]

Thanks, Jeff, for a very helpful video. I just successfully changed my filter head after watching. I would offer one additional piece of advice regarding the temporary fix using the garden hose washer: I used pliers to compress and flatten my washer and make it easier to screw the filter back on. Just using the washer as is, it's thickness made it too difficult to thread the filter on. This technique was successful and my water dispenser was working pretty well as I waited for the new filter head to arrive.

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@karenjosephvelky1824]

Had a frozen reservoir. Hair dryer in 5 minutes and done. Thanks Subscribed after this.

[@jeffostroff]

Yes yours is the most common issue that people report solving it with the hair dryer. In our case it was the filter head which is like the worst case scenario to have to fix so you got off lucky

[@74gatorjim]

Jeff, I need you to show for a Whirlpool refrigerator that uses a EveryDrop #1 purple filter on bottom of refrigerator

[@TheDebsChannel]

Thanks Jeff your video helped a lot!

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@louiss7969]

Hi Jeffo, Just wanted you to know that I fixed the water filter head following your instructions. Thanks for your help. BTw, I also used your hose washer trick until the part came in. Thanks again.

[@jeffostroff]

Great to hear! that is awesome Louis!

[@kennethbisson6462]

Thanks for the great video. As you suggested might be the most common cause of no water, our reservoir was frozen. Hair dryer for 3 minutes and we were good again. Will keep the fridge a little warmer now.

[@jeffostroff]

Glad it helped Kenneth!

[@tomjoht]

I had the same issue. Thanks for the video and tip. I didn't even know there was a water reservoir behind the crisper bin.

[@johnkumpel8974]

Frozen hoses. Thanks for the help!

[@jeffostroff]

Glad to help

[@mrccos]

It was a frozen water line. Thanks! I never would have figured it out.

[@jeffostroff]

You are welcome!

[@josephrodriguez941]

Very helpful!!!! 😁👍

[@jeffostroff]

Glad you think so!

[@Madbusop718]

Thank you so much for an informative video. With the help of my 11yr old son I was able to complete the job. Due to a torn rotator cuff I couldn't complete myself. Thanks again and stay safe and blessed.

[@jeffostroff]

Great job!

[@jakee8704]

Great content!!! All around well done 👍👍👍Thank 🫵🏻Sir

[@rm_4848]

Wow! The detail in this video is incredible. I'm certain I can replace the filter head if I need to now. Great work! Is it a valid assumption that if water flows quickly with the filter plug in place but then flows very slowly when a new, correct filter is installed, that the filter head is most likely the issue?

[@jeffostroff]

Yes those filter heads can be quite finicky, so if changing the filter does not help, and the water inlet checks valve checks out OK, and the reservoir bottle inside the fridge is not frozen, then problem is likely the filter head.

[@rm_4848]

jeffostroff Great. Thanks again!

[@surujnarinepundit137]

Great video bro

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@lernikmelkon9736]

Sick bro

[@lernikmelkon9736]

Bro such a n00B456

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks Lernik

[@teh60]

Great video Jeff, very thorough. Is the test plug included with the refrigerator?

[@jeffostroff]

No, the test plug comes when you buy the filter head part.

[@johnkrim8377]

Jeff , the by pass plug does come installed in a new fridge, the reason being everybody does not run out and buy a filter to put in there. If there were no bypass plug you would not be able to use your water dispenser at all . I know because I have an Amanda that has the exact same setup. You may get another one with a new head ,I don't know I didn't have any problem with mine yet. Just FYI.

[@jeffostroff]

@@johnkrim8377 I feel left out because I am pretty sure mine never came with one, We always had a filter on there, Unless the original delivery guys took care of that but usually they would leave the part I would think. That filter hit with such a pain to change because that stupid Styrofoam insulator in the back always breaks no matter how careful we are.

[@Sojizy]

Just saved me some time and money by troubleshooting. Thanks

[@jeffostroff]

Awesome glad it helped soji

[@purplecatty]

I have exact same Kitchenaid Refrigidator. Had same issue. I replaced valve below and water still not coming out. I decide to remove filter output hose from bottom valve, Water did not come out. It turn out to be filter dispenser valve issue. Decided to remove it and use compressed air and blow it thru hose while pushing down two needles, Air blew out. It appear that needles inside valve is fine. So I decide to rig hose to water hose that goes to filter and put filter output hose to sink. Turned on water and insert then twist filter slow, water came out until I fully turned filter to stop (felt a click) water stopped. I tried turn back 1/4 way and water came out. Realizing that Non-OEM filter two little "ramps" is out of alignment. So I put all back to refrigidator and put filter in and turn 3/4 way and water come out dispenser strong. So check it before replacing valves and filter dispenser valve. It's the filter itself...

[@jeffostroff]

In our case it was the filter head

[@stevezelev7008]

I had no ice or water. After a lot of searching it was the filter. The pin on the water inlet/outlet end was too long. I trimmed off 1/16 inch with wire cutters and it all worked. Amazing how many people had problems with the filters. For some placing a felt sticky pad on the end of the filter makes the fit tighter against the door that holds the filter in. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[@jeffostroff]

Yes, and the filter head on the fridge where the filter connects onto

[@davidvillacis5061]

Hey Jeff! Please help! This video is awesome by the way! Unfortunately I still haven’t fixed my issue with my whirlpool fridge. Water comes out of the dispenser but at a slow stream rather than a normal speed. I replaced the water inlet valve, checked the filter with the blue bypass cap AND took a hairdryer to the reservoir to unfreeze anything that was frozen and still no luck =/..... I am currently trying the hose gasket to the filter head to check that but no luck. My only option is the water filter head and replacing that?? But what if that doesn’t work? I also have to add that the water dispenser button is working properly and I hear that it makes a connection with the fridge and I hear water flowing through but I feel like there’s still something off. My apologies in the long message! Hopefully you can help me out

[@jeffostroff]

In our case it turned out to be the filter head as we show in this video. Sounds like that is what your scenario is, or the water inlet valve. If you have checked the resistance across your water inlet valve and it is still OK, then your likely issue is the filter head.

[@NickAster]

Yes! It worked!

[@jeffostroff]

Glad I could help! Which fix did you implement?

[@NickAster]

@@jeffostroff The filter head in the kitchenaid fridge. Amazing detail, even down to the hose which was too short, as predicted. But it works fine just hanging there.

[@mannymo76]

I'm having an issue with those two "white pieces". I pushed them in and water started squirting out and now it doesn't stop. Does the whole filter head need to be replaced? Because even when I put the filter back on it still leaks.

[@jeffostroff]

Yes, we had to replace it on ours. We stuck in a small garden hose gasket onto our filter head holes before attaching th water filter and it halped the water flowing again for a while, but we still replaced the filter head.

[@peabarter_3074]

I wish you showed removing the water inlet valve.

[@AMidnightGardener]

It’s in another video he did… looks like it is the same video but it’s different.. hopefully this helps

[@rockd8946]

Excellent thanks Will keep your channel

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@marydenise7401]

Well I put a new filter in as usual and now no water and no ice cubes. But I have a Frigidaire. The door monitor reads good filter! It also says no power and I have power. Thanks for the info but it doesn't apply.

[@jeffostroff]

Did you check to see if the little water reservoir bottom that's built inside the fridge on the back wall usually if it is frozen. That's the problem for 3/4 of the people that come here to this video and they often solve it with a hair dryer by blowing hot air on it to thought it out

[@anthonyviravong5076]

@@jeffostroff Hello I do not have the same model but was wondering if you can still help. I have an LG lfx25976sw Refrigerator. My control panel dispenser assembly is not working at all. Nothing displays like lights. Buttons not functioning when pressed. Ice and water does not dispense when pressed. Do you think I have to change the control board for dispenser? And maybe look into changing the inlet valve? Filter looks good still. And I've had the fridge unplugged so the reservoir should not have been frozen.

[@HsingSun]

If that Fridge filter light was turned on Red, it means we have to replace that filter, right?

[@jeffostroff]

yes that is usually the case, unless there is a sensor malfunction

[@tripletvn]

So, I have a GE but I believe the concepts are the same. I replaced the water filter for the first time since I bought the house, and about 2-3 weeks later, the freezer lost its coldness and 4 weeks later the fridge as well. Ice obviously is not being made at all. At a point water was also not dispensed but I realized I plugged the filter in incorrectly so, following the arrow on the filter to match with the arrow in the fridge, the water dispenser worked again, and I think that means water now does run through the filter. But the coldness is getting worse. While it is common to check the coil and clean it, I still think it must have something to do with the new filter. Any suggestions? Thank you so much.

[@jeffostroff]

Filter has nothing to do with youur freezer not getting cold. For that you need to look up the circuit for your freezer, maybe you have a temperature sensor going bad

[@tripletvn]

@@jeffostroff Thank you for being so prompt. I'll continue to watch more videos, KZbin DIY community is amazing :) Possibly the compressor, compressor delay, or evaporator fan - hopefully it is something easy for a female with zero mechanic background :)

[@jeffostroff]

@@tripletvn Luckily I have never had to get to the point to replace a compressor, although I would bring in a professional for that because I believe they have to be licensed to evacuate the Refrigerant 1st before they can replace the compressor that takes people who are licensed and allowed to be dealing with that type of gas

[@ELFAMVLOGS]

Mine is so weird; I got a whirlpool fridge it was dispensing water before I replace the filter and as soon as I put the new filter in the water stops dispensing. Can you please tell me what’s wrong with it.

[@jeffostroff]

It could be that the filter did not seat properly on the filter head so maybe try removing the filter and re apply it onto the filter head. It could also be that the water froze in your plastic reservoir bottle let's it's inside the fridge on the back wall typically 95% of the people that have this problem have reported back to us that they followed our button advice and used a blow dryer to heat up that water bottle to thought out the ice in it

[@helensaunders1603]

At the 13-minute mark, the one hose is kinked and you leave it off. The second hose is attached, then the testing begins. When did the hose that kinked get attached?

[@jeffostroff]

Helen we did not show when that kinked hose actually got kinked, we were trying to keep the video from getting too long so that was one of the scenes that got deleted, where we showed the attaching of that hose to the bracket, and how the hose was too short, so it kinked as we tried to fit the connector onto that metal bracket. To save time, we just showed that we connected up the hose, it's too short, so here it is kinked, and we're not going to attach it to the bracket, we now have to leave it out loose.

[@helensaunders1603]

jeffostroff I understand that. How does water run if you don’t connect that hose?

[@jeffostroff]

@@helensaunders1603 ​ Helen Saunders You misunderstood what is happening. We did not show reconnecting the wall supply back to this hose. The hose will still get connected back to the water supply line coming from the wall, but we can't re attach the hose to that support bracket or it will kink the hose as shown at 13:01. By moving it off the bracket and just letting the hose with the connection to the water supply line hang loose behind the fridge, we can then allow the hose to stretch out straight, eliminating the kink. The hose does not necessarily need to clip onto the metal bracket, so it still works in this case. Ideally you want it to be more secure and connect to that bracket, but Whirlpool made this hose a dew inches too short, nothing we can do about it, they changed the part for this 13 year old fridge, so it's not a perfect replacement for the older part #.

[@clivemason4227]

If I take my water filter out everything works?? Fine but because there is no filter I’ve got water everywhere!! Should I just get a new water filter?

[@jeffostroff]

I replace ours every 6 months

[@clivemason4227]

@@jeffostroff it’s only 3 months old?

[@BobbyDotNet]

If the water flows well with the bypass plug in place, don't replace the head. Add a dime size piece of 1/2" sched 40 pvc pipe to the head. There is a youtube showing this fix.

[@jeffostroff]

We show a similar fix, but usually doe snot last long. It really means the filter head is worn down and should be replaced

[@rebeequity5329]

Jeff, I have a Whirlpool Refrigerator where water and ice are not dispensing. I have put a new Water Value and Change out the Filter. The model is a Side by Side ED5KVEXV007 . Manufacturing adate - 04-12. The Filter cage is on the bottom of the refit. How do I get to it to change this out. What might be the part number to get it replaced. The refrigerator works perfectly except for this.It takes a Type 3 Filter Cartridge. Your videos are fantastic. Can you help me out

[@jeffostroff]

First see if your problem is the plastic reservoir bottle inside the fridge at the back. (0% of the commenters tell us our trick with the hot air blower on the frozen reservoir bottle solves the issue. IF not, Google your fridge model, and find the filter head attachment on the fridge from appliance parts pros, that sometimes goes bad too

[@kennethreed4425]

Thanks for the good content. I may have a curve ball though. kitchen aid with everpour 2 filter. newer fridge worked great then relocated turned on and no water dispensed. removed filter added some water to it put back in worked great. Then i release it and go to try again and nothing. Only seems to work when i pull the filter and re-install but only once. Tried new filter same thing. any thoughts where to start be great

[@jeffostroff]

Sounds like the filter head on your fridge needs to be replaced. IT's at that point where it makes contact when you screw the filter on, but then fails again. We had to replace ours in this video. This video is your likely repair

[@kennethreed4425]

@@jeffostroff that's great info I'll look into it a get back to you. Tku

[@kennethreed4425]

@@jeffostroff my model number is krfc704fps04. Is that the right head for my model fridge?

[@mn1170]

I’m having that issue now. Water comes out without the filter. I put filter in and it works until I close the filter door

[@thunderlord2200]

thats not why im here, i gave up on this 10 yrs ago. (still have the frige. xD) running for 20 yrs.. most of it anyway. xD ice grinder dont work to make the ice not freeze soil. but in any case, im sry for asking this, but how do u take up a pop up tub plug to unclog it. i tryed every video i can find and nothing seems to work. ether the screw cap is rusted soil onto the base, OR what ever the case its not catching to unscrew.. (i felt under it and i cant find a screw to twist ether.. so i was hoping for help and hiring a plumber just to get it off seems very pricey (still paying off 1000 bucks to fix the sink =( )

[@jeffostroff]

It's hard without seeing your drain plug how to remove it. I find most success with pulling up firmly straight up as hard as I can, and turn counterclockwise while still pulling upward firmly usually gets those to come up. It might not be a screw down, it might just be keyed, so you keep rotating slowly until the post lines up with the key hold and it pulls right out. If not, go to Home Depot and for $3 get that hair snake, I use this all the time in out hose, I no longer pull up the drain plugs, you just insider this down the drain and it pulls up the hair, here's the link to it: www.homedepot.com/p/BrassCraft-20-in-Plastic-Hair-Snake-BC00112/305468409?MERCH=REC-

[@garyamos6836]

Thanks Jeff, the filter was frozen. Thanks for the video

[@thomasjackson5883]

I’m not getting any water from the dispenser with the filter installed but if I replace the filter with the bypass plug, I get water from the dispenser. This issue happened immediately upon replacing the filter with a new one. So in this scenario, what needs to be replaced? Thanks

[@jeffostroff]

I am thinking that your filter was defective. If you get another filter and try it in it still happens then it might be the filter head on the fridge. We ended up having to change our filter head.

[@kimoclyde]

Also, if you are not using a genuine part filter and using a knock-off filter, that could be the issue as well.

[@choyMM]

I've had 2 filters in the last 3.5 months. Both slows down to a trickle within a few weeks. Any idea what that is? It does get very cold by the filter head and sometimes I see ice buildup there. But once it worked and lately it hasn't. The water coming in can't be that bad.

[@hollyplata]

The water/ice was working fine until I changed my filter. Did I install it wrong?

[@jeffostroff]

Take off the filter rand examine the interface between the filet and the filter head assembly where it plugs in, see if anything happened there. Try to remove and reseat the filter.

[@hollyplata]

@@jeffostroff Ha! I didn't push in hard enough when I put the new filter in. Once installed correctly, I could immediately hear the water running. Thanks!

[@mommyhelen2017]

I did the same thing! I didn’t put the filter in properly. Thanks so much for this wonderful video!

[@tonitreuil4307]

We have tried 8 water filters per model of Maytag and non fit - they do not turn completely clockwise. Please help

[@tylerbrooks7128]

Need help! My whirlpool makes nice but doesn’t shoot water out The lever works it makes the sound that it should when the water should work

[@jeffostroff]

Did you try the trick with the hair dryer blowing hot air onto the plastic reservoir bottle bottle inside the fridge along the back wall? 90% of our viewers report that solves the problem for them because sometimes the water just freezes up in there.. If not that you'll have to do electrical testing on the inlet valve usually the water and the valves that meet at the bottom of the fridge one goes to the ice maker and 1 goes to the water maker.

[@tylerbrooks7128]

@@jeffostroff I turned it off for the night and this morning I works but it will eventually stop like it always does when I do this

[@emcllns]

None of these options helped me. I hate appliances so much.

[@jeffostroff]

Time to call in a pro then, sorry

[@emcllns]

@@jeffostroff Time to buy a new one 😎

[@charlesmonahan2018]

@@jeffostroff hey Jeff I have #6 for you that I accidentally came across which was out of luck to get to the point ice no water so this worked for me I guess it was a reset I unplugged my whirlpool French door refrigerator to have room to work on checking the Selenoid and bingo before I could even ck it after re pluggeding It i pressed the despinsor and got water I really thought it was possibly either the micro/ pressure switch or the solenoid valve cause there was no clicking from solenoid and what do you know it started working well I hope this helps others thanks

[@gigatitan3852]

Get to the point.

[@jeffostroff]

I got to the point if you were too impatient to make a repair like this then you shouldn't be making it it takes a lot of knowledge to be gumped on you at once to be able to figure this out