How do I fix my ice maker not getting water?

Author: Waylon Dickinson  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage. If you see an obstruction, check out our guide on how to clean your refrigerator water line for detailed steps. If that doesn't work, consider replacing the water fill tubes.

Why is there no water going to my ice maker?

If water is coming out of the fridge spigot but not filling the ice maker, it could indicate a problem with the ice maker itself. There might be a blockage in the water line leading to the ice maker, a malfunctioning water inlet valve, or an issue with the ice maker's mechanism.

How do I unclog my ice maker water line?

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  • Remove the ice maker from the freezer.
  • Unclog the water pipe with a hair dryer, and remove all the frozen bits from your ice maker by running hot water over it.
  • Dry your ice maker with a rag.
  • Reinstall and wait a few days to see if it happens again.

What tells the ice maker to fill with water?

At the beginning of the cycle, an electrical signal is sent to a water valve to fill the ice mold with water.

Why is my Whirlpool ice maker not filling with water?

First, make sure your water filter is up to date to help avoid clogs that reduce water flow. Next, double check that the fridge water line behind the refrigerator isn't kinked or twisted. Lastly, use a leveler to ensure that your refrigerator and ice maker are level so water distributes evenly throughout the ice tray.

Ice Maker Not Working? - Check these 6 Things first!

How do I reset my Whirlpool ice maker?

Locate the reset button on the ice maker. It's located on the bottom of the ice maker on most Whirlpool models. Push and hold the reset button for five seconds. You may need to use a pen or a similar tool to press the reset button if it is recessed.

Why does my ice maker work but not my water dispenser?

If the refrigerator water dispenser is not working but the ice maker is, your water pressure could be to blame. Your fridge needs less pressure to make ice than it does to dispense water. Check your refrigerator's manual to see the necessary water psi for both to function.

What triggers an ice maker to fill?

To begin the ice-making process, a timer triggers the water valve, which fills the ice mold with water.

Can you manually add water to an ice maker?

If the icemaker mold is empty, you can manually pour about 4 ounces of water in the icemaker mold. Wait about 2 hours. If the icemaker has dropped ice cubes out from the mold, you know the icemaker itself is working.

How do you flush the water line on an ice maker?

Once the line is disconnected, pour 3-4 cups of vinegar with a small funnel into the line and let it soak for 5-10 minutes, clipping shut the open end of the line to avoid the vinegar from draining out. Rinse out the line with clean water before reconnecting the dispenser and ice maker.

What is the best way to clear clogged water line?

Flushing the Pipes. Attach a hose to one of the faucets or an outdoor tap, ensuring the other end is positioned in a drain or outside where water can flow freely. Open the faucet and let water flow through the pipes for a few minutes. This helps flush out loose sediment and debris, improving water flow.

How do you fix a frozen ice maker water line?

As a last resort, you could defrost a frozen ice maker fill tube by safely storing food and unplugging the refrigerator for 8 hours. After restoring power, the ice maker should fill with water because the freeze plug in the ice maker fill tube will be gone.

What controls water flow to an ice maker?

When the icemaker calls for ice, its switch closes an electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. This allows water to flow through the valve and into the ice cube tray. The water is frozen into cubes, and the cubes are dumped into the ice bin.

How do you reset the ice maker?

Unplug the machine and wait 10 seconds. Plug the machine back in and press the ON button. You should see a blue light appear, letting you know that the machine has been reset.

Why is my ice maker not pulling water?

Your water line is frozen or plugged shut. Dirty Water Filter. Faulty Water Inlet Valve. Another appliance pulling water from the ice machine (dishwasher, sink, etc)

Does ice maker need to be connected to water line?

Regardless of whether an industrial or residential, the function of an ice maker largely depends on having a reliable and steady supply of water. The primary purpose of a plumbing line is to supply adequate amounts of water to your ice maker so that it can freeze up a proper batch of ice cubes.

How do I know if my ice maker is bad?

The Machine Is Leaking Water. If your ice machine is leaking water, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the seals or gaskets. These are designed to keep the water in the machine, and if they are damaged, it can cause the machine to leak water.

How do you unclog the water line on an ice maker?

Alternatively, you can defrost the water line with a hair dryer or by letting the refrigerator sit unplugged for upward of two hours. Restore power to the refrigerator and listen for the water supply to fill the ice mold. If the clog is anything but translucent, consult with a professional for help removing the clog.

What tells the icemaker to fill with water?

First, the icemaker itself is what cycles and sends power to the valve once it cycles in order to fill the tray up with water. I see you replaced the valve already so disconnect the water line going to the icemaker from the valve and blow through it to make sure the water line isn't frozen up above the icemaker.

How do you fix an ice maker that is not making ice?

Check the water fill tubes

If your ice maker isn't making ice or if the ice cubes are small or misshapen, the water fill tubes may be the problem. Check the fill cup and the tube at the back of the ice maker. If they are covered in ice, look for a blockage.

Why is there no water coming out of my water dispenser?

If no water is flowing from your bottled water cooler or dispenser, there are generally two main causes: either the reservoir has become frozen, or the air filter is water-saturated due to a leaky bottle or dirty.

Why is my ice maker not filling up with water Whirlpool?

Make sure the water supply is properly connected to a cold water supply and the water shutoff valve is fully opened. Check to make sure there are no kinks in the water supply line. A kink in the line can reduce water flow. Straighten the water source line to restore adequate water flow and pressure.

Can wrong water filter cause ice maker not to work?

Without proper cleaning, a dirty water filter can clog up with so much debris that water can't get through it. When this happens, your machine can freeze up completely, meaning your ice machine won't be able to produce ice.

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