If your refrigerator dispenser is leaking water, the most likely culprit is a damaged dispenser door or its mechanism that no longer seals or moves correctly, letting water escape when the ice door should be closed. Second, check the home supply; oddly, low house water pressure can cause the dispenser to drip or run instead of delivering a steady flow. A worn or broken dispenser actuator that fails to fully engage the switch is another common cause, since it can leave valves partially open. Less frequently the water inlet valve itself will be obstructed or have defective solenoids and need replacement, and a bad dispenser switch can also let water flow when it should be shut off. Before you start tearing into the cabinet, confirm water pressure at the source and visually inspect the dispenser door and actuator for damage. If you need a replacement part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement water inlet valves, actuator assemblies, dispenser doors, and switches that fit your refrigerator.
01 - Americana Refrigerator Dispenser Door
The dispenser door is opened by a motor or a solenoid to dispense the ice, but if the door is broken, it may not open properly in order to release the ice. You should inspect the dispenser door for damage to determine if the component should be replaced. You may have to remove the dispenser control panel or frame to access and inspect the dispenser door.
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The water inlet valve, which supplies water to the refrigerator water dispenser, requires sufficient water pressure to work properly. If the water pressure is too low, the dispenser will leak. You can check the water flow at the kitchen faucet to help determine if the home's water pressure is sufficient or not.
Common
03 - Americana Refrigerator Dispenser Actuator
The dispenser actuator is the component that activates the switch or switches to send voltage to the dispenser. If the dispenser actuator is damaged, it may be unable to activate the switch. Inspect the dispenser actuator for any damage and replace with a new one if necessary.
A refrigerator water inlet valve will direct water to the dispenser as well as the ice maker fill tube. If the inlet valve is obstructed, the solenoid coils on the valve are defective, or the home's water pressure is too low, the water valve will not work properly. The valve requires at least 20psi to function properly. Make sure that the water pressure to the valve is at least 20 psi. If the water pressure is sufficient, use a multimeter to test the water inlet valve for continuity. If the water inlet valve does not have continuity, replace it.
The dispenser switches send voltage to the dispenser. If one of the dispenser switches is defective, the dispenser will not work. To determine if a dispenser switch is defective, use a multimeter to test each switch for continuity. If a dispenser switch does not have continuity, replace it.