Samsung Fridge Water Dispenser Keeps Running? (here’s why)
If the water dispenser on your Samsung fridge keeps running it could lead to an issue with flooding if you ignore it. Fortunately, there are a number of potential reasons why it keeps running that can be investigated and fixed without calling in an expert.
If your Samsung fridge’s water dispenser runs non-stop, keep reading. In this article we highlight all of the possible reasons why this is happening as well as offering ways to solve these issues.
Why Is The Water Dispenser On My Samsung Fridge Running Continuously?
There are several reasons why your Samsung fridge’s water dispenser won’t stop running which include;
| Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unlevel Appliance | Ensure the appliance is level |
| Air Trapped In The Water Line | Keep running the dispenser to remove air blockage |
| Defective Water Inlet Valve | Check and replace the inlet valve if necessary |
| Dispenser Switch Stuck | Check the switch, lubricate or replace if necessary |
| Ice Accumulation Blocking The Chute | Defrost the ice maker |
| Door Seal Leaking | Inspect and replace the door seal if necessary |
| Defective Solenoid | Inspect and replace the solenoid if necessary |
| Electrical Fault | Contact a technician |
Before we take a closer look at each of the above issues, there’s something you need to do first. That is; Turn Off The Water Supply To The Fridge.
By turning off the water supply to the fridge you can prevent any potential problems due to flooding or excessive water usage. Once you have successfully turned the water supply to the fridge off, you can proceed to troubleshooting the fridge and fixing whatever is causing the problem.
Now let’s take a closer look at each of the issues highlighted above;
Unlevel Appliance
If the appliance isn’t completely level it can cause the door seal to not form a perfect seal. This will allow warm air to enter the ice maker which can cause the ice to melt, leading to water continuously dripping.
To solve this all you need to do is check that the appliance is level. This can be done using a spirit level, you will need to check side to side and back to front.
You can adjust the level using the feet on the bottom of the appliance. If the floor is so uneven that the adjustable feet can’t cope, consider moving the appliance to a more level area.
Air Trapped In The Water Line
If you have recently replaced the filter, air can become trapped in the fridge’s water line. This can hold onto water allowing it to constantly drip from the dispenser.
To solve this all you need to do is allow the water dispenser to run for a few seconds to allow the air to escape. This may need to be repeated 2 or 3 times to ensure all of the air has been purged from the water line.
This should only be a problem on first installation or after a filter change, so if water is dripping at any other time, you should look into the following points.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
All of the water supplied to your fridge enters through the inlet valve. Over time the inlet valve can develop a fault due to overuse or old age and wear and tear.
If the inlet valve does become defective, it might not stop water from flowing when the control board sends a message telling it to. This would lead to water running continuously.
You will need to check the inlet valve for continuity using a multimeter. It should read somewhere between 200 to 500 ohms, anywhere outside of this range and it will need to be replaced.
Dispenser Switch Stuck
The job of the dispenser switch is to supply the dispenser with enough voltage to operate. In some cases, the dispenser switch can get stuck in the handle which makes it unable to communicate with the dispenser.
This will cause the dispenser to run constantly until the water supply is disconnected or the supply runs out.
You will need to inspect the dispenser and if stuck, you will need to free it. This can be done with the use of a mineral oil (paraffinum perliquidum) to lubricate the switch.
You should then check it for continuity using a multimeter and if it fails the continuity test, it will need to be replaced.
Ice Accumulation Blocking The Chute
If warm air enters the ice maker, it causes the ice to start to melt. As the ice turns to water, it drips and will continue to do so as long as there is still ice that’s melting.
This will look as if the water dispenser is leaking. To fix this you will need to investigate the ice chute and defrost any buildup of ice. You will need to remove all of the ice and allow the chute to dry before reusing it.
Door Seal Leaking
The ice chute should create a watertight seal with the fridge which means the door seal on your Samsung fridge needs to be in perfect condition. Over time dirt, grime and food particles can form on the rubber seal and create just enough space for warm air to enter.
You will need to inspect the door seal for any dirt, grime or other obstacles and wipe them away using a cloth soaked in warm soapy water. If the door seal has any fraying, damage or other wear it will need to be replaced.
Defective Solenoid
The solenoid valve controls the flow of refrigerant and water around the fridge. If it develops a fault, it could cause water to run continuously from the dispenser.
You will need to check the solenoid for continuity using a multimeter and replace it if it proves to be defective. This is quite a tricky job which is best left to a technician.
Electrical Fault
If there is an electrical fault like a loose or burnt out wire, it could cause the water dispenser to run non-stop.
We recommend contacting a technician to investigate any issues with wiring related problems.
However, in some cases the electrical fault can be cleared by performing a reset on your Samsung refrigerator.
How To Reset A Samsung Refrigerator
If you have replaced a part or if you believe the fault is due to an electrical issue, it can often be cleared by performing a reset. When it comes to resetting your Samsung refrigerator, you have five options which are;
- Pressing And Holding The Power Freeze & Power Cool Buttons
If your Samsung refrigerator has these 2 buttons, simply press and hold them until the appliance resets, this should only take a few seconds. - Pressing The Reset Button
Some Samsung refrigerators have a reset button which is located under the fridge door. Once located, you will need to either flip it or press it (depending on the model). This will reset the fridge and/or the water dispenser. - Resetting The Water Filter
In some cases it is possible to reset the water dispenser by resetting the filter. Consult your user manual for more instructions for your specific model. Typically all you need to do is locate the multi-function switches on the control panel and press the correct button until the water filter light changes. - Pressing & Holding The Water Button
On some Samsung models, all you need to do is to press and hold the water button until the filter light goes out. The water button will be found on the control panel. - Disconnecting The Power Supply
This is also known as a hard reset and is achieved by disconnecting the power supply by removing the plug from the wall socket or flipping the circuit breaker switch to the off position. You will then need to allow around 30 minutes to pass to allow any residual power to dissipate. Then reconnect the power supply and the fridge should be reset.
SEE ALSO: Samsung Ice Maker Jammed? (here’s what to do)
Frequently Asked Questions
If the water dispenser on your Samsung refrigerator won’t stop running it is probably caused by one of the following; The fridge isn’t level and needs to be levelled using the adjustable feet, there is air trapped in the water line, the inlet valve is faulty, the dispenser switch is stuck, there is a buildup of ice in the ice chute, the door seal is leaking, the solenoid is defective or there is an electrical fault.
To clear trapped air from the water line of your Samsung refrigerator you should allow the water dispenser to run for a few seconds to allow the air to escape. This may need to be repeated 2 or 3 times to ensure all of the air has been purged from the water line.
Mineral oil is sold and produced widely in the US but it’s not sold as such here in the UK. Instead it is called “paraffinum perliquidum” by British pharmacologists. You could use baby oil or 3-in-1 oil as a replacement for mineral oil depending on the task you wish to perform.
