Whirlpool Ice dispensers come in super handy, especially in the warm weather. They are the perfect source of instant ice for a chilled drink on a summer afternoon.
However, there is one major problem associated with ice dispensers. They quickly get frozen and need help to provide ice cubes as they should.
Due to shallow temperatures and improper handling, there will be no ice when you press the dispenser for the same.
It is a rather annoying problem since you must go through the process of thawing it out. This also takes time and prevents you from enjoying ice cubes when needed.
I have used a Whirlpool refrigerator with an ice dispenser for ages and have faced this problem regularly. However, now I know what I should and shouldn’t be doing to solve these problems.
How To Keep Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Dispensers From Freezing?
Ice dispensers can get clogged due to the freezing of water pipes. This can be prevented by setting proper freezer temperatures and checking the water pressure of the refrigerator.
Getting rid of the ice is easier once the ice dispenser is frozen. This annoying problem can be avoided if you are careful about how you use the Whirlpool refrigerator.
I will give you a few tips on how to prevent your refrigerator ice dispenser from freezing up. You can follow these solutions to see why the ice dispensers freeze up and what you can do to avoid it.
1. Check the freezer temperature
When the freezer temperatures are too low, the ice dispenser may freeze. According to the FDA, your freezer should be set at 0°C or 32°F, which is the perfect temperature to make ice cubes.
If your freezer turns out to have a lower temperature setting than 32°F or 0°C, the water in the ice dispenser pipes will freeze up. This would intercept the ice passage and prevent you from receiving your ice cubes.
You can mainly adjust the freezer temperature through the temperature control panel. Depending on the Whirlpool refrigerator model, this panel is either located on the outside or inside.
2. Clean out the water filter
A clogged water filter can also cause the water to freeze up and jam in the water dispenser. To avoid this problem, you must regularly clean and replace the water filter when necessary.
When your refrigerator filter is clogged, it can cause problems with the water pressure. Extreme water pressure can cause the water pipes to freeze and become jammed.
To make sure you never face this issue, it is recommended to wash your water filter once every four months. Even if you use the ice dispenser sparingly, you should check the water filter regularly for sediments.
3. Adjust the water pressure
When the water pressure is too high or too low in a whirlpool washer, there may be problems with freezing up. If the water pressure is above 120 PSI or way below it, the ice dispenser may freeze up.
To avoid this problem, you must regularly check your house’s water pressure. You can also check the water inlet valve and filter to ensure they are not interfering with the water flow into the ice dispenser.
A faulty water inlet valve can also cause a difference in water pressure. This would mean you have to replace the inlet valve or install it correctly for the ice dispenser to function properly.
How Do I Clean The Ice Dispenser Chute On My Whirlpool Refrigerator?
You can clean out the ice dispenser chute by taking it out and wiping it with a clean cloth. It is easy to clean and won’t require any additional products.
Even if you use the ice dispenser sparingly, it is necessary to clean the ice dispenser chute from time to time. This chute will be located beneath the ice storage bin and can be accessed without a problem.
It would help if you used a warm washcloth to wipe down the chute. There will be a buildup of ice particles that can be thawed out or dislodged using the washcloth.
After you are done wiping it down, you need to make sure to dry it thoroughly. Only after it is dry can you put it back and use it like normal.
What To Do If Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Freezes Up?
If your Whirlpool refrigerator ice dispenser freezes up, you need to unplug your refrigerator and wait for a few minutes. After some time, the ice will thaw out in itself.
Sometimes to get rid of a problem, you don’t need to do anything. The refrigerator must naturally thaw the ice when your ice dispenser line freezes.
To achieve this, you need to shut off the power supply to the refrigerator so that the ice melts in itself. Get rid of all the perishable commodities before you attempt this.
Additionally, adjust the freezer temperature and water pressure before you plug it in again. If you fail to correct them, the lines will freeze up again.
Can I Adjust The Water Pressure On My Whirlpool Refrigerator Ice Maker?
Changing the water pressure in your Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker is possible. The ice maker box will have a screw bolt that you can adjust to change the water pressure.
You will find an ice box or ice maker section inside your refrigerator. This box will contain a bolt that can be screwed in and out on one side.
The water pressure is marked by a ‘+’ and ‘-‘ sign. To decrease the water pressure, screw in the bolt on the ‘-‘ side.
You can loosen the bolt towards the ‘+’ side if you need to increase the water pressure. You can change these settings whenever you want.
Final Remarks
I would like to have specified the causes and preventive measures associated with ice dispensers. Whirlpool refrigerators are great home appliances, but like any other brand, their ice dispensers often get frozen.
However, you can take some precautions to prevent the water line from freezing. I have elaborated on the reasons for the freeze and how you can get rid of the ice after the liens have frozen.
If you have missed anything, here’s a recap of how you can keep ice dispenser lines from freezing:
- Check the freezer temperature
- Clean out the water filter
- Adjust the water pressure
My name is Rick Kinney and I am the founder of ExHandyman. I have worked as a handyman for many years, and fixing stuff is my greatest pleasure in life.