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The water dispenser on your Samsung fridge is your source for chilled water and frozen ice cubes. You can activate it by pushing on its lever and stop the flow by releasing it. So, why would the dispenser keep running even when you’re not using it?
Suppose your Samsung fridge water dispenser keeps running with a continuous stream of water. In that case, it’s likely because the lever and switch are stuck or the fridge water inlet valve is faulty. However, if it only runs with a slow drip, there’s air trapped in the water line or a buildup of ice inside the chute.
Finding the root cause will require a bit of troubleshooting, but this guide will help you every step of the way.
Why Does My Samsung Fridge Water Dispenser Keep Running?
The water dispenser on your Samsung refrigerator should stop when you pull your cup away and release the lever.
So, any water that comes out when it shouldn’t is a sign of a problem. That’s true whether it’s only a few drops of water or a continuous stream.
Here’s why your water dispenser keeps running even when it shouldn’t:
Stuck Lever Or Switch
About this: The water dispenser isn’t very complex as far as fridge parts go. You use it by pushing on a lever which then triggers a switch. Once that switch is activated, the fridge will continue dispensing water into whatever cup or container you use.
Once you stop pushing the lever, you create a chain reaction that prevents water from flowing out of the dispenser.
What’s happening: The most common reason a fridge dispenser keeps running is the lever or switch is stuck. In other words, the lever doesn’t release even though you’re no longer pushing it. As a result, the switch continues to be triggered.
That happens because sticky water, especially sugary drinks like sodas and juices, splashes around the lever and switch. That makes those parts sticky, which leads to the dispenser running even after you’ve stopped using it.
That splashing happens as you’re dispensing ice into a full cup. When the ice falls, the sugary liquid splashes up against the lever and switch.
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How to fix it: You can solve this problem with a bit of cleaning. Grab a wet cloth and wipe away as much of the sugary buildup as possible around the lever and switch.
You can open the dispenser to remove the lever and switch if necessary. That will allow you to clean them more thoroughly and prevent sticking.
Read: 5 Reasons Why Samsung Fridge Evaporator Fan Is Not Working
Faulty Solenoid Valve Or Water Inlet Valve
About this: Your fridge dispenser gets its supply from your household water line. That line connects to the back of the fridge through the water inlet valve, sometimes called the solenoid valve.
Essentially, pushing the dispenser lever triggers the valve to open and let water flow into the fridge. Conversely, letting go of the lever closes the valve to prevent overfilling.
That valve works mechanically but is controlled electrically. It gets its signals from the dispenser lever through the fridge’s main control board.
What’s happening: Another reason your water dispenser keeps running is that the solenoid valve or water inlet valve is faulty. More specifically, the valve is not closing when it should, so more and more water is flowing into your fridge.
All that water has to come out somewhere. In this case, it comes through the dispenser even when you’re not using it.
How to fix it: A faulty water inlet valve can sometimes be saved. For example, suppose there’s a dirt buildup around the valve or a foreign object keeping it stuck open. In that case, you can remove the buildup or foreign object, and the valve will continue working as it should.
However, a failed valve that will no longer open and shut correctly must be replaced with a new one. There’s likely no electrical continuity, so the fridge can’t control it anymore.
Read: 3 Ways To Fix Samsung Fridge Not Cooling After Power Outage
Trapped Air In Waterline: samsung fridge water dispenser
About this: The water from your fridge dispenser makes quite a journey from its original source. Starting at the water inlet valve, the water travels through hoses to fill up a small water reservoir.
The water is chilled in that reservoir and will only flow to the dispenser when you push its lever.
All that water flow from the valve to the dispenser must be free from any trapped air bubbles. That is because even the smallest bubbles could cause water supply issues for the dispenser.
What’s happening: The first two causes on this list result in water streaming continuously from the dispenser even when you’re not using it. However, other causes can lead to water dripping slowly instead.
Trapped air inside your fridge’s water lines can cause the dispenser to keep running after you’ve stopped using it, albeit by dripping slowly instead of gushing water.
That air typically gets trapped inside the water line after a filter change. While switching out filters, air can get sucked into the water line and struggle to get out naturally.
How to fix it: You’ll have to purge the air from your Samsung fridge’s water line to fix this problem. To do that, continuously drain the water from your dispenser for 5 seconds.
Next, stop and wait for another 5 seconds.
Repeat this process for a few minutes to purge all trapped air inside.
Read: Why Samsung Fridge Is Making “JackHammer” Noise?
Ice Buildup In Reservoir Or Chute
About this: The Samsung fridge dispensers are responsible for providing water and ice. As such, the problems it faces could result from the water supply, as you saw above or from the fridge’s ice-making processes.
What’s happening: The final reason your dispenser seems to run with a slow drip is due to an ice buildup inside.
That buildup can happen for two reasons. The first is due to stuck ice in the dispenser chute. Besides that, it could also be due to the water reservoir having frozen.
A water reservoir will freeze if it gets cracked and is exposed to freezing air.
As you can see, these issues will cause water to come out of your dispenser when you’re not using it. That can give the impression that the dispenser is running even when it isn’t.
Still, you should resolve it quickly to prevent water overflowing onto your kitchen floor.
How to fix it: You can resolve this problem by clearing the source of the ice buildup. That can mean cleaning the chute and allowing any stuck ice to melt naturally.
However, if the water reservoir is cracked and frozen, you’ll have to replace it with a new one. The problem won’t be resolved if the reservoir stays cracked.
Read: 3 Reasons Why Samsung Fridge Is Making Vibrating Noise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Troubleshooting your Samsung fridge water dispenser can be pretty challenging. So, here are a few more bonus answers to help you out:
How Does A Samsung Refrigerator Water Dispenser Work?
The water dispenser works when you press its lever. That will trigger the fridge to dispense cold water from its reservoir of chilled water. The dispenser can also be used to dispense ice that comes from the ice maker.
Read: 3 Reasons Why Samsung Fridge Is Not Making/Dispensing Ice
Why Is My Samsung Refrigerator Water Not Cold?
The water from your fridge isn’t cold because you haven’t given it enough time to cool down. Water in the reservoir needs at least 6 hours to become chilled.
Do You Have To Turn The Water Off To Change A Refrigerator Water Filter ?
Yes, you must turn off the water supply behind your fridge before changing the
Where Is The Water Inlet Valve On A Samsung Refrigerator?
The water inlet valve on your Samsung fridge is at its rear. The valve connects directly to your household water supply through a small hose or tube.
Can You Run A Refrigerator Without Hooking Up The Water Line?
Yes, your refrigerator can work perfectly well without hooking it up to the water line. However, the water dispenser will not release any water or ice if you use it, as there’s no incoming water supply.
