Kenmore Refrigerator: water dispenser continuously dispensing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore refrigerator's water dispenser is continuously dispensing water, you're likely facing a common issue. This can occur due to a stuck lever, a faulty water inlet valve, or even ice blockage. Understanding the cause can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore normal operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Official Kenmore troubleshooting focuses more on non-function than continuous flow, but the same mechanical components (valve, switches) apply to continuous issues.

Possible Causes

Stuck or mechanically jammed dispenser lever/switch

How to Identify: Water continues flowing even if no pressure is applied; lever feels stuck, sticky, or slow to return to off position.

Part: Dispenser lever/switch assembly

Faulty water inlet valve not closing

How to Identify: Continuous trickle or stream of water even after lever release; noises at bottom back of fridge, and checking valve electrical continuity fails.

Part: Water inlet valve / solenoid valve

Ice buildup or blockage preventing proper shutoff

How to Identify: Visible ice around dispenser area; water continues after pressing even intermittently; symptoms more likely in cold climates or low freezer temps.

Part: Dispenser chute / water line near dispenser

Air trapped in water line

How to Identify: Pulsing flow or sporadic continuous flow after filter changes or new water hookups; symptoms improve after several cycles of dispensing.

Part: Water supply line

Control board / electrical fault

How to Identify: Water dispenser behaves erratically beyond continuous flow (e.g., random operation, and other dispenser functions act inconsistently.

Part: Dispenser control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect and free a stuck dispenser lever

Moderate 10-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs
  1. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off its power.
  2. Inspect the dispenser lever for debris or sticky residue.
  3. Use isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs to clean around the lever mechanism.
  4. Gently flex and move the lever to free any sticking points.
  5. Restore power and test the dispenser.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working near electrical components.

Purge trapped air from water line

Easy 5-15 minutes
Tools Needed: large pitcher or container
  1. Place a large container under the dispenser.
  2. Press and hold the water dispenser for multiple cycles to push water through until air bubbles subside and flow stabilizes.
  3. Repeat until water runs smoothly without sputtering.
⚠️ Safety First: Have towels ready to catch splashes.

Thaw ice around dispenser area

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: hairdryer on low setting, towels
  1. Turn off or unplug the refrigerator.
  2. Use a low-heat hairdryer to gently warm the dispenser chute area for a few minutes to melt ice buildup.
  3. Wipe away melted water and allow area to dry before powering back on.
  4. Test dispenser functionality.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use high heat; avoid overheating components.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace dispenser switch or lever assembly

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

Dispenser control board repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Water continues flowing despite cleaning, purging air, and thawing ice.
Electrical testing (continuity) indicates failed valve or switch.
Unfamiliar with appliance electrical diagnostics.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Replace water filter regularly: Clogs and irregular water dispensing behavior
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Clean dispenser area: Debris buildup that can jam levers or switch mechanisms
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator water dispenser continuously dispensing?
Common causes include a stuck dispenser lever, a faulty water inlet valve, or ice buildup.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator water dispenser continuously dispensing myself?
You can inspect the lever for debris, purge trapped air from the water line, or thaw ice around the dispenser.
How much does it cost to fix water dispenser continuously dispensing?
Professional repair costs range from $30 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for water dispenser continuously dispensing?
If DIY fixes don't work or if the issue seems complex, it's time to call a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty water inlet valve stuck open
  • Malfunctioning dispenser control board
  • Defective actuator or switch

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the water inlet valve. Disconnect the refrigerator from power, locate the water inlet valve at the back, and check for blockages or damage. Replace if necessary.

  2. Test and replace the dispenser control board. Access the control board, check for visible damage or burnt components, and replace if faulty.

  3. Check and replace the actuator or switch. Remove the dispenser cover and test the actuator mechanism for proper function. Replace if it does not engage correctly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore Refrigerator water dispenser won't stop dispensing w...

Community Discussions

water dispenser won't stop dispensing water

Unplugging the fridge for 5 minutes seemed to fix the issue temporarily.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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