Ever had one of those days when you head over to your trusty Thermador fridge for a nice, cold glass of water, but—uh oh—nothing comes out? You’re left scratching your head, wondering what went wrong. Well, you’ve landed in the right place. Today, we’re tackling this exact issue: a Thermador refrigerator not dispensing water.
Some folks might be tempted to just grab a wrench and start tinkering, but slow down, friend. First, we need to understand what might be causing the problem. A few of these fixes are perfect for DIY enthusiasts, but for others, you might need to call in the pros.
Common Reasons For Your Thermador Refrigerator Not Dispensing Water or Ice
Let’s jump into the heart of the matter, shall we? Your water dispenser can be quite the diva sometimes. Small issues, ignored for too long, can cause a big fuss. Let’s break down some common culprits.
Control Lock Is On
What causes a refrigerator to stop dispensing water? Ever notice a button on your refrigerator labeled ‘Control Lock’ or ‘Lock Controls’? This feature is designed to prevent unintentional operations, particularly handy if you have kids who love to press buttons just for the fun of it. However, when this feature is engaged, it can stop your water dispenser in its tracks. So, if your Thermador refrigerator is not dispensing water, your control lock might just be showing off its power.
How to unlock the Thermador water dispenser: Locate the control lock button on your fridge, press and hold it for about 3 seconds (or as instructed in your user manual), and see if that does the trick. With the control lock disengaged, your dispenser should be ready to serve you a refreshing glass of water once again.

Shut-off Valve Issue
Sometimes, the simplest things can cause the most confusion. Another possible reason why your refrigerator might not be dispensing water? The shut-off valve controlling the water flow to your fridge might not be open all the way.
Your shut-off valve is usually tucked away behind your refrigerator or under your sink. If it gets accidentally closed or partially closed, it won’t let enough water through to your dispenser.
To fix it: Simply find the shut-off valve and ensure it’s fully open, usually by turning it clockwise fully.
Your Water Line Is Frozen
Sometimes, your Thermador refrigerator not dispensing water could be because your water line decided to unexpectedly freeze. This usually happens when your freezer is set at a super-chilly temperature. What’s the result? The water in the line freezes and stops water flow.
So, how do you melt the ice? Try nudging your freezer’s temperature a tad higher. If that doesn’t work, it’s time for manual defrosting. First things first, unplug your fridge. Then, find the water line—typically at the back of your fridge. Use a hairdryer to gently thaw it out, being careful not to focus on one spot for too long, to prevent any line damage.
Water Filter Is Past Its Prime
All things come to an end, and your water filter is no exception. If your Thermador refrigerator is not dispensing water, it could be that your water filter’s life has run its course—particularly if it’s been over 6 months since your last filter change. But, let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. Sometimes, the filter might be just fine—it’s just feeling a bit lost and got installed incorrectly. If it’s installed poorly you may also notice your fridge leaking water or making noise!
How do I reset my Thermador water filter? Fixing this issue is a breeze. If the filter is on the newer side, take a look and make sure it’s seated properly. You’ll want to grab an OEM replacement filter from Thermador if yours is indeed past its prime. Next, locate your fridge’s filter housing, usually found in the bottom grille or within the fridge itself. Out with the old, and in with the new—just make sure to align it correctly as per your refrigerator’s manual. And there you have it! With a fresh filter properly installed, your water dispenser should be back in action.

Water Inlet Valve Is Stuck
Now, here’s a part you might not have heard of—the water inlet valve. This little component is the gatekeeper of water flow into your refrigerator. When it decides to be stubborn, either by failing or getting clogged, you’ll find your Thermador refrigerator not dispensing water.
How do you fix a clogged water dispenser on a refrigerator? First, check to see if there’s any damage to the inlet valve and whether something is clogging it. If there’s a clog remove the hose and try to remove the clog manually. If not, diagnosing a misbehaving water inlet valve can be a bit tricky. A technician will use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If it fails the test, it’s time for a valve replacement. This task involves a bit of wire and tube tinkering, so don’t hesitate to call in a professional.
Dispenser Control Board Malfunction
Did you know your water dispenser has its own brain? It’s called the dispenser control board. This little guy governs every function of the dispenser. So, if your Thermador refrigerator isn’t dispensing water, it could be due to a fussy control board. But, here’s a heads-up, this isn’t usually the first place to look. It’s best to rule out simpler issues before we start diagnosing brain problems.
If you suspect the control board is acting up, you might need to inspect it for signs of burning or a shorted electrical connection. This is usually the time to call in the experts.
There we have it, folks. We’ve dissected the most common causes of your Thermador refrigerator not dispensing water. But remember, no matter how many DIY tricks you have up your sleeve, sometimes a professional touch is necessary.
That’s where we come in. Here at RD Appliance Service, we specialize in solving all appliance issues and malfunctions. So if your Thermador refrigerator is giving you a hard time, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Thermador service experts. We’re here to help and get your refrigerator back to working at its best.