Why does my Samsung refrigerator dispense water but not ice?
If your Samsung RF261BEAESG dispenses water but won’t make ice, the water supply is reaching the dispenser but the ice maker side is being blocked by a setting, temperature, water pressure, or an ice-maker-specific restriction (like a frozen fill tube). Use the checks below, then follow the ice maker steps in the RF261BEAESG owner's manual.
- Confirm the ice maker is turned ON.
- Set the freezer to 0°F (ice production slows a lot above this).
- Make sure the ice bin is seated correctly and not jammed with clumped ice.
- Verify the water shutoff valve is fully open and the supply line is not kinked.
- Replace a restricted filter; for this model, use the refrigerator water filter DA29-00020B.
Your refrigerator can dispense water at low flow and still fail to fill the ice maker properly. For normal ice maker operation, the manual calls for 20 to 125 psi water pressure.
| What you notice | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Water dispenses, but ice tray never fills | Low water pressure or restriction | Check shutoff valve, kinks, filter; confirm 20 to 125 psi |
| Ice maker fills slowly, small cubes | Partial restriction | Replace filter, check line for pinches |
| No ice and freezer warming | Cooling issue | Confirm 0°F, check for frost buildup and airflow |
- Look for a frozen fill tube (ice maker won’t get water). Carefully thaw with warm air; do not overheat plastic.
- Check for heavy frost on the back wall inside the freezer; that points to a defrost/airflow problem.
- If you see error indicators on the display, use our Samsung troubleshooting references such as Samsung rf26 model french door refrigerator error codes to narrow the circuit or sensor involved.
These are the most common ice-related replacements when settings, temperature, and water pressure are correct:
- Samsung refrigerator ice maker assembly DA97-07603B (mechanical ice maker failure)
- Refrigerator ice maker module DA59-00294B (module not cycling)
- Refrigerator water filter DA29-00020B (restricted flow to ice maker)
Ice makers need the right freezer temperature, airflow, and water pressure to fill and harvest cubes on schedule. A dispenser can still work when the ice maker cannot, so focusing on ice-specific checks saves time and prevents repeat clogs.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the common problem with Samsung refrigerators?
Cooling performance problems and ice maker issues are the most common complaints we see on Samsung refrigerators like model RF261BEAESG. Many symptoms trace back to airflow restrictions (dirty coils, blocked vents, frost buildup), water supply problems, or failed components such as sensors, defrost parts, or the ice maker assembly; see the RF261BEAESG owner's manual for model-specific operating and care guidance.
- Not cooling or warm fresh food section: food spoils, temperatures drift, compressor runs a lot.
- Freezer OK but fridge warm: weak airflow into the fresh food compartment.
- Ice maker not making ice: no ice production, small cubes, or slow output.
- Water dispenser slow: often tied to filter restriction or low supply pressure.
- Frost buildup on the back wall: points to a defrost system or airflow problem.
- Confirm settings: setpoint changes can take 24 hours to stabilize.
- Check door sealing: gaps or torn gaskets cause moisture and frost.
- Clear vents: keep packages from blocking air returns in the fridge and freezer.
- Clean condenser coils: dust buildup reduces heat removal and cooling capacity.
- Verify water pressure: the manual calls for 20 to 125 psi for proper ice maker operation.
| Symptom | Common suspect | Example part for RF261BEAESG |
|---|---|---|
| Frost buildup, warming, fan noise | Defrost system issue | Refrigerator defrost heater DA47-00244U or refrigerator protector DA47-00243B |
| Temps fluctuate or error symptoms | Temperature sensing issue | Refrigerator temperature sensor DA32-10104V |
| No ice or poor ice harvest | Ice maker failure | Samsung refrigerator ice maker assembly DA97-07603B |
| Slow water, bad taste, filter light on | Clogged/expired filter | Refrigerator water filter DA29-00020B |
Cooling and ice maker problems usually get worse over time; warm temperatures can spoil food, and frost buildup can choke airflow until the refrigerator cannot maintain safe temps.
For step-by-step ice troubleshooting, we use why your Samsung fridge stopped making ice and how to fix it.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the capacity of the Samsung RF261BEAESG?
The Samsung RF261BEAESG bottom-mount refrigerator has a typical total capacity of about 25.5 cu. ft. (combined fresh food and freezer space). For the exact capacity rating and compartment breakdown for your specific version, use the RF261BEAESG owner's manual.
Total capacity is the overall interior volume rating for the entire refrigerator.
- Includes both the refrigerator section and the bottom freezer drawer
- It is a volume rating, not a guarantee of usable shelf space
- Shelves, door bins, and the ice bucket reduce usable storage
- Airflow space matters; overpacking can cause warm spots
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Model | RF261BEAESG |
| Refrigerator style | Samsung French door, bottom freezer |
| Total capacity | About 25.5 cu. ft. |
Capacity helps you compare refrigerator sizes and plan grocery storage, but day-to-day usability depends more on shelf layout, door bin space, and keeping vents clear for proper cooling and ice production.
Last updated: February 2026
How to fix 26 e error code on Samsung refrigerator?
On your Samsung RF261BEAESG refrigerator, a 26E code is handled as an ice maker system problem; we fix it by resetting power, clearing ice jams and frost, confirming the freezer is at 0°F, and verifying the water supply meets the refrigerator’s required pressure range listed in the RF261BEAESG owner's manual.
- Power reset: unplug the refrigerator or turn off the breaker for 2 to 5 minutes, then restore power.
- Clear a jam: remove the ice bin and clear stuck cubes around the ejector area.
- Remove frost buildup: thaw the ice maker area with the freezer door open; do not chip ice with sharp tools.
- Confirm freezer temperature: set the freezer to 0°F and allow 24 hours to stabilize.
- Check door sealing: make sure the freezer drawer closes fully and the gasket is sealing.
The ice maker needs steady water flow and correct water pressure. Use the range specified in the RF261BEAESG owner's manual as your target.
- Confirm the household shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect the water line behind the refrigerator for kinks or pinches.
- If ice is small or hollow, replace the refrigerator water filter DA29-00020B.
| What you notice | Most common cause | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Small or hollow cubes | Restricted water flow | Replace the water filter; recheck fill volume |
| Ice maker stops mid-cycle | Ice jam or frost | Clear jam, thaw, then retest |
| Error returns quickly | Ice maker drive/module issue | Inspect and replace the ice maker assembly if needed |
When the ice maker cannot complete a normal cycle, it can stop producing ice and keep triggering the code. Fixing airflow, temperature, and water flow prevents repeat shutdowns.
For a deeper ice maker troubleshooting walkthrough, use why your Samsung fridge stopped making ice and how to fix it.
Last updated: February 2026





