Installing a new refrigerator water or ice filter? The water filter inside your refrigerator needs to be changed every 6 months. For every 300 gallons that filters through the water filter, it should be removed and replaced. This quick guide will answer some questions when replacing the water filter in your fridge.
What does the water filter do
A refrigerator with a dispenser is designed to dispense cold water and ice cubes. The water needed to produce this cold water and clean ice cubes goes through a water filter cartridge. This water filter is located either within your refrigerator or behind your refrigerator. The filter is designed to filter and clean the water before it is dispensed. The water filter removes any contaminants that may be harmful and provides clean water.
The water filter is a very important part of your refrigerator dispenser system. If the water filter is not replaced on a regular basis, the water dispenser or the ice maker may not dispense properly and or the water and ice may look dirty or rusty.
How often to replace a refrigerator water filter
It is recommended to replace your refrigerator water filter every 6 months or 180 days. If the water in your area contains “hard water” the water filter may need to be replaced more frequently. Most OEM water filters are designed to filter 300 gallons of water. If a refrigerator water filter is used to filter over 300 gallons of water, the filter will not properly remove any contaminants that may be in the water supply.
How to find the correct refrigerator water filter
If you need help finding the correct water filter, you can find it in your owner’s manual, online by typing in make and model, or remove the old filter and write down the filter model number.
Where is the water filter located in my refrigerator
To install a new water filter in your refrigerator, you will need to find if the filter is located inside the refrigerator and where it is located. Some older refrigerators may have the water filter located behind the refrigerator.
For most refrigerators, the water filter is located inside. Find where by opening the refrigerator door and locating where the water filter is located. Most refrigerators have the water filter located in the top right corner or in the center of the refrigerator behind a small door or twist off. If you have trouble, find your owner’s manual or check online. In Google or YouTube type in Water filter location for ___________ Refrigerator Model number __________.
The water used by the refrigerator is from the homes water supply usually coming in from the back of the refrigerator. It is recommended to turn this water supply off before attempting to remove the old water filter. On most refrigerators you do not have to turn the water off, but it is recommended in case of a leak when removing or replacing the filter.
How to remove and replace a refrigerator water filter
1. Locate the water filter housing inside the refrigerator.
2. Press in or turn the area indicated to remove the filter cover (if applicable).
3. Remove the old water filter by pushing in and turning the filter to the left or counterclockwise.
4. Slide the water filter out and discard it, some water may drip out so be cautious.
5. Remove all packaging from the new water filter.
6. Position the new water filter within the filter housing.
7. Slide the filter into position and turn the filter to the right to connect it.
8. Once the filter is in place you may feel it “click” into place, do not overtighten.
9. Position the filter cover back into place (if applicable).
10. Reset the refrigerator water filter indication on dispenser (if applicable).
11. Run water from the water dispenser for at least 5 minutes to clear any debris.
12. Run at least 3 gallons to prevent sputtering or air in the water lines.
13. Check the water filter housing area to be sure there are no leaks coming from the filter.
The water filter for your refrigerator is now installed and ready to go. See below for a few different types of refrigerators…
Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement
Samsung Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement
GE Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement
Replace a universal inline refrigerator water filter (behind the refrigerator)
If you have a refrigerator with the inline water filter at the back of your fridge, you will need to shut off water to the fridge. Slide out the refrigerator from the wall and turn the water to the refrigerator off. Get a small bowl or towel and place it under the water filter. Remove the fittings connecting the old water filter to the water line. Install the new water filter using the connections on the water line or the ones that were included with the new water filter. Turn the water back on to be sure there are no leaks. Run the water dispenser for at least 5 minutes to clear out the water lines. Check behind refrigerator for leaks and if none slide the refrigerator back into place.
Common issues when installing a new refrigerator water filter
If it is difficult to twist the new filter into place, the water pressure may be the cause.
Push the filter in with more force and twist it into place clockwise.
After installing the new water filter the water looks dirty.
This is because the filter has particles in it that need to be cleared out, run the water on the refrigerator dispenser for at least 5 minutes to completely clean out the water lines.
I installed the water filter but now it makes sounds when dispensing water.
This means there is air trapped in the lines. Simply run the water for over 5 minutes from the dispenser and it will let out the air and no more sounds will be heard.
My ice cubes look dirty after replacing the water filter.
This is because the water was not ran after replacing the new water filter. If you find dirty ice cubes, throw them away and run the water dispenser for over 5 minutes to fully clean out the water lines.
I waited too long to change my water filter and now the water looks dirty.
Change the water filter ASAP. Discard any ice that was produced by the old water filter, and remember to run the water and remove around 3 gallons from the system before consuming any water or ice.
If you need any help with replacing or installing a water filter in your refrigerator let us know by adding your comment below and we can assist.
The old filter will not come out. I’ve even tried grasping it and turning, pulling, with channel locks.