Changing A Refrigerator Water Filter | Step-By-Step Guide

Is your mini freezer dispensing discolored ice cubes? Maybe you also notice the water pressure from the dispenser slowing down. These are just a few signs that it’s time for a new refrigerator water filter. Read through the article to learn how to swap the water filter with a new cartridge, regardless of the kind […]

Apr 24, 2023 - 15:17

Changing A Refrigerator Water Filter | Step-By-Step Guide

Is your mini freezer dispensing discolored ice cubes? Maybe you also notice the water pressure from the dispenser slowing down. These are just a few signs that it’s time for a new refrigerator water filter. Read through the article to learn how to swap the water filter with a new cartridge, regardless of the kind of refrigerator filter you have.

How to Change a Refrigerator Water Filter in 6 Easy Steps

Below is a general step-by-step on how to change your old filter:

Step 1: Locate the Fridge Water Filter and Replacement Type

The water filter is normally found at the bottom grille, but you can find some on the left side or upper right corner of the refrigerator interior. If it’s inside the refrigerator, you must pull open the filter door with a small lever. You should ideally do this before buying a new filter so you can compare your old one.

Step 2: Remove the Old Water Filter Cover From Refrigerator

If there’s a water filter cover, then remove it. How you do it is pretty intuitive. Some covers just twist off, others have tabs you need to squeeze, and others have an eject button.

Step 3: Remove the Spent Filter

How you remove the refrigerator filter depends on the model of your refrigerator. You might have to swing the old cartridge from the water filter slot first. Then you’ll either have to pull it out of the housing or twist it counterclockwise before pulling. You’ll have to be especially careful here since you don’t want to break any plastic parts. There may be some residual water in the filter, so have something to help with any spills.

Step 4: Install the New Filter

Remove the protective coverings from the O-rings. But make sure the rings are still in place after removing those protective coverings from the O-rings. You can install it the same way you removed it. So, if you had to twist it off, twist the cap clockwise back. You must screw some filters into a filter cap before pushing and locking it in place.

Step 5: Properly Flush the New Filter

To properly flush the new filter, get a bucket (or other large, sturdy container that can hold four gallons of water) and place it under the dispenser. Hold the dispenser pad down for five seconds, then release it for five seconds. Keep repeating this until the water starts flowing. When it starts flowing, hold down the pad until you have dispensed two to four gallons of water. Don’t drink this. However, you can use it for other things, like watering plants.

Step 6: Reset the Water Dispenser After Installation of the New Fridge Water Filter

Depending on the model of your refrigerator, you’ll have to reset the dispenser after you properly flush the new filter. Check the manual if you need to do this since not all water dispensers have this feature. If it does, you’ll likely have to press a reset button for this one. You might find this in a control panel in the refrigerator compartment.

How to Change These Different Refrigerator Water Filters?

There are many kinds of refrigerator water filters, so we’ve listed down a quick and more specific how-to for other models:

Twist-On Refrigerator Water Filter

This kind of refrigerator filter is pretty easy to replace, especially if you know which way to turn it.

Look for a plastic filter cover and open the panel by pressing or pulling the locking tab on one end. Be ready with a towel in case there are drips.
Twist the filter counterclockwise until it stops turning. Then, pull the filter straight back.
Ensure the ridges align on the new filter and the slots on the mounting point, then simply push it into place.
Twist the refrigerator filter clockwise to lock it into place. Replace the water filter cover panel.
Reset the dispenser. Then, let the water dispenser run for up to five minutes to remove air and flush the filter.

Push-In Fridge Water Filter

This kind of filter is also quick and easy to replace.

Look for a plastic water filter cover and open the panel by pressing or pulling the locking filter tab on one end. Be ready with a towel in case there are drips.
Depending on the model of your refrigerator, press the button by the water filter or push the filter towards the mount until it clicks. Remove it by pulling it straight out of the mount.
Remove the filter cap and protective coverings on the new filter.
Make sure the filter is properly aligned with the mount opening, and push the filter with a little extra power until it clicks into place. If it has a directional arrow, it might be pointing upward.
Push the filter door closed.
Reset the dispenser. Then, let the water dispenser run for up to five minutes to remove air and flush the filter.

Water Filter on the Bottom of the Fridge

Some manufacturers put the filter at the base grille, so it’s accessible without opening the refrigerator. It might also be more convenient compared to looking for the filter door in the refrigerator interior.

Find the filter door cover at the base grille. Be ready with a towel in case there are drips.
Twist the filter cap or knob counterclockwise until the handle is in a vertical position. Alternatively, press the eject button.
Hold the filter and pull forward towards you to remove it.
Remove the protective coverings from the O-rings. But ensure the rings are still in place after removing those protective coverings from the O-rings.
Put the old filter’s cap on the new filter.
Insert, then twist the filter and cap clockwise until it stops turning. Or, push with a little extra power until the eject button pops.
Reset the dispenser. Then, let the water dispenser run for up to five minutes to remove air and flush the filter.

Inline Water Filter

An inline filter isn’t the standard anymore since they’re used by older fridges. Changing them requires more effort.

Turn off the water supply in the house. Unplug your refrigerator and pull it away from the wall.
Find the filter and be ready with a towel in case there are drips.
Open the water-line connectors on each end of the filter using pliers. You’ll either have to pinch or twist them open. Remove the water lines and filter housing.
Attach the new filter and housing to the water lines. The filter might have a directional arrow that tells you which side goes into the filter slot. Typically the arrow should be pointing upward.
Turn the water back on and plug the refrigerator back in.
Run the dispenser for a few minutes to flush the new filter and check for water line leaks.
Push the refrigerator back in place.

What Is a Refrigerator Water Filter and How Does It Work?

As the name implies, a refrigerator water filter is a built-in filter in the refrigerator that filters water. This removes contaminants and other impurities in the water by forcing the water through the filter material with activated carbon. The carbon pulls the dirt and debris from the water, leaving you with fresh-tasting water. Depending on the model of your refrigerator, the filter can reduce contaminants like lead and pesticides. You can check the product details to see what it can remove.

Why Should Always Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter?

You have to change the fridge water filter regularly to keep its ability to clean water properly. This also increases the efficiency of your refrigerator. Even though your water looks fine, it’s likely not healthy if you haven’t changed the filter for a long time. Furthermore, municipally treated water can still contain water-borne materials. Not to mention the water can pick up contaminants in the pipes even after treatment.

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter?

Suppose you don’t regularly replace the filter. In that case, even the best refrigerators will end up clogged with so many contaminants that they might not properly dispense water or fill the ice maker anymore. If it still dispenses water, it might contain unwanted and unhealthy things since the filter can’t absorb anymore.

Refrigerator Water Filter FAQs

There might seem to be a lot of things that go into water filter replacement — from making sure the O-rings stay in place to ensuring the new filter doesn’t leak.

Below are a few questions that can help you understand the importance of changing refrigerator water filters more:

No, you must flush the new filter with up to four gallons of water first.

This ensures that any leftover debris that the old filter couldn’t get rid of can be removed first.

Unless you have an inline filter, you don’t have to turn off the water to change the filter.

New fridges have an auto shut-off that activates when you remove the filter.

Refrigerator filters last about six months before you need to replace them.

The exact duration depends on things like water quality, plumbing, and how often you use the filter.

If you haven’t reached six months and you already see signs of a bad filter, it’s better to get a replacement filter immediately.

You should generally run water for a few minutes, equaling around four gallons of water. Instead of drinking that, use it for other things like washing the car or doing laundry.

Some signs that tell you it’s time for a refrigerator water filter replacement include the following:

Slight discoloration in the water or ice cubes
An off-taste or smell in the water or ice cubes
Depending on your fridge’s model, an indicator light tells you to change the filter
Low or slowing water pressure from the dispenser

Conclusion

A refrigerator’s water filter helps reduce impurities in your drinking water, so it keeps tasting fresh. Replacing it is easy — you won’t even need to call for support service! There are several kinds of filters, so check which kind of filter cartridge you have before getting a replacement. Some areas you may find it in are the base grille or in the upper right corner of the fridge compartment. Remember to replace the old filter with a new cartridge every six months — or whenever you notice signs of a dirty filter.