A refrigerator water filter uses activated carbon to absorb impurities, removing substances like chlorine, sediment, and trace contaminants to improve the taste and odor of your drinking water. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing the filter every six months to maintain optimal performance. Regularly changing the filter prevents the accumulation of trapped particles and protects internal components, such as the ice maker and water lines, from mineral buildup. This task is a straightforward maintenance procedure most homeowners can complete without professional assistance.
Preparation Before You Begin
First, correctly identify the replacement cartridge to ensure proper fit and function. The most reliable way to find the correct part number is by checking the label on the old filter or consulting the refrigerator’s owner’s manual. If the manual is unavailable, use the refrigerator’s model number—typically found on a sticker inside the fresh food compartment—on the manufacturer’s website to locate the compatible filter.
Before beginning the physical replacement, gather a clean towel and a small cup or bucket to manage any residual water. Although many modern refrigerators allow filter changes without shutting off the water supply, turning it off is a recommended safety measure to prevent unexpected leaks. The shut-off valve for the refrigerator water line is often located behind the unit, under the kitchen sink, or in the basement.
If you locate the valve, turn a gate valve clockwise until it stops, or rotate a ball valve’s lever 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe. Once the water is off, dispense a small amount of water from the refrigerator door to relieve any remaining pressure in the line. This preparation minimizes the risk of spills.
Step-by-Step Filter Replacement
The filter location varies by model, commonly found in the upper right or left corner inside the fresh food compartment, behind the base grille, or within a compartment in the door. Consult your appliance manual to pinpoint the exact location and access method for your specific model.
To remove the old filter, you will typically encounter one of two styles: a twist-and-lock or a push-in cartridge. For the twist-and-lock style, turn the filter approximately a quarter-turn counterclockwise until it releases from the housing, then pull it straight out. If you have a push-in style, you may need to press a release button or push the filter inward slightly to disengage the spring mechanism before pulling it out. Keep the towel handy, as water will likely drip from the housing as the old filter is removed.
Prepare the new filter by removing any protective plastic caps or foil seals from the ends, ensuring the rubber O-rings remain seated and undamaged. Some manufacturers recommend pre-filling the new filter with tap water to help displace air and improve initial water flow. Align the new filter with the housing, often using an arrow or alignment mark on the cartridge and the housing as a guide.
For the twist-and-lock type, push the filter firmly into the housing and turn it clockwise until it stops and locks into place, usually with an audible click. For the push-in style, simply push the cartridge straight into the housing until it clicks and sits flush with the compartment cover. Never force the filter, as this can damage the housing or the O-rings, potentially leading to leaks.
Completing the Installation
After the new filter is securely seated, turn the water supply back on by reversing the action taken on the shut-off valve. The next step is flushing the system, which purges air from the water lines and removes fine carbon dust naturally present in new activated carbon filters. This dust can cause the water to appear cloudy or gray initially.
Place a large container, such as a pitcher or bucket, under the water dispenser and run water through the system for approximately two to four gallons. This process ensures the water is clear and the flow rate is consistent, indicating that air pockets have been eliminated. Discard the initial flushed water, or use it for non-drinking purposes like watering plants.
The final step is resetting the filter indicator light on the control panel, which tracks the filter’s lifespan. The reset procedure varies by brand but involves pressing and holding a specific button, often labeled “Filter” or “Reset,” for about three to five seconds. The light should turn off or change from red to green, confirming the system is ready for use.
Addressing Common Issues
If the water flow from the dispenser is noticeably slow immediately after installation, the issue is residual air trapped within the water lines or the filter cartridge itself. Continuing the flushing process for an additional gallon or two will resolve this problem by forcing the remaining air out of the system.
Leaks at the filter housing are caused by an improperly seated filter or a damaged O-ring. Carefully remove the filter and inspect the two rubber O-rings on the cartridge to ensure they are intact and correctly positioned in their grooves. Reinsert the filter, making certain it is fully twisted or pushed into the locked position to create a watertight seal.
If the new filter will not lock into the housing, confirm that the correct filter model was purchased, as incompatible cartridges will not align with the internal connection points. Check the alignment marks on the filter and the housing, and ensure the filter is pushed in completely before attempting to twist it into the final locked position.