How to Change a Refrigerator Water Filter in 7 Steps

The water filter removes impurities from the water supplied to your refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy fresher-tasting, cleaner water and ice cubes. However, a single water filter won’t last forever. Over time, it fills and clogs with the contaminants it filters out, leading to a restricted water flow or off-tasting water and ice.

That’s why most refrigerator brands recommend that you change the water filter every six months. In this article, we’ll show you how to replace a refrigerator water filter in 7 easy steps.

Changing a refrigerator water filter in 7 simple steps

Changing the water filter is pretty straightforward. The steps outlined below should work for the vast majority of refrigerator brands and models.

Step 1: Purchase a replacement

Since there are many refrigerator brands and models out there, you’ll need to buy a water filter that’s suitable for your specific refrigerator. This is easily done. Just make a note of the brand and model number of your refrigerator so you can check the compatibility when purchasing.

For buying a new water filter, various online and offline options are available:

1. The manufacturer of your refrigerator’s website
2. Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers
3. Home improvement and appliance stores like Home Depot and Best Buy
4. Superstores like Walmart and Costco

Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend that you buy their own branded water filters, rather than third-party alternatives. However, it’s up to you to decide which you want to use. Typically, aftermarket filters are cheaper, but they may not offer the same level of quality and filtration.

Step 2: Locate the old filter

It shouldn’t take long to locate the water filter on your refrigerator. You can refer to your user manual or run a quick online search to learn exactly where it’s located.

Typically, you can find the water filter in the upper right corner of the interior or the base grille at the bottom front of the refrigerator, sometimes concealed by a removable panel. This is often the case for popular refrigerator brands like Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, and GE.

Step 3: Remove the old filter

Before removing the old filter, you may need to shut off the water supply. The way to do this varies across different brands and models, so please check your user manual.

How to remove the filter will depend on the type of filter you have:

• Twist-lock filters: You must turn the water filter counterclockwise until it unlocks, then you can pull it out.
• Push-style filters: You must push the eject button to release the old water filter, then pull it out.

Step 4: Install the new filter

To begin installing the new water filter, you’ll first need to take it out of its packaging and remove its protective cap if it has one.

You can then insert the filter into the filter housing, where the old filter was located. For push-style filters, simply push the filter in until it clicks into place. For twist-lock filters, push in the filter all the way and then turn it clockwise until it locks into place.

Step 5: Mop up any spilled water

The next step is to mop up any water that spilled onto the floor or inside the refrigerator while you were changing the filter. This helps you keep a hygienic and safe environment in your kitchen.

Step 6: Flush out the new filter

After installing the new water filter and turning the water supply back on, you should dispense a few gallons from your refrigerator to flush out any trapped air and impurities. Do this before drinking from the refrigerator to ensure the water is clean and fresh. You should also discard the first batch of ice that you make.

Step 7: Reset the water filter light or set a reminder

Some refrigerator brands have a warning light that comes on to remind you when the water filter is due to be changed. After changing the filter, you may need to reset the water filter light manually, such as on Samsung refrigerators. This is typically done by pressing and holding the button that says “Filter Reset” or similar for a few seconds.

If your refrigerator doesn’t have a warning light, it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone or write it on a sticky note and attach it to the fridge, noting the date when the filter was installed and when it will need to be changed again.

Refrigerator water filter FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerator water filters:

What are the signs the filter needs replacing?

If you’re unsure how long you’ve been using your water filter, signs that indicate it’s due to be changed include foul tasting or smelling water or ice, cloudy or discolored ice cubes, and reduced water flow from the dispenser.

How often should the filter be changed?

Every 6 months in most cases.

Is it okay to use aftermarket filters?

Yes, it’s usually fine to use third-party filters, and they typically cost less. However, refrigerator manufacturers encourage you to use their own genuine branded filters to ensure optimal performance and quality.

How do I choose the right water filter to purchase?

By noting the model number and brand of your refrigerator and searching online using a phrase like “Buy a [brand] [model] water filter,” you can easily find the correct filter. You can do this on search engines like Google and online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

Alternatively, you can refer to the model and brand while browsing for filters to check compatibility, or ask staff at stores like Walmart or Home Depot to help you find the right one.