How to Change the Water Filter In a Whirlpool Refrigerator [Detailed Guide]

There’s a tendency to overlook the need to change the water filter in your whirlpool refrigerator. And it is usually because the filter is only a small bottle that never gets in your way. Some other people believe the water filter will keep ensuring clean and fresh water flows from the unit.

However, that’s not true. In fact, apparently, if you don’t change the water filter within 6 months after installation, having it in there may be counterproductive.

This is because the filter would have gotten weak from overuse with evidence in the taste of the water that the fridge produces.

Contrary to popular opinion, learning how to change the water in your Whirlpool refrigerator is easy. The entire process only takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

More so, locating the water filter in a Whirlpool refrigerator is straightforward.

In this article, we will show you how to locate and change the filter in your Whirlpool fridge easily. We will also zoom in on Whirlpool French door refrigerators and how to change their water filters.

But let’s put some perspective to the actual workings of a water filter first…

What Does a Whirlpool Water Filter Do?

Water filters found in refrigerators are placed there to remove bad odors and taste from the water that flows into the waterline.

These water filters make use of carbon filtration and sediments to achieve this. As water flows freely through the polypropylene material which removes debris, the contaminants stick to the carbon through a process known as absorption.

Water filters remove major contaminants from water including lead, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

So, if you’ve been thinking of leaving your water filter unchanged for years, we advise you to ditch that thought and make a replacement ASAP.

This is because leaving the filter unreplaced can cause bacteria to thrive on the filter as the water filter clogs and the carbon reaches its maximum absorption capacity. What this means is that your water stops being safe for drinking.

 

 

 

How Often Should You Change The Water Filter in Your Whirlpool Refrigerator?

According to Whirlpool, you should replace your water filter every six months. But the period varies will vary with the type of water in your area.

For instance, if hard water is supplied in your area, you would have to change it sooner than 6 months. This is because the filter has more work to do on hard water than soft water.

If you ever notice a bad taste in the ice cubes or water and it’s not six months yet, it is also advisable to replace the water filter immediately.

So, the bottom line is that you shouldn’t have a water filter in your fridge for longer than 6 months.

Identifying the Water Filter

Identify the type of water filter you want to replace by looking out for the unique number on it and noting it down.

With this number, you can place an order for a new one that is an exact fit for your Whirlpool fridge.

For ease and comfort, we suggest that you consider buying a subscription to have a water filter shipped to your location ever three or six months.

Changing a Water Filter Located in the Base Grill

The base grill of a whirlpool refrigerator is usually below the freezer compartment. Water filters located at the base grill are quite easy and quick to change.

To remove the old water filter:

Grab the end of the filter and do a one-quarter turn to the left. You should feel the water filter shift in position.

Once you notice that it has shifted, pull the filter out of place.

Replacing the water filter is the same process in the reverse order. Place the new water filter at the base grill and make a one-quarter turn to the right to secure it in place.

Note that you are not required to unplug your whirlpool refrigerator from the AC outlet while you replace a Whirlpool water filter in this location.

This video below provides more insight into how to change a Whirlpool water filter that is located under the refrigerator. Check it out:

Changing a Water Filter Located in the Upper Right Corner

The first thing to do is to locate the cover of your water filter in the upper right-hand corner of your refrigerator.

Open the filter door and turn the filter in an anticlockwise direction.

Pull the old filter out of the filter slot and discard it. Your new water filter should have a protective covering on the O-rings.

Remove this covering but make sure the O-rings are still in place.

With the arrow pointing upward, insert the new filter into the slot.

Rotate the filter clockwise until it locks perfectly.

Close the filter door.

Irrespective of the location of your water filter, it is advisable to run at least four gallons of water through the line to flush the filter after installation before you use the water.

How to Change Water Filter In A Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

To remove the water filter in your Whirlpool French door refrigerator,

i. Locate the water filter compartment first. For some models, it is found at the upper right corner of the refrigerator.

ii. Press the compartment door to open it and access the filter.

iii. Then, grab the filter firmly and twist it to the left. It should come out freely.

To replace the water filter in your Whirlpool French door refrigerator,

i. Remove the cap on the filter and position it such that the area on the bottom of the filter is facing upwards.

ii. Place your filter in the slot and line up the filter with the notches on the filter base.

iii. Slightly push the filter forward until the notches on the filter base touch the wall of the notches on the filter.

iv. Hold firmly and turn to the right until it locks in.

v. Finally, close the filter door.

Learn more about how to replace the water filter in a Whirlpool French door refrigerator in this video. The video also shows you how to reset the filter light after the replacement. Check it out below.

 

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How to Change the Water Filter In a Whirlpool Refrigerator — A Quick Recap!

The water filter that comes with your whirlpool refrigerator offers a lot of great functions.

The longer it stays without due replacement the higher the safety and health risk of consuming water from the fried.

Changing the water filter to avoid clogging and bacterial growth is a very simple procedure.

Once you locate your water filter, loosen it from the filter slot and discard it. Then put the new filter in place.

Remember to run gallons of water through the lines to properly flush your water filter before using the water from the waterline.

To get specific directions on how to change a Whirlpool water filter based on the filter type and model, you can visit this page on Whirlpool’s website.

Meanwhile, the video below shows how to remove the Whirlpool Refrigerator Filter 1. Check it out below:

 

Does your refrigerator make unusual sounds that point to the fact that something may be off? Find out reasons and troubleshooting tips on how to resolve such issues in this post.