Wondering how to change the water filter in a GE fridge? Look no further; this article is tailored to answer the question and guide you on how to do it.
Table of Contents
How to Change MWF/MWFA/MWFP Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator
Find the filter in the right corner on the upper side of the refrigerator’s interior. Lay a towel under the filter before removing it. This is meant to catch any water that may drip during its removal.
Now, turn the filter to the left, clockwise, until it loosens. Be sure you don’t pull down on it as you turn it.
Take the new water filter and fill it with water from the tap. Doing helps the water to flow better when you install the filter.
Properly position it into the housing. Make sure the arrow at the front of the filter faces you, where you can see it clearly. Push the filter up and gently rotate it to the right or counterclockwise. You will know when to stop rotating it when it tightens. But be sure not to make it too tight.
Next, dispense about 1 ½ gallon of water so that any air in the filter will be removed. Don’t fret if there is any discoloration to the water; it is all part of the cleansing process. Dispensing the gallon of water will take care of it.
Now, press the filter reset button on your refrigerator, if it has one, and hold it for about 3 seconds. After this, the water is ready for use, whether you want to drink it or make ice.
This is one method if you are looking for how to change the water filter in a GE fridge.
Note: You don’t have to shut the water supply from your house off before changing the water filter.
How to Change XWP Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator
To change the filter for a bottom-freezer refrigerator, start by placing a towel under the filter housing to catch dripping water during removal. Press the two tabs on either side of the cartridge housing cover to release it. Pull it down to reveal the old filter.
Pull it down to an angle of 45 degrees. Next, turn it clockwise or to the left until it loosens itself. Remove it.
Take the new filter and align its port with that of the filter cartridge. Insert the new one gently and turn it counterclockwise or to the right until it stops turning. If done right, the arrow on the filter and that on the cartridge will align perfectly.
Push the filter back up into the clips and close the cover of the housing of the filter cartridge. Once the tabs lock in place, you have closed it successfully.
To change the filter in a side-by-side refrigerator, place a towel under the housing of the filter. Next, turn the old filter to the left or clockwise until it loosens itself.
Align the new water filter to the cartridge holder by making sure the arrow on the filter is lined up with that on the holder. Now, push it up into the holder and turn it counterclockwise or to the right until it stops turning.
Be careful not to tighten it too much. The filter will raise itself into place automatically while you turn it.
After this, clear the system of air by dispensing about 2 gallons of water. If your refrigerator does not have a water dispenser, check the ice cubes. You may see some black flecks in them. Just dispose of the first 3 batches of ice made after replacing the filter. It performs the same function of clearing the system.
The next thing to do is to press the water filter reset pad and hold it for about 3 seconds. Remember to replace the filter every 6 months.
This method is another one you can use if you are looking for how to change the water filter in a GE fridge.
Note: There is no need to shut the water supply off before replacing the filter. If water does not flow after the replacement, check the filter to be sure you turned it fully to the right. Otherwise, remove it and repeat the installation process.
How to Change GSWF Water Filter in a GE Refrigerator
Place a towel under the housing of the filter to catch any dripping water while you remove the filter.
Press the locking tab on the cover of the housing. When it opens, turn the grip of the filter counterclockwise until it loosens.
If you have any trouble removing the filter, stop and dispensing a glassful of water. Then, try removing the filter again.
But if this does not work, remove the shelf directly below the housing of the filter. Next, remove the cover of the housing completely from the housing. Use both hands and turn the filter counterclockwise without applying undue force. This should make it come loose.
Place the new filter into the cartridge and turn it clockwise gently. You will feel the filter lock in place. Now, replace the cover of the housing and the shelf if you removed them earlier.
To remove air from the system, dispense water for about 3 minutes. After this, the water is good for drinking and making ice.
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Note: This water filter usually works for a top freezer or bottom freezer GE refrigerator. To know if the installation is done right, the grip of the filter will be horizontal in a bottom freezer refrigerator. But it will be vertical in a top freezer refrigerator.
There is no need to turn off the water supply to the unit during the process.
Consult the user manual of your refrigerator to find out how to change the water filter for the specific model of your GE refrigerator.
Here is how to change an RPWFE water filter in a GE refrigerator…
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Which Water Filter to Use for GE Refrigerator
The following are the water filters to use for different GE refrigerator models:
1. Top Freezer Model
If the water filter is in the upper right corner inside the refrigerator, use the GSWF filter. But if the filter is at the back of the refrigerator, use the OmniFilter R200 Inline water filter.
2. Bottom Freezer Model
Use the OmniFilter R200 Inline water filter if the filter is found at the back of the unit. But use XWFE or PH21110 filter if the location is at the upper right corner. Your choice will depend on how you remove the filter.
3. Side-by-Side Model
Use WSG-3 or XWFE filter if the filter is in the upper right corner and takes a long-collared twist type. Go for the GE MXRC SmartWater filter if it takes the short-stemmed twist type. However, use the GE MWF water filter if the unit takes a short-collared twist type.
Now, if the filter goes in the back of the refrigerator, use OmniFilter R200 Inline water filter.
4. 3-Door French Door Model
The OmniFilter R200 Inline water filter works for this model if the filter is at the back of the refrigerator.
But if the filter is in the upper right corner inside the unit, check to see if it is inside a drop-down tray. If it is, GE GSWF water filter. And if the unit takes the short-collared twist type, use the MWF SmartWater filter.
5. 4-Door French Door Model
Go for the GE MWF SmartWater filter if the filter is located at the upper right corner of the interior of the refrigerator. However, go for OmniFilter R200 Inline water filter if the unit has its filter located at the back.
GE Refrigerator Leaking After Filter Change – How to Fix
If you find that a GE refrigerator is leaking water after changing the water filter, check to be sure you installed the filter properly. Remove the filter and reinsert it, following the steps carefully this time to ensure it fits properly.
But if you installed it properly, then check the filter head. There could be cracks or damages to it. And if there is, you will have to get a new water filter since this type of damage cannot be fixed.
However, the fault could be from the filter housing. There could be cracks in it, causing the water from the filter to leak into the refrigerator. If this is the case, you will have to replace the filter housing.
Since this is a technical repair, you may be unable to do the replacement yourself. Therefore, find a qualified repair technician to do the repairs for you. We have many of them with whom you can chat here. Otherwise, contact GE Support to request service.
GE Ice Maker Not Working After Filter Change – Quick Fix
If the ice maker in a GE refrigerator stops working after you change the water filter, check the filter. Make sure it is the right one for a GE refrigerator and for the specific model you own.
If all the above checks out, then it is possible there is more sediment in the water supplied to the refrigerator than anticipated. This is especially true if there is a construction site close to your house.
This has nothing to do with the water filter. Report the issue to the appropriate authorities to avoid improper contamination of your drinking water.
Other possible reasons why the ice maker is not working are a damaged water filter and an improperly installed water filter.
If there is any damage to the water filter, the only solution is to buy a new one. This is because it cannot be fixed. And if it is not properly installed, remove it, follow the instructions in the user manual and fix it right this time.
While it is true that an ice maker can work without a water filter, it is not ideal to use an ice maker without one. The filter sieves impurities and sediments from the water so you have a clean and healthy supply.
And if a filter is older than 6 months, replace it so it can work properly without damaging the refrigerator.
Note: Always use a water filter that is compatible with your GE refrigerator. There are even filters for specific models. If you are not sure which type to go for, consult the user manual. You can also contact the GE Service center to find out what you need to know.
Recap
If you are looking for how to change the water filter in a GE fridge, it is important to know, first of all, that there are different water filter types for different models. Therefore, find out which type suits your refrigerator before buying.
To help with this, always use your refrigerator’s model number to search for parts. Doing this reduces the chances of buying the wrong part.
For changing the filter, you don’t have to unplug the refrigerator. But it is important to know when to unplug an electrical appliance before doing any repairs on it.
How to Change Filter in a GE Fridge – Related FAQs
Where Is the Water Filter on a GE Monogram Refrigerator?
The water filter on a GE Monogram refrigerator is found in the upper right corner inside the refrigerator.
What Is a Dummy Water Filter in a GE Fridge?
A dummy water filter in a GE fridge is the same as a water filter bypass plug. It acts in the stead of a water filter.
If your refrigerator does not have a water filter or the existing one is old, installing a bypass plug keeps the flow of water constant and clean.
To install the plug, do the following:
Step 1
Find the housing for the water filter in the refrigerating compartment. For most models, it is at the upper right corner in the compartment.
Step 2
Turn the housing’s bottom counterclockwise. Doing this frees it from the holder and exposes the filter.
Step 3
Now, turn the water filter counterclockwise. Doing this releases it from the holder. In some models, the filter is not hidden but is exposed. Just turn it counterclockwise to release it.
In some other models, you have to press a locking tab to open the cover of the housing. Do this if your model has this type of filter housing.
Step 4
In the place of the water filter cartridge, put the bypass plug into the holder. Turn it clockwise until it is tight. That’s it.
Replace the housing’s bottom or cover, whichever is the case with your refrigerator model.
Does GE Refrigerator Water Filter Remove Chlorine?
GE refrigerator water filter movies chlorine. But the same is true for most refrigerator water filters.
However, with the GE Smartwater filter, contaminants and harmful pollutants are also removed. Such contaminants and pollutants include mercury, lead, certain parasites and giardia. What’s more, it fits all GE refrigerator models.
Where Is the Filter on My GE Ice Maker?
The filter for your GE ice maker at the right side of the controls for the ice maker. You will have to push the door in so the latch is released and the door is opened.