How To Replace Refrigerator Water Filter [Detailed Guide]

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How to replace refrigerator filter
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Many new refrigerators now have provisions for connecting a water line. This is because of features like water dispensers and ice makers that require water. With these features, it means you don’t have to put water manually into your fridge anymore. However, water filters need to be changed regularly to ensure that you are not accommodating what you set out to prevent — germs — which is where knowing how to replace the water filter in your refrigerator is important.

In this article, we will not only give you tips on how to change the water filter in your refrigerator, we will also let you in on when to change your water filter, types of water filters you may find in different fridges and how to fix them, as well as how to flush a new water filter.

But first, let’s give you a background to this process…

Know When to Replace Your Water Filter

Most water filters become useless in about 6 months. But for some, it may take a shorter period for them to get very dirty. This mainly depends on the quality of the water that passes through it.

In other words, if you have hard water supplied in your area, your water filter would get replaced earlier. Also, if the water contains excess lime, you will need to change the filter more frequently.

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It is a lot easier to know when to replace a refrigerator’s water filter if the fridge has a filter light indicator.

On the other hand, you may have to rely on changes in taste or particles in the water or even clogged lines to know when to change the filter if the model you have doesn’t have the indicator feature.

Identifying the Filter Type

Refrigerator filters are classified based on their location in the fridge and they include Push-In, Twist-On, and Inline filters.

The Push-In filters are usually located behind the bottom grill in front of the refrigerator. They can also be found in one of the drawers inside the refrigerator, or around the top compartment towards the back of the refrigerator.

The Twist-On filters are found towards the upper right corner of the refrigerator. Some may also be located near the bottom corner inside the fridge.

Lastly, the Inline filters are found at the back of the refrigerator. They are usually attached to the waterline.

If your refrigerator’s water filter is an in-grille type then you may find this video useful. Check it out!

How To Replace Refrigerator Water Filter – Twist-On Filters.

  1. The filter is located on the cover of the filter housing. So, do a 1/4 counterclockwise turn on the old filter to remove it and discard it.
  2. Place the cover onto the new filter.
  3. The new filter is attached by pushing it directly into the slot dedicated to it on the fridge. Make a 1/4 turn clockwise to keep it in place.
  4. Attach the water filter cover back to the refrigerator.
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How to Replace Refrigerator Water Filter — Push-In Filters

  1. Firstly, remove the old filter by pushing the eject button or by twisting the cap until it removes. Then, remove the cap on top of the old filter. Don’t throw away the cap because it will be useful for the new filter.
  2. Locate the arrows on the filter cap and new filter and line them up. Then attach them to each other and rotate in a clockwise direction to snap it into place.
  3. Begin to push the filter in until the eject button comes out. Make sure the cap is fitted properly.
  4. If your refrigerator has a water filter indicator light, you can reset the indicator.

By the way, if your refrigerator is by Samsung, then you may want to check out our post on How to Reset Samsung Filter Light to learn more.

How To Replace Refrigerator Water Filter — Inline Filters

i. Turn off the water supply.

ii. Then, make a cut on the tubing between the shutoff valve and the refrigerator. Ensure that this cut is square and not angled to prevent leaks.

iii. Take off the cap on your new filter and insert the tube.

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iv. Hold down the mouth of the filter with your free hand to keep it in place.

v. Then, turn on the water supply to flush the new filter.

vi. Ensure that your filter is above a bucket. Then run the water through it until it becomes clear. Do the same for the other end.

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How to Flush a New Water Filter

Once you’ve replaced the refrigerator water filter, it is advisable to flush it before using the water that flows through it.

This is because water filters are filled with carbon granules. So, the flushing gets some of those granules out and prevents them from flowing into ice or a cup of water you have collected from the dispenser to drink.

The carbon from your water filter is not harmful to drink. But we are sure that nobody will choose to drink a cup of gray water.

By the way, it is generally advisable to use at least 1 to 2 gallons of water to flush a water filter before using it.