A refrigerator water filter removes chlorine, sediment and some contaminants from your water and ice. It is one of the easiest appliance maintenance jobs there is: twist out the old one, twist in the new one, flush it, done. Five minutes, once or twice a year.
This guide covers how to do it, how often, and what to do if the water tastes off afterwards.
- How often: every 6 months, or every 200–300 gallons.
- Time: about 5 minutes.
- Cost: $20–$50 per filter.
- After fitting: flush 2–3 gallons through the dispenser.
- Sign it is due: the indicator light, or a change in taste.
When to replace it
| Signal | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator light on | Filter life used up | Replace now |
| 6 months since last change | Time-based interval | Replace now |
| Water tastes or smells off | Filter saturated | Replace now |
| Slow water flow | Filter clogged | Replace now |
| Cloudy ice | Filter failing | Replace now |
Most fridges have an indicator light that turns red or amber when the filter is due. If yours does not, change it every six months. A saturated filter stops removing contaminants and can even grow bacteria.
Step-by-step
- Find the filter. It is usually inside the fridge, in the base grille, or in the door.
- Turn off the water supply if the filter is in the base grille.
- Twist the old filter a quarter turn counter-clockwise and pull it out.
- Remove the cap from the new filter if it has one.
- Insert the new filter and twist a quarter turn clockwise until it stops.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
- Flush the system before drinking the water.
A little water will spill when you remove the old filter. Put a towel under it, and do not be alarmed by a few drips. If water keeps running after the new filter is fitted, the filter is not seated properly.
Flushing the new filter
A new filter contains loose carbon fines that make the first water cloudy and slightly grey. Flush 2 to 3 gallons through the dispenser before drinking, discarding the water. This also purges air from the lines, which stops the dispenser sputtering.
- Flush 2–3 gallons through the dispenser.
- Discard the first batches — they contain carbon fines.
- Run the ice maker and discard the first two batches of ice.
- Check for leaks under the fridge after flushing.
- Reset the indicator light if your model has one.
- Note the date so you know when the next change is due.
If the water tastes off
- Flush more water — carbon fines can linger.
- Check the filter is seated and not bypassing.
- Check the filter is genuine — cheap copies may not fit.
- Run the dispenser for a minute to clear the line.
- Check the water supply if the taste persists.
- Replace the filter if it is over six months old.
Replace your refrigerator water filter every six months or when the indicator light comes on. Twist out the old one, twist in the new one, and flush 2 to 3 gallons before drinking. It takes five minutes and costs far less than bottled water.
Frequently asked questions
Replacement filters
Match your model number to get the right filter the first time.
