Flushing your refrigerator water filter is an essential step in changing it. You should flush the filter each time you change it to ensure the best performance and water quality.
- Flush your new refrigerator filter by running 3-5 gallons of water through it to remove loose carbon particles and air bubbles.
- Removing loose carbon media prevents cloudy, bitter-tasting water and protects ice quality from carbon bits freezing in ice cubes.
- Follow your refrigerator's specific installation instructions carefully to avoid damaging the filter or filter housing during replacement.
- After periods of inactivity, flush the filter or consider replacing it to maintain water purity and prevent microorganism growth.
What does it mean to flush your filter?
Flushing your filter means running water through it several times before using it for consumption.
Why do I need to flush my refrigerator filter?
Your fridge filter is most likely made of a carbon media block formed to fit the filter’s shape. During the distribution process, bits of carbon media come loose. Flushing your refrigerator water filter helps remove those carbon bits from the filter, allowing you to enjoy clean, filtered water.
Flushing your filter also helps get out any air bubbles in your refrigerator’s water line.
What happens if I don’t flush my refrigerator filter?
The manufacturing and shipping process can cause the carbon particles in your filter media to become loose. Therefore, the first few glasses of water you dispense after installing your new fridge filter may contain bits of carbon, which can cause your water to look cloudy and gray. Don’t worry; the carbon bits will not harm you if you ingest them, but they will make your water taste bitter.
Flushing the filter also helps eliminate air bubbles in the water lines. Air bubbles trapped in the water line can impact water flow, cause water to sputter or dribble out of the dispenser, and affect ice cube quality.
Choosing not to flush your filter can cause some issues or frustrations.
How to Replace & Flush a Refrigerator Water Filter Cartridge
Most refrigerator filter manufacturers recommend running 3-5 gallons of water through your filter before drinking it. For refrigerators that don’t dispense water, discard the first two batches of ice because carbon can freeze in ice cubes.
The first step is to remove the old filter. How you change the old filter will depend on the refrigerator’s make, model, and location. Tip: Put a towel or rag underneath the filter housing area to catch any water that drips during the changing process.
The new filter must be installed once the old filter has been removed. The installation process will vary depending on the refrigerator water filter’s make, model, and type. You’ll want to ensure you position the cartridge to line up with the filter opening. If available, look for any alignment markers and line them up with any indicators on the filter.
If you have to twist the filter to install it, twist it until you feel resistance. Please don’t put too much force into it, as pushing it too far could damage the filter or the housing.
For more information about refrigerator filter installation, check out Refrigerator Filter Installation Troubleshooting Tips.
How to Flush Your Fridge Filter:
The flushing process may also look different from what we have mentioned below. Instructions can vary slightly depending on the type of filter you have. The safest way to ensure that all installation and set-up processes are followed correctly is to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. Below are fundamental instructions for flushing a filter.
Grab a large container that fits in your refrigerator’s water dispenser. This can be a large measuring cup or anything big enough to fit into the dispenser conveniently. The number of times you will need to fill the container depends on the container you use. For example, if you use a 4-cup measuring cup, you must fill it four times to make 1 gallon. Remember: four cups equal one quart, and four quarts equal one gallon.
Position the container in the water dispenser and press in to begin dispensing water. Continue until the container is full.
The first seconds of running water may cause the dispenser to splash water out. Be prepared to get a little wet if this happens. This is common and occurs when air gets trapped when changing your filter.
Discard the water into the sink, or you can reserve the water to water your plants (tiny carbon bits will not harm your plants)
Repeat steps 1-3 until you have flushed 3-5 gallons of water.
Some refrigerator brands may recommend that you flush the filter by running water for 5 seconds, waiting for 5 seconds, and beginning again. This may be the recommendation to eliminate air pockets in the water line.
How Do You Know Your Filter is Ready After Flushing?
Once you run and discard enough water through the new filter, it will be ready for use.
Do I Need to Flush My Filter After Periods of Inactivity?
Refrigerator water filter systems are designed to be used continuously. After periods of unuse, microorganisms can begin to grow in the filter. Flushing the filter can help reset it, but it would be best to replace the refrigerator filter to ensure that you maintain the purity of the water.
This short video is an excellent example of properly changing and flushing your refrigerator water filter.
Do you need to order a replacement refrigerator water filter? Use our easy-to-use Fridge Finder Tool to find the filter you need.
Brandon says
Audrey, thanks for your comment!
Audrey mcdonald says
I purchased a whirlpool side by side.i. Used it 6 months a year. It quit making ice so I. called a service man of which would have been $79.00 plus parts. It would have been approximately $130.00 dollars. @fter checking I found out it needed a new filter. The only one I can use is a @ $59.00 one made by Whirlpool. If I would have known this I would never had bought this refrigerator. This is a SCAM.i would have not cared if it had been $10.00 or $15.00 but $59.00 plus tax is outrages.
So never will I purchase anotherWhirlpool product again.
Katie says
Hi Kathleen, thanks for reaching out to us! The flushing process helps purge the system of any tapped air in the new filter or lines. It also helps activate the filter. The reason your manual may recommend the 5-second on, 5-second off method is to make sure that any air bubbles get dislodged. Repeatedly dispensing and stopping the flow of water helps create a pressure change to force those air bubbles out. We know this process might take longer but not following these instructions could lead to inconsistent water flow or even poor water quality. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to our support team at [email protected].
Kathleen Arnold says
My refrigerator manual says to flush a new filter by dispensing for 5 seconds, waiting for 5 seconds, dispensing for 5 seconds, etc. This doubles the time it takes to dispense the recommended 3 gallons and is a real pain. Why can’t I just fill up my 4-cup measuring cup 12 times?
Brandon says
Allen, thanks for your comment. Glad you can enjoy great, clean water!
Allen says
We have a fridgedare and had awful water. The issue is the filter is often not fully twisted. It feels firm, but it can probably be twisted quite a bit more. My wife found that info on a forum. It was right. Water was great after giving a nice solid twist until it moved no more.
Brandon says
Paul, thanks for sharing your experience! It’s better to be safe than sorry. Have a good day!
Paul says
Frigidaire WF3CB filter calls for 1.5 gallon flush. I did a couple more cups for good measure. Initial gush was a surprise, but it makes sense.
Brandon says
Hi Steve, thanks for your comment. Manufacturers suggest flushing your new fridge filter to this extent so that the taste and odor isn’t affected by any leftover impurities from the manufacturing process. This ensures that you get the best quality from the start of the new filter’s lifespan. Take care!
Steve fletcher says
A 4 gallon flush for a new refrigerator filter seems VERY excessive. The water was sparkling clear after just one gallon. I’d be flushing for at least another hour if I completed 3 more gallons! I think manufacturers should revise this “suggested” practice.
Brandon says
Hello Pat, thanks for reaching out to us. It sounds like it could be a manufacturer issue. It’s recommended to consult the product manual or contact the manufacturer directly. If you need more personal assistance, please contact us at [email protected].
Pat says
I just moved into a house with a Kenmore Elite refrigerator. The filtered water has not worked since we moved in although we have been getting plenty of ice. I changed the water filter thinking that it could be causing the problem, but that did not help. Now I am concerned about making ice since I could not flush the filter. Is there any other way to flush the filter, maybe soak it like a Brita filter? I intend to call for repair soon but want to make ice in the meantime.
Brandon says
Hello Penny, thanks for reaching out to us. This sounds like it could be a manufacturing issue, so we would recommend getting in contact with them to resolve it. If you need personal assistance, please contact our customer care team at [email protected]
Penny says
I just changed my ge refrigerator filter and ran through the flushing process. The water is coming out warm/hot. Is this normal. This is the first time I’m replacing the filter.
Katie says
Hi April,
Thanks for reaching out to us. We would need a bit more information to figure out how to best help you. We would recommend reaching out to us at [email protected] or contacting Frigidaire directly to figure out what the issue might be. Thanks!
April says
I changed the Puresource Ultra water filter in our Frigidaire refrigerator last week and the water tastes absolutely awful. I ran about 2 gallons of water through it and it still tastes bad.
Any suggestions?
Katie says
Hi Steve,
Thank you for sharing this with us. Would you mind sharing your fridge model number with us? We might be able to help locate some filter troubleshooting tips for you.
Steve says
I replaced the water filter today tightly locked. A few hours later I had dripping water in my drawer. Approximately a half gallon.
Katie says
Hi Olivia,
We recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to flushing a filter. Instructions for how to flush the filter should be included. Thanks!
OLIVIA MARTINEZ says
Can I flush out the new filter using the regular sink faucet, as it is faster than pulling the water from the refrigerator? Per the instructions it need to be flushed by 4 gallons of water. Thank you
Katie says
Vangie,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
vangie says
I just brought a Frigidaire and I flush the water out 10 times and it’s clear and taste good.
Katie says
Hi B W,
Thanks for reaching out to us! To help us better help you, can you answer the following questions?
-What kind of water tester are you using?
-What contaminants are you trying to reduce in your water?
-Is your refrigerator filter NSF42 and/or NSF53 certified?
B W says
We just got a new LG refrigerator. We have put the water filter in and have flushed a lot of water through it by dispensing water and making ice. I have a water tester and the water from the fridge tests the same as the water from my tap. Any suggestions?