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How to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter – Step-by-Step

January 23, 2014 by Angie 47 Comments

 

replacing-refrigerator-filter

Ladies, we know that we are capable of doing anything.  We are the masters of multi-tasking; devoted wives and mothers, working both inside and outside of the home. So why are there still some tasks that seem to send us irrationally into panic mode? Certain “maintenance” type tasks were gender specific in the past, but by 2014 a lot of the stereotypes have broken down.

Let’s take changing your refrigerator filter as an example.  Most of us rely on our husbands to handle this, because frankly, we are not sure what, how or when to do it ourselves!  So I have complied a simple “How to Change Your Refrigerator Filter” instruction that will allow you to add this to your ever expanding skill set.

  1. Know when to change the filter.  Most need replaced every 6 – 12 months depending on the use frequency.  If you have a larger family that uses a lot of water, it might not last as long. Your water and/ or ice may start to taste funny or different.  A lot of refrigerators will display an indicator light when it is time for a change.
  2. Determine which type of filter you have:
  • Push-in filters are built into the appliance. They fit into a compartment within the refrigerator usually on the front bottom, behind the grille, or within the upper right interior and are generally easy to install.
  • Twist-in filters are just that.  Usually found in the upper right interior, they will either have a push button release, or simple twist release.
  • Inline filters attach at the back of the refrigerator to the incoming water line. These are generally going to be found on older models that do not come with a built-in filter.

 

**One important note; before you discard your old filter, make sure to note the make/ model number so that you can obtain the proper replacement filter. **

 Once you determine the filter type/location, follow these basic steps to replace it:

Push-in filter:

  1. Remove and discard the old filter by pushing the “eject” button or by twisting off the filter cap.
  2. Remove the filter cap on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
  3. Line up the arrows on the new filter and on the filter cap.  Snap it into place by turning it clockwise.
  4. Continue pushing the filter in, until the eject button pops.
  5. Make sure the cap is secure.
  6. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

 

Twist-in (base grille) filter:

  1. Locate the filter cap in the base grille; turn to the left to remove.
  2. Slide the filter handle on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
  3. Discard old filter.
  4. After removing new filter from packaging, replace filter handle and insert by twisting into place.
  5. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

 

Twist –in (interior) filter:

  1. Filter is located in the upper right interior of refrigerator.
  2. Open cover by either pushing or pulling.
  3. Release old filter by twisting counterclockwise.
  4. Insert new filter and lock into place by turning clockwise until it snaps.
  5. Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.

 

In-line filter:

  1. Turn off cold water supply.
  2. Between the shut-off valve and refrigerator, locate an easily accessible portion of tubing. Cut tubing, by using tubing cutters for copper/plastic. Cut square not angled to avoid leaks. Smooth cut edges with steel wool or file if necessary.
  3. Remove end cap on new filter and insert tubing. Lock into place by holding down end cap.
  4. Turn water supply back on.
  5. Hold filter over a bucket and run water until clear. Do this for both ends of the filter.
  6. Make sure to check for leaks

 

After replacing your refrigerator filter, make sure to run a gallon or two of water and discard.  This will flush the carbon residue from the filter.   And that’s it… mission accomplished!

If you need any advice on what kind of filter you have, part number or even installation assistance, you can contact Filters Fast, the experts in the air and water filtration industry.

Additional Reading:

  • Flushing your refrigerator filter: How and Why You Should Do It
  • Troubleshooting Tips: How to Change Refrigerator Filter
  • Reset Your Refrigerator Indicator Light

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie says

    October 5, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    Jacquelyn,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. This will most likely be due to a frozen icemaker fill tube. There are a few possible causes for this. We would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer for troubleshooting support.

  2. Jacquelyn Chrz says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    May be this isn’t the reason, but as soon as I replaced the water/ice maker filter my fridge stared making a recurring noice. It sounded like sorting was cutting on. It does this every 10 minutes. The food portion of fridge is freezing everything. Now the ice maker has quit and water won’t run from dispenser. This is a Maytag French door and bottom freezer. Help!

  3. Katie says

    September 9, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    Chichi,

    We are happy to hear that you found our blog helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions!

  4. Chichi says

    September 5, 2020 at 12:24 pm

    This really helped me change my online H2O filter.I was a bit confused with the piece to hold it in.the filter. Whether l was to feed it onto the tube before insertion.My new filter had no marking which was the flow end.l .just followed the shape of the prior one.It worked out great thanks So much.

  5. Katie says

    August 10, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    Francine,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Do not dispense water for an hour or so. This will allow the refrigerator time to cool the water in the reservoir. It may take a bit longer. This depends on the temperature of the incoming water. Have a great rest of the week!

  6. Francine Hookano says

    August 6, 2020 at 12:19 am

    I just changed my filter for my Kenmore refrig. Model #106.51113710 Bought filter from appliance store because sears in Hawaii all out. Its a Pur filter EDR1RXD1 No problem changing follow instruction in manual. Even with flushing after, drinking water still warm. Will it get cold after awhile ?

  7. Katie says

    July 29, 2020 at 5:27 pm

    Crystal,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. To better assist you please confirm the model number to your refrigerator and the part number for the water filter.

  8. Crystal Arnold says

    July 20, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Help please! The second time I went to replace the water filter on my LG fridge it was super difficult to remove, but did come out and off. But, trying to get the replacement new filter in seems impossible. The filter will not just go into place and turn clockwise to snap into place.

  9. Katie says

    May 27, 2020 at 11:27 am

    Stan,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. It is possible the issue may be the water sending unit, also known as the solenoid or water valve. We would recommend contacting the refrigerator manufacturer directly for troubleshooting support.

  10. Stan Joseph says

    May 23, 2020 at 4:44 am

    Hi

    My refrigerator water dispenser works fine. Water pressure is normal. But the problem is, the water is not going through the filter. It’s bypassing the filter for some reason. When I remove the filter, it’s completely dry inside. No sound of liquid at all like it normally does. Even with a brand new filter.

    What should I do? Thanks

  11. Katie says

    April 13, 2020 at 11:26 am

    Shannon,

    Great, we’re glad that you were able to learn something from our blog post! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!

  12. Shannon says

    April 10, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    Thank You! I really appreciated this. I was intimidated at first, but I felt encouraged reading this. 🙂

  13. Kory says

    October 30, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Please review the owner’s manual for instructions. Some filters have specific instructions for removal. There may be an eject button, a cover, or specific direction it may need to be turned. If this does not help you may turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Use the dispenser to relieve pressure. This helps removal in certain circumstances.

  14. Brigitte Linsenmann says

    October 27, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    I HAVE PREVIOUSLY CHANGED THE WATER FILTER IN MY REFRIGERATOR. THIS TIME I AM UNABLE TO GET THE OLD FILTER OUT. HELP

  15. Katie says

    August 12, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Robert,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Some models may have an eject button. If your unit does not have this feature, please reach out to the manufacturer for technical support.

  16. Robert Koornneef says

    July 30, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    I can not get the filter out.

  17. Katie says

    July 3, 2019 at 2:54 pm

    Charlotte,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Was the water dispenser working right before the filter replacement? If so, it is possible the new filter may not be installed properly. We would recommend removing it and reinstalling it. If this does not help it is possible the filter may be defective. In that case, we would recommend contacting the vendor for a replacement.

  18. Katie says

    April 2, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    Barbara,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Some filters come with a cap(s) on the end that is inserted into the fridge. Please make sure this is removed prior to installation. Some filters will click into place while others turn or push into place. If the filter is properly installed there should be some evidence of water; after running water through it and then removing it. If you are not seeing this we would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer of your refrigerator for troubleshooting information.

  19. Barbara Johns says

    March 30, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    i just changed my water filter in my side by side fridge a nd the old filter does not have water in it so does that mean it was not filtering water. how do i know if i have the water filter in correctly? thank you for helping if you can.

  20. Ronald Dennis says

    December 7, 2018 at 5:16 am

    Hello Thomas

    It could be a cracked water filter housing. This is what happened to my water filter Whirlpool installed at the bottom of the refrigerator. Or it could be bad dispenser switch.

    What Kory responded, will prevent this from happening in the future if you turn the water off to your home prior to installing a new filter and letting water run in your kitchen sink to get the pressure out of the line. This will avoid a cracked housing issue.

  21. Kory says

    October 21, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    Hello Thomas,

    You need to flush the filter out to make sure there are no air pockets in the water line going into the fridge. If this does not work, please contact the manufacturer of the unit for trouble shooting tips via Technician.

  22. thomas straus says

    October 18, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    I changed filter now dispenser doesn’t work
    Put old filter back in , some results
    Any ideas?

  23. June says

    July 31, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    This is the greatest company to deal with. I have ordered before and they have the nicest people who take the time and give you what you need for a part along with having you write the part number down before ending the conversation. Not only are they great to order from but our local companies are so much more expensive and not as nice. I suggest anyone to order from this company; it’s the best. Thank you, Kelley for helping me out. I’m in my 80’s and thank heavens for people like you. Also, I replace the filter myself following the instructions given. Thanks again.

  24. F. Murphy says

    July 31, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I purchased a filter for the Htg./AC unit. Three years ago, the installer charged a huge fee for this filter (16″x24″x4″). This size is not available in most stores. FiltersFast sold it for under $50., with postage. Three years from now, I’ll buy two!

  25. Kory says

    June 26, 2015 at 2:57 pm

    Hi Sally! The filters should be just fine, and the end result shouldn’t be any different. Have a great weekend!

  26. Sally L Allen says

    June 25, 2015 at 12:08 am

    Not realizing my husband had replaced our filter, I took out the filter he had put in and put another (new) one in ! I then retraced my steps and put the 1st new one back in, keeping the second one for the next replacement ( WHEW). Did I damage either filter ? The end result would have been the same if I had just left it alone, right ?

  27. Kory says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:20 am

    Hi Danny, they do need cleaning, and this article could be a great resource for helping you clan and sanitize it! http://homeguides.sfgate.com/sanitize-ice-maker-refrigerators-29043.html

  28. Kory says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Usually for this problem, all that is needed is a little extra force. This blog may help you with common issues when it comes to replacing your refrigerator filter: http://www.filtersfast.com/blog/index.php/2015/03/troubleshooting-tips-installing-refrigerator-filter/

  29. al isnardi says

    June 13, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    I have a Kenmore about 7 years old. When I replaced the filter last time I placed the fresh one to far in and I can get it out. help!!! Thx

  30. Danny Spurgeon says

    June 11, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    Should a refrigerator ice maker be cleaned and sanitized? If so, how and with what? Thanks, Danny.

  31. Kory says

    May 29, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Hi Carmen, this blog could be useful for you. Use a little more extra force to remove the filter from its position, just be very careful not to damage anything. This should work. If not, feel free to let us know. http://www.filtersfast.com/blog/index.php/2015/03/troubleshooting-tips-installing-refrigerator-filter/

  32. Carmen says

    May 22, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    I have a push-in filter, like the picture. I can’t, however, get the old filter out. The cap is missing and I can’t turn it for the life of me to get it out. Any suggestions?

  33. Kory says

    February 5, 2015 at 9:47 am

    Hi Dolores, please consult the owners manual for the specific location of the filter. Without knowing the model number of your refrigerator, there are a few different places it can be: the upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment, in the center of the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment, or perhaps at the bottom grill of the refrigerator itself.

  34. Dolores Sinclair says

    February 4, 2015 at 11:48 am

    I have a Maytag Refridge. with bottom freezer that is 4 years old but don’t know were the water filter is located . Can you help me ?

  35. Kory says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Hi Jim, what is the make and model number for the refrigerator? This will determine how to change the filter.

  36. Kory says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Hi Jim, which filter are you looking for in particular?

  37. Kory says

    December 8, 2014 at 11:08 am

    Can you verify that the water filter is securely and tightly in place? The filter may have come loose which could account for the varying pressure you are experiencing. Also, refer to the troubleshooting section of your owners manual for specific instructions to fix this problem.

  38. judge Frank J Cali says

    December 8, 2014 at 7:32 am

    Can anyone help sometimes my water will fill a glass and sometimes it has a stream that is strong and then gets very weak it also sounds like a pump and making noise

  39. jim says

    December 7, 2014 at 12:10 am

    why are these filters so much money?? I thinking of putting in a in line filter a lot cheaper??

  40. jim says

    December 7, 2014 at 12:08 am

    I have a sears frig. Is is push pull or both. Do you have a video to show how this is done??

  41. Brian Mark Schwab says

    November 5, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Hi Richard
    I also have this question:
    Which type of filter do you have? New filters will sometimes have black carbon particles which you can look for when the flushing the filter. This will give a good indication of it is truly filtering or not.

  42. Kory says

    October 20, 2014 at 10:21 am

    Hello, try turning the water to the refrigerator off before removing the old filter and turn it back on when the new filter is securely in place.

  43. Veda Lukassen says

    October 18, 2014 at 9:39 am

    Lately when we install a new water filter (twist in base grille) water leaks out onto the floor when we pull the old filter out making a BIG mess. Once we quickly get the new filter in it stops. Is this something we can fix ourselves. Fridge is Kenmore side by.

  44. Kory says

    October 14, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    Hi Richard, which type of filter do you have? New filters will sometimes have black carbon particles which you can look for when the flushing the filter. This will give a good indication of it is truly filtering or not.

  45. Kory says

    October 14, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Thank you for the suggestion. We have plans to include more picture by picture commentary, so stay tuned! 🙂

  46. Richard says

    October 14, 2014 at 6:48 am

    How does one verify if a refrigerator water filter is actually filtering water and not functioning on bypass? The first several filter changes I found the filter filled with water which I emptied before discarding the filter. In my next to last filter change, I found absolutely no water in the filter. It seemed to me that no filtering was going on in the six or so months it was installed. On my last filter change I had to by trial and error twist the filter little-by-little, run water, and then remove the filter to see if any water was inside. There seems to be a very narrow area where the filter will receive water and not still be on bypass. I had no problems before so I do not know if that was just a defective filter or there has been some design change so I will from now on have to by trial and error mark exactly where the filter needs to be in order for water to run through it and not remain on bypass.

  47. Bob Germano says

    October 11, 2014 at 11:58 am

    Info is appreciated. A picture by picture with commentaRY WOULD BE BETTER. I am 82 and follow picture demos easier. Thany you BG

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