That pesky change filter filter light is an all too familiar sight for many of us. Unlike air filters, you can’t easily tell when they need to be changed.
It is recommended that you change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months.
For most refrigerators, the change filter light is usually set to a timer. Just because your refrigerator’s water filter light is on, may not mean it’s time to change it. Depending on the frequency at which you use your refrigerator’s water dispenser, it is totally up to you how often you change it.
Why is it so important to change your refrigerators water filter?
The most common filter media used in refrigerator water filters is activated carbon. Activated carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny, highly absorbent pores that trap tiny microbes, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in water. Over time, activated carbon loses its ability to remove contaminants, and will start to clog the filter. When this happens, bacteria can breed in your filter. When this happens, it can impact the health of those who drink it.
One way to know when it’s time to change your refrigerator filter, is if you notice a change in taste or odor in your water or ice.
Some refrigerators make it very easy with a light that turns on to signal to you that it’s time to change. Some filters will automatically shut down after a specific amount of water has passed through the filter.
How do I figure out which refrigerator filter I need?
There are many water filters to choose from, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Every refrigerator that uses a drinking water filter has a filter to fit its specific model. Not sure how to figure out which refrigerator filter you need? Use our Refrigerator Water Filter Finder and we’ll help you find the right filter for your refrigerator.
The best part? Once you find the filter you need, installing your refrigerator filter takes only a few minutes.
When you sign up for our Home Filter Club subscription service, you can easily set up to have your refrigerator filter auto-delivered to your doorstep!
How do I change my refrigerator filter?
Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come with a set of challenges. Below are some common issues that arise when replacing your refrigerator water filter and troubleshooting tips for each one.
We’ve compiled simple “How to Change Your Refrigerator Filter” instructions that will allow you to add this to your ever-expanding skill set.
- 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.
- 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:
- Remove and discard the old filter by pushing the “eject” button or by twisting off the filter cap.
- Remove the filter cap on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
- Line up the arrows on the new filter and on the filter cap. Snap it into place by turning it clockwise.
- Continue pushing the filter in, until the eject button pops.
- Make sure the cap is secure.
- Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.
Twist-in (base grille) filter:
- Locate the filter cap in the base grille; turn to the left to remove.
- Slide the filter handle on the end of the filter to reuse on the new filter.
- Discard old filter.
- After removing the new filter from packaging, replace filter handle and insert by twisting into place.
- Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.
Twist –in (interior) filter:
- The filter is located in the upper right interior of the refrigerator.
- Open cover by either pushing or pulling.
- Release old filter by twisting counterclockwise.
- Insert new filter and lock into place by turning clockwise until it snaps.
- Reset Refrigerator Water Filter indicator light if equipped.
In-line filter:
- Turn off the cold water supply.
- Between the shut-off valve and refrigerator, locate an easily accessible portion of the 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.
- Remove end cap on new filter and insert tubing. Lock into place by holding down end cap.
- Turn water supply back on.
- Hold filter over a bucket and run water until clear. Do this for both ends of the filter.
- 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 need, where to find your part number or even installation assistance, you can contact FiltersFast.com, the experts in the air and water filtration industry.
Katie says
Hi Arie,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We would be happy to help you figure out which water filter you need, but we are not able to identify the filter with the model number you have provided. You can use our Filter Finder Tool to help you find the filter you need by answering a few simple questions: https://www.filtersfast.com/Samsung-Refrigerator-Water-Filters-cat.asp
Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
arie ben-ari says
What water filter I need for Samsung ref. , model:RF62N914.
Thanks,
Arie.
Katie says
Robert,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Our Water Filter Expert looked into this for you and based on this information: https://na2.electroluxmedia.com/Original/Electrolux/Electrolux%20Assets/Document/Complete%20Owners%20Guide/English/807876507en.pdf , it does not seem like your refrigerator comes with a filter from the factory. If it does, he recommends that you remove the filter and read the part number off of it. If it does not come with a factory filter, he recommends this inline filter https://www.filtersfast.com/P-Omnipure-K2540-JJ-Coconut-Water-Filter.asp *this one works on 1/4 water lines.
We hope you find this info helpful. If there’s anything else we can help you with, please let us know!
Robert M Price says
need help locating the water filter to replace on model#LFHT1831QPO
SERIAL#BA44819303
Katie says
Alice,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The manual for your model series makes a reference to a filter in the base grille (this is located on the exterior of the refrigerator, near the bottom and at the front. You may use the following link to view replacement filters on our site: https://www.filtersfast.com/P-NL300-Replacement-Refrigerator-Water-Filter.asp
Alice Dickens says
I have a roper model no.RS22AQXM001 side by side where is the filter located ?
Katie says
Joann,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We apologize for our delayed response, we’ve been experiencing some issues with our blog and have not been able to respond to comments because of it.
Some refrigerators’ water delivery system can still function without a filter. It depends on how the system is valved. Unfortunately, we do not have a resource to confirm that on my end. We would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer to confirm. They should also be able to address the old filter not going back in. It’s possible the filter has to be oriented a particular way before it will engage properly. We would recommend reviewing the installation instructions. If you do not have that handy we can look it up using the filter part number. Thank you!
Joann Turner says
I removed my old filter from whirlpool fridge to find # Old one will not go back in. Will it work without until I get new one?
Frustrated
Kory says
Hello Carolyn,
You may set up a return online through our website at http://www.filtersfast.com or by contacting Customer Service at [email protected].
Thank you,
Carolyn Alexander says
I received the wrong filter so I need to send it back. Please send me address information.
Kory says
Hello,
We will be happy to help you with that. What filter numbers are you thinking about purchasing?
Thank you,
Ione says
I would like to know the NSF certification designated for each filter that I buy, if its 42, 53 or more. Important especially if there are babies in the family.
Katie says
Ed,
Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. We value your feedback and will be working on content like this in future posts.
Ed says
Types of filters and manufacturing differences were not addressed in this article. For example, my Samsung OEM filter has 2 o-rings to seal the cartridge but most after market filters have only one. Some are NSF certified, others are not, or do not state they are. Price differences can be substantial to purchase, but minimal if a leak causes damage. An article on these topics would be terrific.