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What Can Happen If I Don’t Change My Refrigerator Water Filter?

Published January 14, 2015 by Terry 23 Comments

Dirty Water Graphic

Have you ever sat down, with a nice glass of ice tea or ice water (or maybe a nice drink on the rocks) after coming home from work and noticed a strange taste?  And even the smell is, well, just not right?  Chances are you have not changed your water filter in your refrigerator recently!

Changing your filter approximately every 6 months guarantees you great tasting ice and water from your refrigerator. The life of the filter really depends on the quantity of contaminants in your water as well as how much water you and your family are drinking.

The filter is there to clean the water of pollutants and sediment that has traveled through your pipes and then to your refrigerator.  By simply replacing your filter on a regular basis, you can avoid drinking unwanted chemicals, particles and bacteria, which can cause or lead to serious health problems.

Another good reason to change your water filter regularly is to prevent scaling and deposit build up that can cause damage to your refrigerator.  A dirty filter not only restricts the water flow, but also allows all of the “junk” to remain in your drinking water or ice.

Check to see if you have a refrigerator with a warning light that changes colors or comes on when it is time for a replacement.  This is a great reminder that it’s time to change the filter!

Now that you realize that it’s time to replace your refrigerator filter, click on www.filtersfast.com.  You will be able to find the perfect fit for your refrigerator.  After you have replaced it, you can feel confident that you and your family are drinking clean water!

Related Articles:

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

Flushing Your Refrigerator Water Filter: How and Why You Should Do It

How to Reset Your Refrigerator Indicator Light

About the Author

  • Terry

    I love sharing my knowledge of filtration products with others.

    View all posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katie says

    June 29, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Josh,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. A filter can have bacteria growth over time. This is one of the reasons why there is normally a 6-month filter change interval. You may be able to disable the water supply and the water system in the refrigerator. We would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer for technical support.

  2. Josh says

    June 18, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    Hi, I have a question. I only drink bottled water for health reasons. I drink absolutely zero ice or water from my fridge. However every 9 months the fridge indicates to me that the filter needs to be changed and I order a new one. If I drink no water from my fridge is there any practical reason for me to be changing the filter? Thanks in advance.

  3. Katie says

    January 13, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    Ivone,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. Most of the Frigidaire air filters have a cut out that needs to be removed prior to installation. Please review the installation instructions. We would be happy to research that for you. Please confirm the air filter part number and the model number to the refrigerator.

  4. Ivone says

    January 8, 2020 at 12:40 am

    I just replaced the Frigidaire air filter. Immediately a noise which sounds like airflow starts. I can’t stop it. I have drained the water. I decided to put the old one back but the noise continues. Could it be Freon leaking?
    Thank you.

  5. Katie says

    November 11, 2019 at 5:12 pm

    Michelle,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. The 6-month interval is given as a preventative measure to minimize bacterial growth. We would recommend changing the filter as soon as possible. We would also recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer for technical support. It may be necessary to sanitize the water circulation path in your refrigerator.

  6. Michelle says

    November 9, 2019 at 10:54 am

    My fridge is 7 years old and I’ve only changed the filters once

  7. Katie says

    September 11, 2019 at 1:06 pm

    Dee,

    Great question! A lot of refrigerators replace filter lights are on a timer. In most cases, the change filter light comes on because it is programmed to come on after so many months. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  8. Dee says

    September 10, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    I don’t have my water hooked up to my recently new fridge. So why is it telling me to replace the filter? I have a Maytag side by side.

  9. Katie says

    September 9, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    Scott,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. The capacity of the filter will depend primarily on your water quality and usage. 6 months is an industry-standard replacement period for most point of use carbon filters. Besides the filter loading up over time the other consideration is that carbon can harbor bacteria. This means that although the filter may not be clogged after 6 months it is still recommended to replace it to prevent bacteria growth.

  10. Scott says

    September 6, 2019 at 10:57 am

    This is the biggest SCAM going. I have a new Maytag refrigerator that wants you to change the water filter every 6 months. I’ve just changed my filter after a year-and-a-half and I cut it open. There is not one sign of dirt there’s not one sign of contamination it looks like the day the filter was installed /new frig. This is nothing more than a money-making rip-off ….you could probably go 4 years. I have pictures of the cut open filter if you would like.

  11. Katie says

    July 22, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Mari,

    Thank you for reaching out to us. The solution may require flushing the water lines and possibly replacing certain components. We would recommend reaching out to the refrigerator manufacturer for technical support.

  12. Mari says

    July 15, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    Greetings,

    I purchased a house that was unlived for a while, about 3.5 years. I just changed the water filter and flushed it (approx. 3 gallons of flush). However, the water still has a weird taste.

    Is there anything else I should be doing to make sure its safe to drink.

  13. Katie says

    June 17, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    Kerrea,

    Thank you for your consideration. Please use the link below to view a compatible replacement on FiltersFast.com. Have a great rest of the week!
    https://www.filtersfast.com/p-LG-M7251242-FR-06-Compatible-Replacement-Filter.asp

  14. Kerrea says

    June 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm

    Do you have a filter for an LG model no
    GR P247STL? How much is the filter.

  15. Katie says

    June 3, 2019 at 11:53 am

    Carol,

    We are thrilled to hear that you are trying to educate yourself more. Please feel free to reach out to us with any other filtration questions you might have.

  16. Carol Sanders says

    May 30, 2019 at 10:18 pm

    Thank you for the info. I know very little about the subject, but I’m trying to educate myself. I never heard talk about a refrig. filter. It makes sence once you think about it. Most everything has a filter(s).

  17. Katie says

    April 10, 2019 at 7:30 am

    Millie,

    Oh no! I am sorry to hear that. Please help spread the word to those that may not be aware. Good luck on your promotion!

  18. Kory says

    July 30, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    Hello Sunshine, I am sorry to hear that happened to you. Unfiltered water from your freezer will not cause delusions.

  19. Sunshine says

    July 28, 2018 at 6:39 am

    I drank unfiltered water from freezer, I have a burning tongue, mouth and a burning sensation in my body. I feel it necessary to seek medical attention. I am 74 years of age and will this cause serious damage. I realize that was dumb. I would appreciate your comments. Would this cause delusions It certainly did in me

  20. Colin Trott says

    November 4, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    why be in a hurry to change the water filter when you have chlorine in the water to kill the germs?

  21. Kory says

    May 3, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Hi Thomas, here is the compatible filter for the model number listed: https://www.filtersfast.com/Electrolux-EAF1CB-Air-Filter.asp. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

  22. Thomas A. Adler says

    May 2, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    Do you have water filters and air filters for a Frigidaire FPBC2277RF1? I don’t see that model listed . . .

  23. Larry Miller says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    You guys have good prices on all your water filter. Great actually. And i find you emails are Informative.

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