How to replace a refrigerator water filter correctly?

 

Locate Your Refrigerator Water Filter

 

Determining the location of your refrigerator water filter is the first step in properly replacing it. Most refrigerator water filter locations depend on the make and model of your fridge. Common locations include:

• Upper right-hand corner inside the refrigerator compartment
• Lower grille near the base, below the refrigerator doors
• Behind a small panel or door inside the fridge compartment

To easily find your filter, refer to your refrigerator owner’s manual or search the brand and model online.

 

Prepare for Filter Replacement

 

Before starting, it's recommended to shut off the water supply to your refrigerator. While not always necessary, this eliminates the risk of leaking during installation. Also, prepare some towels or a shallow container to catch water drips.

A good tip: Many residents in areas like St Louis or Nashville experience harder water, which can affect filters more quickly. You should consider checking your filter status and changing it more frequently depending on local water quality conditions.

 

Remove the Old Water Filter Properly

 

Removing an old filter will depend upon your refrigerator’s style:

• Push-button filters:

  Press the eject button to release the filter and gently remove it by pulling outward.

• Quarter-turn filters:

  Rotate the filter counterclockwise about a quarter-turn and then pull straight out.

• Panel/door cover filters:

  If your filter is behind a small door, open this panel first. Depending on the model, you may need to gently twist and pull, or press and pull.

When removing the old filter, have a towel ready, as some water might spill.

 

Installing the New Filter Correctly

 

After removing the old one, follow these instructions to install your replacement filter:

• Remove the protective covers or seals from the new filter.
• Carefully align the filter into the filter compartment according to its design.
• If your filter involves twisting, insert and twist clockwise until firmly seated, typically about a quarter-turn.
• If your filter clicks into place without twisting, insert firmly until you hear a distinct 'click'.
• Close the filter cover or panel securely, if applicable.

 

Post-installation Steps

 

After installing your water filter, follow these steps:

• Turn the water supply back on (if you turned it off earlier).
• Inspect carefully for leaks around the filter compartment. Tighten and recheck installation if leaks appear.
• Dispense approximately 2-3 gallons of water from your water dispenser to remove air from the system and flush out potential carbon residue, which is normal with new filters.
• Reset your refrigerator’s water filter indicator, if applicable. Typically, there is a dedicated reset button or combination of buttons to press. Refer to your owner’s manual or refrigerator control labels for specific instructions.
• Finally, test to ensure your ice maker and water dispenser function normally without drips or other issues.

Regularly changing your refrigerator’s water filter can help improve water taste significantly, especially in areas with harder water like in St Louis or Nashville. Consistent filter maintenance helps your refrigerator run efficiently and ensures you have clean, fresh-tasting water year-round.