It’s hard to overstate the value of a functioning refrigerator.
Indeed, fridges were recently voted the ‘most significant invention in the history of food and drink’ (in the UK, at least).
But we tend to take them for granted these days. Indeed, having mastered the cooling side of things, recent years have seen helpful fridge additions enter the mix.
Filtered water and ice dispensers are two such examples! On a hot day, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold glass of water delivered straight from the fridge.
Unfortunately, sooner or later you’ll realize the importance of replacing a refrigerator water filter.
A dirty filter is unable to clean the water as effectively. Leave it too long and what was once beautiful and fresh will start tasting a little funny.
Time to change the filter but don’t know how to do it? We can help.
Read on for 5 key tips for replacing your fridge’s water filter.
1. Know When It’s Time for a Change
Strange-tasting water is a reasonable sign that you need to replace the water filter.
But there’s no harm in thinking about to the last time someone did it.
Generally speaking, a filter will last between 6 and 12 months before it needs to be replaced. However, the exact time-frame varies by household and usage. Large families that are constantly drinking water and filling their bottles may need to change the filter sooner.
Like most things, the more you use it, the quicker it’ll start to struggle.
If you’re lucky, you’ll have a fridge that’ll tell you when to change it! Like the warning signs on your car dashboard, a little light might appear on the fridge. That’s telling you it’s time to change the filter.
This article will tell you more about what happens if you don’t do it.
2. Figure Out the Filter In Question
Two things need to happen before you can replace the filter.
First, you have to find where it is on your fridge. Second, you have it identify its type and model. This is where it gets interesting.
Basically, different fridges use different types of water filters. There are two basic varieties you might find:
A push-in filter or a twist-in filter.
Push-in varieties are usually built into the fridge itself. You’ll find a small compartment behind the grille (somewhere at the bottom of the appliance), or inside the fridge in a draw.
Twist-in filters are typically found in the same spot: at the bottom of the fridge behind the grille at the front. Alternatively, check the interior of the fridge in the top right-hand corner.
Heads up, a third variety called an ‘Inline filter’ does exist on old-school fridges. They’re more common as an attachment to the waterline at the back of older appliances.
3. Buy the Replacement Filter
At this point, you should have identified the filter in question.
Now it’s time to get yourself a replacement. Again, the best way to go about this depends on your circumstances.
Do you know the exact make and model of the fridge and its filter? If so, then you can go ahead and source it direct from the manufacturer. Alternatively, remove the old filter (more on this next) and pay a visit to the local hardware store.
They should be able to point you in the direction of the right replacement.
Know the filter you need and want the same result with less effort? Search online! You can usually buy replacement filters via the internet.
Quick tip: consider buying more than one to enjoy financial discounts.
4. Replace the Filter Itself
You’ve located the filter and have your hands on a replacement.
Now it’s time to get the new one in and operating.
The good news is that most modern fridges will turn the water supply off automatically as you commence this process. All you have to do is unscrew the old one for the water to stop running.
Know for sure that your fridge doesn’t do this for you? Turn off the water supply manually before proceeding.
Does your fridge have an in-line filter? Unfortunately, the process of replacing this is usually a bit more complicated. Involving cutting lengths of tubing and risking water leaks, it might be best to hire a professional to help you do it.
With that said, let’s turn to the process involved for replacing the two main types of filter:
Push-In
See a button? Push it! That’ll release the filter and allow you to pull it out.
No button? Try pushing the filter itself. That should unlock the mechanism inside and allow you to slide the filter out.
You’ll then have to take off the cap you’ll find on the old filter and put it onto the new one. All that’s left to do it push the new filter back into the slot.
Twist-In
All you need to do to get the old filter out is turn it counterclockwise. Turn it as far as it’ll go (usually ¼ turn) and then pull it out.
From there, slip the cover (that’s currently on the old filter) over the new one. Finally, pop the new filter inside and turn it the other way (clockwise) to secure it in place.
5. Discard and Flush
You’re nearly there!
There’s just one more step before you’re back up and running.
Having chucked out the old filter, it’s time to return to your fridge to ‘flush’ the new filter.
Carbon filters tend to blacken/dirty the first streams of water that run through them. Having replaced the filter, then, you should send water through it (collecting it in a pitcher, or something similar) until it runs clean.
Follow These Tips on Replacing a Refrigerator Water Filter
Refrigerators are, of course, a crucial addition to any kitchen.
But they’re even more valuable when they deliver beautiful fresh filtered water (and ice) at the push of a button! However, as time goes by, the filter that makes this possible will need to be changed.
Hopefully, these tips on replacing a refrigerator water filter will help you do it.
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