How to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Understanding Your Refrigerator Water Filter System

A refrigerator water filter is a replaceable cartridge that removes contaminants from tap water before it flows into your ice maker and drinking water dispenser. Most refrigerators manufactured in the last 20 years include built-in water filtration systems, though not all models have them. The filter works by passing water through activated carbon and other filtration media that trap sediment, chlorine, lead, and other substances that affect taste and odor.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, municipal water supplies in the United States are tested regularly and must meet safety standards. However, water can pick up additional particles or develop off-tastes as it travels through pipes to your home. A refrigerator filter provides an extra layer of treatment specifically for the water you drink and use for ice.

Different refrigerator brands use different filter designs and sizes. Common filter types include cylindrical cartridges that fit inside the refrigerator (often located in the upper right corner or behind the crisper drawers), filters housed in the water supply line behind or under the appliance, and filters integrated into the door dispenser itself. The filter's location depends entirely on your refrigerator's make and model, which you can verify by checking your user manual or looking at the refrigerator's exterior and interior.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing your water filter every six months, though this timeline can vary based on your household's water usage and local water quality. Some filters are designed to last up to 12 months if your water consumption is lower. If your water dispenser slows down, tastes different, or the ice quality changes, these are signs that your filter may need replacement sooner than the standard timeline suggests.

Practical takeaway: Locate your refrigerator's user manual—either the physical copy or an online version you can find by searching your refrigerator's model number—to identify which filter type your appliance uses and where it's located.

Gathering the Right Supplies and Tools

Before you begin changing your water filter, you'll need to gather several items to complete the task safely and properly. In most cases, you won't need specialized tools—this is a repair that homeowners can handle with basic household items and the replacement filter itself.

The most important item you need is the correct replacement filter. Refrigerator water filters are not universal; they're designed specifically for particular brands and often for specific models within those brands. Using the wrong filter can result in poor water quality, leaks, or damage to your refrigerator's water system. You can find your correct filter by checking your refrigerator's manual, looking at the current filter's part number, or searching your refrigerator's brand and model number online. Major retailers like supermarkets, drugstores, and big-box home improvement stores carry water filters for popular refrigerator brands, typically priced between $30 and $60 per filter. Online retailers often stock a wider selection and may offer subscription services where filters are automatically sent to you on a schedule.

Beyond the replacement filter, you should gather towels or a small bucket to catch any water that may spill during the replacement process. Even though your refrigerator's water supply has been shut off or the pressure is released, some residual water may be present in the filter housing or connecting tubes. A flashlight or headlamp can help you see inside the refrigerator if your filter is located in a dim area. A small step stool may be useful if your filter is positioned high up in the unit or if you need extra height to reach it comfortably. Most filters can be removed and installed by hand without wrenches or screwdrivers, though some models may have a housing that requires gentle turning with your hand or a filter wrench (often included with replacement filters).

Practical takeaway: Order your replacement filter at least a week before you plan to change it, and verify the part number matches your refrigerator model to avoid purchasing the wrong size or type.

Locating and Accessing Your Filter

The physical location of your water filter is the first step in the replacement process. Refrigerator manufacturers place filters in different locations depending on the model design, and knowing where to find yours will prevent unnecessary frustration.

Interior filters are the most common type in modern refrigerators. These are typically located in the upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment, behind the crisper drawer, or in a compartment in the upper left area. To locate an interior filter, open your refrigerator door and look carefully at the back corners and side walls. You may see a cylindrical cartridge or a round canister. Some filters are housed in a plastic cover that's labeled "water filter" or displays a water droplet icon. If you can't immediately spot it, check your user manual or search your refrigerator's model number online to view diagrams showing the exact filter location. You may need to remove shelves or the crisper drawer to access the filter.

Under-sink or behind-the-unit filters are located in the water supply line, typically underneath the refrigerator or behind it where the water line enters the appliance. These filters are accessed from outside the refrigerator rather than from inside. If you have this type, you'll need to pull your refrigerator away from the wall slightly or access the space underneath it. This type of installation may require you to work in a confined space, so having good lighting is especially important.

Door-mounted filters are built into the dispenser panel on the refrigerator door. These are less common but do exist in some models. The filter cartridge may be hidden behind a decorative cover that twists or clips off.

Once you've located your filter, turn off the water supply to your refrigerator before proceeding. You can do this by closing the water shut-off valve in the supply line (usually a small valve behind or under the refrigerator) or by following your manufacturer's instructions for depressurizing the system. Turning off the water prevents leaking water from flowing while you're working with the filter housing.

Practical takeaway: Take a photo of your current filter in place before removing it—this visual reference can help you ensure the new filter is installed correctly.

Removing Your Old Water Filter

Removing the old filter is typically the simplest part of the replacement process, though the exact procedure depends on your filter type. Most filters are designed to be removed by hand without tools, though some models include a filter wrench or require a gentle twisting motion to release them.

For interior filters in a canister or cartridge style, look for a release button, lever, or arrow indicating the direction to turn. Some filters twist counterclockwise (to the left) to loosen them, similar to unscrewing a jar lid. Apply steady, gentle pressure—the filter shouldn't require excessive force. If it's stuck, try wrapping a cloth around the filter for better grip, but avoid using pliers or tools that could crack the plastic housing. Once the filter is loose, it should pull straight out toward you. Have your towel ready at this point, as water may drip from the old filter or the filter housing.

For cylindrical filters that slide into a housing, the removal process is even simpler: grasp the filter and pull it straight out with steady pressure. No twisting is necessary for this type.

After removing the old filter, inspect the filter housing for any debris, dirt, or buildup. If you notice debris, gently wipe the inside of the housing with a dry cloth or paper towel. Do not use water or cleaning solutions in the housing at this stage. This cleaning step helps ensure the best water quality from your new filter and prevents particles from entering your water supply.

Before installing the new filter, check the rubber gaskets or seals around the housing. These are small rubber rings that create a watertight seal. If they appear cracked, hardened, or visibly damaged, note this for future reference—you may need to have the gasket replaced by a service professional if leaking occurs after you install the new filter.

If your refrigerator has a water filter indicator light on the door or display panel, it will likely still be on at this point. Don't worry—you'll address this after installing the new filter. Some models reset automatically once the new filter is seated properly and the water pressure returns to normal.

Practical takeaway: Keep your old filter nearby until you've confirmed the new one is working properly—if you experience problems, you can compare the two to verify you have the right replacement.

Installing