Does the water from your fridge taste odd? Or are the ice cubes not as fresh as they once were? Changes as minor as these could be your refrigerator’s way of warning you to replace the water filter.
A refrigerator water filter not only changes the taste of water but also eliminates harmful particles, diminishes chlorine content, and ensures your family has access to clean drinking water. It also preserves the taste of ice and eliminates potential damage to the appliance due to buildup, and thus enhances its performance.
However, like any other filter, it has a certain lifespan. Being able to recognize the signs that a filter needs to be changed could save you from drinking unpleasant water, associated health issues, or even expensive repairs.
Why Replacing Your Refrigerator Water Filter Matters
Refrigerator filters use activated carbon filters, which tap into the water supply as the water flows through the filter and absorbs contaminants such as chlorine and lead, and even micro-particles, rust, and dirt. They don’t just improve quality but also remove the bad taste and odor. Most filters can clean anything from 200-300 gallons of water, which, depending on the household, can last six months.
When the filter is new, you can get refreshing, odorless, and non-cloudy ice water. Moreover, it helps to prevent the family from various unwanted contaminants that can be found in tap water.
On the other hand, an old or clogged filter can’t do its job properly. Aside from melting the strainer disc, the result includes moist and cloudy ice, water that has a sour metallic or musty taste, and for the appliances, lowered performance and increased stress on the refrigerator system, which can all lead to malfunctions.
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter
Every refrigerator water filter has a shelf life. With continuous use, they become loaded with minerals, chlorine, and various other contaminants. When this happens, they are incapable of keeping your ice and water fresh. Fortunately, there are multiple indicators of warning that your filter is overused. Here are five common signs that your filter isn’t working properly.
1. Water Tastes or Smells Odd
Drinking water that has a chlorine, metallic, or musty taste is a strong indicator that your filter is not working. With time, carbon in the filter loses its ability to capture and hold impurities. Like a sponge, if the carbon is already locked and saturated, it becomes ineffective.
2. Water Flow Has Slowed Down
A decrease in water pressure from the refrigerator dispenser is an obvious sign that the filter may be blocked with some sediment, sand, or even mineral deposits. These clogs slow down the flow of water that is ready to be filled in a glass. If you find yourself waiting a lot longer for the water flow, it’s a sign you must change the water filter.
3. Ice Cubes Look Cloudy or Taste Strange
The quality of the ice is an indication of the quality of the filter. Fresh filters yield ice that is clear, clean, and has no taste. If the ice looks cloudy, has a white tint, or has an odd taste and odor, it means the filter needs replacement. Often, bad ice means bad water.
4. Filter Indicator Light Is On
Many newer refrigerators feature a 'change filter' light on the control panel. This light is automatically set to turn on after a specific period of time or a set amount of water processed, which is typically around six months of use.
However, regardless of the light, it is a good idea to keep a close lookout around six months to check for any other indicators, as heavy use or poor water quality means you’ll need a new filter sooner.
5. It’s Been Over Six Months Since Your Last Replacement
On average, it is estimated that refrigerator water filters need to be changed at 6-month intervals, or after filtering 200 to 300 gallons of water. Larger families, as well as homes that have hard water, may need to replace it more frequently than that. Not only does waiting too long compromise the quality of the water, but it can also shorten the lifespan of one’s refrigerator’s filtration system.
How to Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter (Made Easy)
Changing your refrigerator’s water filter might sound difficult, but in reality, it is a straightforward task that can be completed in a few minutes. In fact, most manufacturers filter out water with a tool-free method, so they made it easy enough for most homeowners to do it without a technician. Here’s how you can do it.
- Turn Off the Icemaker
Before you start with the filter, you need to switch the refrigerator’s icemaker off. This prevents it from trying to make ice while the filter is being swapped out. - Remove the Old Filter
Depending on your model of the fridge, the water filter could be a drop-in, a twist filter, or a push filter. It will be near the upper right corner of the fridge, behind the grille, or in the compartment. Simply twist the filter counterclockwise or push the release button. - Insert the New Filter
The new filter is the simpler part; all you have to do is align the filter and push or twist it until you hear a clicking sound. This ensures that it is properly sealed. - Reset the Indicator Light
Most modern refrigerators have a filter change light that needs to be reset after replacement, which can be done by pressing and holding the reset button for 3–5 seconds. Check the user manual for the exact procedure to be followed. - Flush the Filter
Run about 2–3 gallons of water (or 2–3 minutes of flow) through the new filter to make sure all loose carbon particles and air bubbles have been cleared. This step is essential for clean water, which needs to be smooth.
And that is all! Replacing a refrigerator water filter is honestly easier than changing a lightbulb, and it helps keep the water pleasant while saving the appliance from internal buildup.
Quick Fact: The average fridge water filter can reduce up to 99% of harmful contaminants like chlorine, lead, and particulates, but only if it’s replaced on schedule. Otherwise, the filter will lose its efficiency.
Choosing the Right Replacement Filter
Not all refrigerator water filters are the same. The difference in water quality and appliance condition is considerable when not using the correct filter. Here’s what you need to know when buying a replacement water filter.
OEM vs Compatible Filters
The same brand makes OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters for your refrigerator. OEM filters are usually more expensive than the compatible filters and are NSF certified, meaning that they have independently been certified as removing various contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and mercury. Unfortunately, there is a significant price difference.
Compatible filters are filters produced by other private label manufacturers. They are cheaper, and in some cases, performance is superior to that of OEM versions. However, you should always check that relevant NSF/ANSI marks are provided. NSF International is the best figure in the world for water filter evaluation and testing. A sealed water filter with the NSF label has been independently confirmed to limit contaminants to the said levels.
Matching Your Filter Model
It’s crucial to buy the correct filter model for your fridge. Filters that resemble each other usually have different connectors and, as a result, are not interchangeable.
If you own a Frigidaire or Electrolux fridge, your model might use the EPTWFU01 Refrigerator Filter, also known as the PureSource Ultra II or EWF02. These filters are very easy to install and guarantee a crisp, clean taste as the water flows. It is a good idea to purchase filters, both OEM and compatible, from a reliable retailer to ensure safety and guaranteed performance.
How Often Should You Replace It?
In general, replace a refrigerator water filter every 200 to 300 gallons, or every 6 months. It is also beneficial to monitor the system, as relying on the calendar may not be enough. Strange tastes, odors, and even cloudy ice are all signs that the filter needs changing sooner. Households with hard water or more than 4 members go through filters a lot faster, replacing them as early as 3 to 4 months, as opposed to the usual 6.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Filter
Although a refrigerator water filter may seem simple, adopting a few practices can increase its productivity, longevity, and, in the end, savings. The following tips will help you maximize its use:
Flush Your Filter After Installation
In order to achieve the best taste and clarity possible, filters should be flushed with water and rinsed thoroughly before use. Flushing also ensures proper water pressure and full filtration performance right from day one. Skipping the flush can leave your water looking grayish or cloudy due to carbon dust. While not dangerous, it can make your water less appealing.
Keep Track of Replacement Dates
Regular filters tend to lose their efficacy after about six months or after filtering 200 to 300 gallons, but one of the common errors is forgetting to change filters. Old filters clog, restrict the flow of fluids, or worse, may harbor bacteria. To avoid this, set a phone reminder or jot down the date of the next replacement filter on a fridge magnet. For large families or households with hard water, don’t wait for the indicator light; change your filter every 3 to 4 months.
Buy in Multipacks
Since filters are used regularly, buying filters in sets of 2 or 3 helps save 10 to 20 percent, all while making sure that you are prepared without the risk of the old one expiring. A common mistake is waiting for the water to taste stale in order to change the filter. Waiting that long means days of poor water quality while waiting for the shipping to arrive. Having a spare filter on hand is a great way to ensure that your water quality remains fresh and safe at all times.
Final Thoughts
Your refrigerator water filter does a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and the signs it needs replacing are usually easy to spot. If the water’s taste and smell are peculiar, the water flow’s velocity has decreased, the ice is cloudy, the filter indicator is on, and it’s been over six months since the last changed filter, those are obvious indicators that a change is needed.
Replacing the filter is an extremely simple thing to do; however, it has many benefits. Updated filters lower health risks, improve the taste of ice, and result in a fridge that is functioning in an optimal manner.
Do not allow the water to taste strange before the filter is changed. To protect family members from potential health issues, the water needs to be maintained pure and free from any suspicion. Therefore, filters should be changed on a timely basis.
