The water dispensed through the dispenser or ice maker of a modern refrigerator requires careful cleaning to meet safety and taste standards. Over time, the cartridge depletes and contaminants begin to seep into the system, which can lead to an unpleasant aftertaste in the ice or reduced fluid pressure. Understanding how to change the filter on a refrigerator is a basic skill for the owner of any modern climate control equipment with a water treatment function.
Ignoring the timely replacement of consumables is fraught not only with a deterioration in the quality of drinking water, but also with an increased risk of breakdown of expensive components. A clogged cartridge creates excess pressure in the line, which can damage the valves or lead to leaks inside the housing. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, types of fastenings and nuances of servicing water purification systems of various brands.
The first step before starting any manipulations with the plumbing system is to turn off the water supply. Locate the valve located on the cold water pipe that runs to the refrigerator and turn it to the “closed” position. This action is necessary to relieve pressure in the system, which will prevent water from splashing when disconnecting the old cartridge.
After closing the valve, it is recommended to press the button on the dispenser several times to drain the remaining water from the internal tubes. If your refrigerator is equipped with a system where the cartridge is located inside the case, you will need to free up space in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment or in the basement compartment, depending on the model Samsung or LG. Make sure you have a dry towel or small container on hand to catch drippings.
Some users mistakenly believe that replacement is possible without turning off the water, but this can lead to flooding of the kitchen. The pressure in the water supply is high enough to create a fountain when the fittings are suddenly disconnected. Therefore turning off the water supply is a mandatory step that should not be skipped to save time.
⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator is connected through a reverse osmosis system or a filter jug, the procedure may differ. Make sure that you do not confuse the main filters with the internal cartridges of the refrigerator.
There are two main types of arrangement of cartridges in modern refrigerators: in the base (bottom) and inside the refrigerator compartment. In models Bosch and Siemens there is often a lower location, where access is through a decorative grille near the floor. In this case, you will need to carefully remove the panel by pulling the special tabs or unscrewing the fixing screws.
If the cartridge is located inside, it is usually located in the upper right corner of the refrigerator compartment or in a niche between the compartments. Refrigerators Whirlpool i Indesit often use a rotating mechanism system, where the cartridge must be turned counterclockwise to remove it. The internal location is more convenient in that the water in the tubes does not freeze, but takes up the useful volume of the chamber.
Determining the type of your cartridge is critical to purchasing the right analogue. The shape, size and sealing system of different manufacturers may differ radically, and installing an unsuitable model is physically impossible or will lead to leaks.
The process of removing the old element depends on the type of connection. In systems with a twist-and-lock mechanism, you need to press the unlock button or simply turn the cartridge 90 degrees counterclockwise until it clicks. After this, it will freely come out of the socket under its own weight or with minimal effort.
For models with direct connection (push-to-connect), typical for General Electric and some models Haier, you need to press the locking ring at the base of the cartridge and at the same time pull it towards you. Don't try too hard; if the cartridge does not move, check whether the latch is fully pressed out.
When removing, keep in mind that about a glass of water remains inside the old cartridge. Hold it strictly vertically and immediately place it in the sink or prepared container to avoid spilling dirty water on the floor or food. Quick movement and having a rag at hand are the key to clean work.
☑️ Algorithm for replacing the cartridge
A new cartridge is usually supplied in a sealed package with protective plugs on the inlet and outlet holes. Remove the packaging immediately before installation to minimize exposure of the carbon filler to air, although modern materials are well protected. Carefully inspect the rubber O-rings for damage or distortion.
It is important to remove the shipping caps before installation. If you forget to do this, the water will not flow and the pressure in the system will increase, which can damage the connecting hoses. Some models require pre-rinsing or soaking, but most modern cartridges Panasonic and Hitachi are ready for use immediately.
Install the new element into the slot, aligning the indicator marks. For rotary systems, turn the cartridge clockwise until you hear a characteristic click and the arrows align. For direct connection systems, insert the cartridge all the way and make sure that the retaining ring is locked.
After physically installing the new cartridge, it is necessary to restore the water supply. Open the valve on the pipeline and carefully inspect the filter connection for leaks during the first minutes. The presence of water droplets indicates a loose fit or damage to the seal.
The next step is flushing the system. The air that got into the lines during replacement must be removed, otherwise air will come out of the dispenser and water will splash. Fill a container with a volume of at least 3-4 liters, running water through the system. There may be noise and intermittent flow in the first seconds - this is normal.
If your refrigerator has an ice maker, it is better to throw away the first 2-3 servings of ice, as they may contain coal dust or have an off-flavor. Complete stabilization of the system takes about 24 hours, but you can drink the water after the initial flushing.
⚠️ Attention: The water after replacement may have a blackish tint due to activated carbon. This is normal for the first 5-10 liters, but if the color does not go away after 20 liters, check that the cartridge is installed correctly.
Modern refrigerators are equipped with electronic filter resource monitoring systems. The light on the control panel usually changes from green to amber to red to indicate service is required. However, physically replacing the cartridge does not always automatically reset the electronic counter.
To reset the indicator on models Samsung often you need to hold down the button Ice Type or combination Power Freeze + Power Cool for 3 seconds. Refrigerators LG use the button Filter Reset or holding the button Ice Plus. It is better to look for the exact combination for your model in the instructions, since the interfaces may differ.
If after replacing and resetting the indicator continues to light red or blink, the sensor may not have seen the new cartridge. In some models, for example, in the Bosch VitaFreshseries, there is an RFID tag or magnet at the end of the cartridge that should work. Make sure that you are using an original or certified compatible filter with the chip.
What will happen if you do not reset the indicator?
The system will continue to count the resource of the old filter. After some time (usually 30 days after the end of its life), the refrigerator may block the water supply or produce constant sound signals, ignoring the fact of replacement.
Choosing the right cartridge is the key to high-quality water purification. There are many analogues on the market, but they are divided into original and compatible. Original filters guarantee the declared resource and quality of filtration, while compatible ones may cost less, but require careful selection.
| Cartridge type | Resource (liters) | Service life | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal (Carbon) | 300 - 500 | 6 months | Basic removal of chlorine and odor |
| With ion exchange resin | 200 - 300 | 4-6 months | Reduces water hardness, prevents scale |
| With silver coating | 400 - 600 | 6-12 months | Antibacterial effect, suppression of bacterial growth |
| Multi-stage | 300 - 450 | 6 months | Combination of mechanical and chemical cleaning |
When choosing, pay attention to the presence of certificates of conformity (NSF, WQA), which confirm the filter’s ability to remove specific pollutants, such as lead, chlorine, asbestos or pesticides. Using a low-quality filter may not only fail to purify the water, but also become a source of bacterial contamination due to poor-quality housing materials.
The frequency of replacement depends not only on time, but also on the volume of water consumed and the quality of tap water in your region. If the water is very hard or has a strong smell of chlorine, the cartridge resource may expire faster than the period stated by the manufacturer.
What to do if the filter leaks after replacing?
If you notice water around cartridge, check that it is fully inserted and turned. Often the problem is a skewed seal. Try removing the filter, lubricating the rubber band with water and reinstalling it. If the leak persists, the body of the cartridge itself or the socket in the refrigerator may be damaged.
Can the filter be washed and reused?
Absolutely not. Carbon and polymer fillers have a limited adsorption resource. Washing with water does not restore their properties, but only washes away surface dirt. Reusing the old filter will lead to secondary contamination of the water with bacteria accumulated during the previous cycle.
How often should you change the filter in the refrigerator?
The standard replacement interval is 6 months or after filtering 300-500 liters of water. However, if you notice a change in the taste of the water, the appearance of an odor, or a decrease in pressure, you should replace it immediately, regardless of the service life.
Why does the filter indicator not reset?
You may be using the wrong combination of buttons for your specific model. The reason may also be a malfunction of the indicator itself or the control board. Try disconnecting the refrigerator from the mains for 5 minutes, and then repeat the reset procedure according to the instructions.
Does replacing the filter affect the warranty?
The use of non-original filters can formally become a reason for refusing warranty service for the water treatment system if it is proven that the breakdown (for example, a leak) is caused by a low-quality cartridge. For other components of the refrigerator, this usually does not matter.