Woman's hand holds glass and uses refrigerator to make fresh clean ice cubes.

5 Signs You Need to Change Your Water Filter and Why

Woman's hand holds glass and uses refrigerator to make fresh clean ice cubes.

The clean drinking water and ice you get from your refrigerator are made through the refrigerator’s filtration system. Over time, the filter will need to be replaced to maintain good-quality drinking water and ice. If you notice any of the following signs, you have a dirty water filter.

1. The water flow is much slower and trickles out of the dispenser.

As sediment, minerals, and other things are filtered out of your water, they remain in the filter. Eventually, the filter becomes full of these things, which causes the water to flow much slower. So, change the filter when you notice the water flow has slowed.

2. The filter change indicator on your refrigerator tells you to change the filter.

Refrigerator water filter indicator light on

Most modern refrigerators have a water filter change indicator somewhere on the refrigerator. It could be on the water dispenser or inside the refrigerator. Refrigerators with Wi-Fi capabilities can also send you an alert to your email or smart device when it is time to change the water filter.

3. The water or ice has a strange taste or smell.

When you have a dirty water filter, it cannot fully filter out everything passing through it. Instead, minerals, scale, and other impurities end up in your drinking water and ice. These can have a strange taste or smell. If your water tastes or smells strange, change the water filter.

4. There is sediment in your water and ice.

If you notice small white particles in the water or ice, often called “floaters,” this is a good indication your water filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. If you have hard water, the “floaters” are calcium flakes.

However, if you have city water, the “floaters” could be flecks of plastic if you have plastic plumbing lines. So, the easiest way to remove “floaters” is to change your refrigerator’s water filter.

5. The water or ice has a hazy or cloudy appearance.

Water filters. Concept of three glasses on a white blue background.

Should you notice your drinking water or ice has a hazy or cloudy appearance, do not consume it. Both of these water conditions indicate some level of water contamination, which may not be safe to drink.

Why Should You Change Your Water Filter?

The most important reason to change your water filter is to maintain great-tasting and clean drinking water and ice. The water filter removes impurities and particles from the water. Even if you have city water, you still need to change your water filter as city water can still have impurities in it or taste and smell funny.

How to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

Replacing a water filter in a refrigerator is very easy. You need to find the filter to know what replacement to order. The location of your water filter will vary depending on the brand and style of the refrigerator. It could be located:

  • On the Back
  • In the Front Grill
  • Inside the Refrigerator on the Upper Left or Right

If you have the owner’s manual that came with your refrigerator, you can refer to that to find the exact location.

Once you locate the refrigerator water filter, you will need to remove it to get the model number off of it. The filter will either be twist-in or push-in.

For a twist-in, turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out. For push-in, grab the filter and pull it out. Now, write down the model number and put the filter back in.

Next, order the replacement water filter at Replacement Remotes. We carry a wide assortment of refrigerator water filters for all major brands. We recommend ordering at least two water filters, so you have a spare the next time it needs changing.

If you require further assistance, please feel free to contact us at 855-573-6683 today.