Changing your refrigerator water filter is easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come with a set of challenges. Below we’ll give you common issues that arise when replacing your refrigerator water filter and troubleshooting tips for each one.
If you have your own troubleshooting advice, feel free to leave them in the comments below. If you feel like we missed anything, let us know and we’ll gladly add it in!
Common Installation Mistakes
First off, let’s start with common installation mistakes that could cause the installation of your new filter to go less than smoothly:
- Protective caps not removed from your new filter. Prior to installing your new refrigerator filter, remember to remove any protective caps from it.
- Failure to flush the filter. Many forget to do this, but it should never be forgotten. You can find out how and why to flush your filter here.
- For base-grill filters, don’t throw away the reusable knob, you may need it later!
Now let’s get into the troubleshooting!
Refrigerator not dispensing water after replacing filter
If this happens, then the water filter is most likely not snapped in all the way. If you feel that it is, and you’re still having issues, it could be the water valve leading to the refrigerator. To check, re-install the old filter. If water comes of the old filter and not the new filter, then there is an installation problem with the new filter and not the water valve. If water does not come out of the old or new filter, then the problem is the water valve.
Small Drip or Leak after installing the filter
Remove the fridge filter and re-fit it into the refrigerator with a sharp twist to lock into position.
Water Flow is Irregular
If this happens, there is likely still air in the lines. Press down the dispenser lever for 2 minutes until the water starts to flow freely.
Difficulty with removing or installing filter
There is no secret to this. Sometimes all that is needed is a little extra force. For removal, the problem is sometimes pulling the filter down and out. Try rocking the filter sideways while pulling down, this should work. TIP: Remove the top shelf from the refrigerator as its sudden release could cause damage. For installation, apply more force and keep turning to lock into position.
Water tastes different
Refrigerator water filters cannot add anything to the taste of water as they only remove chemicals and contaminants from your water. The older the fridge filter is that you are replacing, the more likely you are to notice a taste difference as your drinking water is now under greater (and more effective) filtration that it had been.
Water filter appears to be clogged, before its time to be replaced
Depending on water quality and usage, your refrigerator water filter may not last the full 6-months. If your water flow starts to slow, it could be clogged and would need to be replaced. Of course, if you have experienced a sudden drop of water quality (could be caused by a number of factors/situations) it is best to determine exactly what is wrong by conducting a water test. You can do this yourself, or have your municipal water source supply you with the information.
Related articles:
How to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter
Flushing Your Refrigerator Water Filter: How and Why You Should Do It
Katie says
Joy,
Thank you for reaching out to us. It is possible the filter may not be properly seated. Please remove the filter. Inspect the filter head and the refrigerator insertion point for any possible obstructions. Install the filter using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Katie says
Donna,
Thank you for reaching out to us. It is possible the filter may not be properly seated. Please remove the filter. Inspect the filter head and the refrigerator insertion point for any possible obstructions. Install the filter using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Katie says
Linda,
Thank you for reaching out to us. That sounds like it may be a return grille filter. There might be an eject button. If not, you may need to turn the filter to remove it. We would recommend contacting your refrigerator manufacturer first for troubleshooting information.
Joy says
Everytime we change the#2 filter in our side by side, water shoots all over from the filter department for several times.
Donna says
I have a whirlpool ED2kvexvq00 I have just replaced the filter and after a few cups of water there is a leak. HELP!!!
Linda says
The cap is missing on the filter area how do I remove filter if it is not there
Katie says
Bob,
Thank you for reaching out to us. In most cases, the water is routed from the water supply line in the wall, through a solenoid, through the filter, and then out to the dispenser and ice-maker. In this series, if the filter is defective, it will prevent water from reaching the dispenser or ice-maker. If the water dispenser and ice-maker were both operating as normal the filter should be have been performing its function as intended. We would recommend contacting the manufacturer of your refrigerator for any troubleshooting information.
Bob w says
When I Removed filter from whirlpool side by side it was empty. There is usually water in the filter when I remove old one. Should I be concerned because I use the every drop generic filter and not the Oem type. It was in fridge the whole 6 months and was being used. Is there an explanation for this ?
Katie says
Lourdes,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Please ensure there are no obstructions between the filter and the insertion point. Please ensure the filter is properly seated. We would be happy to research more specific instructions if you will confirm the part number for the filter and/or the model number to your refrigerator.
Katie says
Carol,
Thank you for reaching out to us. The filter for that model normally comes with a cap on the filter tip. Please ensure the cap is removed prior to insertion. If this does not help we would recommend contacting the refrigerator manufacturer for troubleshooting information.