Most refrigerator water filters screw or slide into a housing under the sink, inside the fridge, or on the back wall—and you replace them by turning or pulling the old one out and twisting or sliding the new one in

The exact steps depend on where your filter lives and what kind of connection it uses. Some filters are held in a cylindrical housing that you turn counterclockwise to remove; others slide straight out of a cartridge slot. Before you start, locate your filter—check your refrigerator's manual or look for a small plastic housing with a blue or white cartridge inside. You will need to know the filter model number, which is printed on the old cartridge or in your manual, so you can buy the correct replacement.

The whole job takes about five minutes and requires no tools beyond your hands. The most common mistake is not turning off the water supply first, which can cause a small leak or spray when you disconnect the old filter. A second mistake is installing the new filter without flushing it, which lets air and loose carbon particles into your water lines.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off the water supply to your refrigerator before removing the old filter to prevent leaks or spraying water.
  • Locate your filter by checking your refrigerator manual or looking for a cylindrical housing under the sink, inside the fridge, or on the back wall.
  • Write down or photograph your filter model number before you remove the old one so you can order the exact replacement.
  • After installing the new filter, run water through it for 3 to 5 minutes to flush out air and carbon dust before using it for drinking or ice.

Locate the water shut-off valve and turn it off

Your refrigerator's water supply line connects to a shut-off valve, usually located under the kitchen sink in the cabinet, behind the refrigerator, or on the wall behind it. Look for a small knob or lever on a thin copper or plastic line. Turn it clockwise (or pull the lever toward you if it is a ball valve) until it stops. You should feel resistance but do not force it—a gentle, firm turn is enough.

If you cannot find the valve or it will not turn, you can shut off the main water supply to your house instead, but that takes longer. The refrigerator shut-off valve is faster and safer because it isolates only the fridge, not your whole house. If the valve is stuck or leaking, note it now—you may need to replace it later, but that is a separate job.

Find your filter and note the model number

Open your refrigerator and look for a cylindrical cartridge, usually white or blue, in one of three places: inside the fridge (often in the upper right corner or on the back wall), under the sink in a housing below the counter, or on the back of the refrigerator itself. The cartridge will have a label with a model number printed on it—something like "DA29-00003G" or "4396508"—or the number may be on the plastic housing around it.

Take a photo of the model number or write it down. If you cannot read the label on the old filter, check your refrigerator's manual (search the brand and model online if you do not have the paper copy) or call the manufacturer with your fridge's serial number. Buying the wrong filter is the most expensive mistake in this job, so spend 30 seconds confirming the number before you order.

Remove the old filter by turning or sliding it out

If your filter is in a cylindrical housing (the most common type), grip the cartridge firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn until you feel it release. Pull it straight out toward you. A small amount of water may drip—this is normal. Have a towel or small bowl ready to catch it.

If your filter slides into a slot rather than screws in, push it in slightly first to release the catch, then pull it straight out. Do not force it in either direction. Once the old filter is out, look inside the housing. If you see any debris or sediment, wipe the inside of the housing with a clean, damp cloth before installing the new filter.

Install the new filter and run water through it

Remove the new filter from its packaging and check that the rubber seals (gaskets) on the top and bottom are in place and not cracked. If your filter came with a protective cap, remove it now. For a screw-in filter, align it with the housing and turn it clockwise by hand until it is snug—you should feel it seat firmly, but do not over-tighten. For a slide-in filter, insert it straight into the slot until you hear or feel a click.

Turn the water shut-off valve back on by turning the knob counterclockwise (or pulling the lever away from you). Water should flow into the housing. Let it run for 3 to 5 minutes—either through the dispenser on the fridge door or by running the ice maker—to flush out air and loose carbon particles. The water may look slightly cloudy or gray at first; this is normal and will clear. Do not use the water for drinking or ice until you have flushed it.

Check for leaks around the filter housing

After you have flushed the filter, inspect the connection where the filter meets the housing. Look for any drips or wet spots. If water is leaking, turn off the shut-off valve and remove the filter. Check that the rubber seals are seated correctly and that there is no debris in the housing. Reinstall the filter, making sure it is tight but not forced, and turn the water back on.

A small drip that stops after a few seconds is usually just residual water and is not a problem. If water continues to drip after 10 minutes, the seal may be damaged or the filter may not be seated correctly. Turn off the water, remove the filter, and inspect both the seals on the filter and the inside of the housing for cracks or debris.

Know when to replace your filter next

Most refrigerator filters are rated for 6 months or 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder for six months from today. Some refrigerators have a filter-change light on the display panel that will turn on or flash when it is time; check your manual to see if yours does. If the light comes on before six months, the filter may be clogged, which means you should replace it early.

If your water tastes off, smells like chlorine, or the ice maker slows down, the filter may be clogged even if six months have not passed. Replace it early in that case. Keeping a spare filter in your cabinet means you will not have to wait for delivery when you need to change it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if water leaks when I remove the old filter?

A small amount of water in the line is normal. Have a towel ready and let it drip into a bowl. If water sprays out, you did not turn off the shut-off valve completely. Turn it off now and wait a minute for the pressure to release before removing the filter again.

Can I use a generic or off-brand filter instead of the manufacturer's?

Yes. Many third-party filters work well and cost less than the brand-name version. Make sure the model number matches your refrigerator exactly. Read reviews from other users with your fridge model before you buy, because fit and water quality can vary between brands.

Why does my water look cloudy after I install a new filter?

Air trapped in the new filter creates tiny bubbles that make water look gray or cloudy. This clears after you run water through the filter for 3 to 5 minutes. If the water is still cloudy after 10 minutes, run it longer or check that the filter is installed correctly.

Do I need to turn off the water supply if I am just replacing the filter?

Yes. Even though you are not disconnecting the water line itself, turning off the valve prevents pressure from building up and water from spraying when you remove the old filter. It takes 10 seconds and prevents a mess.

What should I do with the old filter?

Most water filters can go in the recycling bin or regular trash. Some manufacturers take back old filters for recycling—check the packaging or the brand's website. Do not pour the old filter down the drain or leave it sitting; dispose of it the same day you replace it.