Most fridge water filters twist or slide out, take less than five minutes to swap, and cost $20 to $60

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is one of the easiest home maintenance tasks you can do yourself. The filter either twists counterclockwise out of its housing or slides straight out of a cartridge—there are no tools, no water shutoff valves to touch, and no special knowledge required. The whole job takes about five minutes. You buy a replacement filter that matches your fridge's make and model, swap the old one for the new one, and run water through it for 30 seconds to clear the air.

The hardest part is usually finding out which filter your fridge uses. Manufacturers use different part numbers for the same physical filter, and buying the wrong one means a wasted trip. This guide walks you through locating your filter, finding the right replacement, and installing it correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your fridge's model number is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the back wall or under a shelf, and you need it to order the correct filter.
  • Filters either twist counterclockwise out of a cylindrical housing or slide straight out of a cartridge mounted under the sink or inside the fridge.
  • Replacement filters cost between $20 and $60 depending on the brand and model, and you can buy them from the manufacturer, big-box retailers, or online.
  • After you install a new filter, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush out air and carbon dust before drinking.
  • Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every six months, though this depends on your water quality and how much water you use.

Finding your fridge's model number and filter type

Open your refrigerator and look for a white or silver sticker with printed text. It is usually on the back wall, on the side wall, or under the top shelf. Write down the full model number—it often starts with letters like "RF" or "RS" followed by numbers. Take a photo of the sticker with your phone so you have it handy when you shop.

Next, locate the filter itself. It is either mounted inside the fridge (usually in the upper right corner or in a corner of the back wall) or under the kitchen sink. If it is inside the fridge, you will see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, or a smaller rectangular filter in a plastic housing. If it is under the sink, you will see a white or clear plastic cartridge screwed into a housing mounted on the cold-water line. Once you know where it is and what it looks like, you are ready to order a replacement.

Ordering the correct replacement filter

Go to the manufacturer's website—Samsung, LG, GE, Whirlpool, and others all have parts sections—and enter your model number in their parts finder. The website will show you the exact filter part number and usually let you order it directly. Alternatively, search for your model number plus the word "water filter" on Amazon, Lowe's, or Home Depot. You will see several results; make sure the part number matches what you found on the manufacturer's site.

Some retailers sell generic or third-party filters that fit the same housing but cost less than the brand-name version. These work fine for most people, but if your fridge has a filter-status light that monitors cartridge life, a third-party filter may not trigger the light correctly. If cost is your main concern, a third-party filter is safe; if you want the light to work as designed, buy the manufacturer's version.

Removing the old filter

If your filter is inside the fridge, open the door and locate the cartridge. Most twist out: grip it firmly with both hands and turn counterclockwise until it stops, then pull it straight out. Some slide out: grip the cartridge and pull it straight toward you. If it does not move easily, do not force it—check whether there is a release button or lever you need to press first. Once the old filter is out, set it aside.

If your filter is under the sink, turn off the water supply to the fridge first. Look under the sink for the cold-water line running to the fridge and locate the shutoff valve on that line—it is a small knob or lever. Turn it clockwise (or flip the lever) until it stops. Then locate the filter housing, which looks like a white plastic cylinder screwed onto the water line. Grip the housing firmly and turn it counterclockwise by hand until it comes free. Water may drip out, so have a towel ready.

Installing the new filter

Before you install the new filter, check whether it came with a protective cap or seal. Some filters ship with a plastic cap on the inlet end to keep dust out during shipping. If yours has one, twist or peel it off and discard it. Do not install the filter with the cap on.

If your filter twists in, align the cartridge with the housing and push it in gently, then turn it clockwise until it stops. You should feel it seat firmly, but do not over-tighten—hand-tight is enough. If your filter slides in, straightforward push it straight into the housing until you hear or feel a click. If your filter screws onto a water line under the sink, hand-tighten it clockwise until it is snug, then turn the water shutoff valve back on by turning the knob counterclockwise (or flipping the lever).

Flushing the new filter and checking for leaks

Once the new filter is installed, run water through the dispenser for about 30 seconds. This flushes out air trapped in the filter and removes loose carbon dust that can make the water taste odd for the first few uses. If your fridge has an ice maker, run a few ice cycles as well to clear the line.

If you installed the filter under the sink, check the connection where the filter screws onto the water line. Look for drips or moisture. If you see water leaking, turn off the water shutoff valve, unscrew the filter slightly, and hand-tighten it again. Turn the water back on and check again. If it still leaks, the filter may be defective—contact the retailer for a replacement.

Resetting the filter-status light

Many fridges have a light or message on the display that reminds you when the filter is due for replacement. After you install a new filter, you may need to reset this light so it does not stay on. The reset method varies by brand. On Samsung fridges, hold the "Ice Type" and "Lighting" buttons together for three seconds. On LG fridges, press and hold the "Filter" button for three seconds. On GE and Whirlpool fridges, look for a reset button on the filter housing itself, or check the owner's manual for the exact steps.

If you cannot find the reset button or your fridge does not have one, the light will turn off on its own after a certain amount of water has run through the new filter. This usually takes a few days of normal use. Some older models do not have a status light at all, so there is nothing to reset.

When to call a plumber

If water leaks from under the sink after you install the filter and hand-tightening does not stop it, the filter housing or water line may be damaged. If the filter will not twist or slide out no matter how gently you try, it may be stuck—do not force it, as you could crack the housing. In either case, a plumber can remove the stuck filter or repair the housing without much cost or delay.

For most people, though, a straightforward filter swap is a quick, painless job that takes no more than five minutes and requires nothing but the new filter itself. If you run into trouble, a professional can help, but the vast majority of replacements go smoothly on the first try.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my fridge water filter?

Most manufacturers recommend every six months, but this depends on how much water you use and your local water quality. If you use the dispenser and ice maker heavily, you may need to replace it more often. If you use it lightly, it may last longer. Many filters have a status light that tells you when replacement is due—that is the most reliable guide.

Can I use a generic or third-party filter instead of the brand-name one?

Yes, generic filters work fine and often cost less. They fit the same housing and filter the water just as well. The main downside is that a filter-status light may not recognize a third-party cartridge, so the light might not turn on when the filter is actually due for replacement. If that does not bother you, a generic filter is a safe choice.

What if water tastes odd after I install a new filter?

This is normal and usually goes away after a day or two. New filters contain loose carbon dust that can affect taste. Run water through the dispenser for 30 to 60 seconds right after installation, and run a few ice cycles. If the taste does not improve after a couple of days, the filter may be defective—contact the retailer for a replacement.

Do I need to turn off the water before replacing a filter inside the fridge?

No. Filters inside the fridge are designed to be removed without shutting off the water. You may see a small amount of water drip out when you remove the old filter, but this is normal and harmless. Have a towel handy to catch it. Only turn off the water if your filter is mounted under the sink on the cold-water line.

What should I do with the old filter?

Most water filters can go in your regular trash. Some communities have recycling programs for water filters—check your local waste management website to see if yours does. Do not pour the old filter down the drain or compost it.