Most fridge water filters unscrew by hand or slide straight out
Replacing a refrigerator water filter takes about five minutes and requires no tools. The filter either screws out counterclockwise from its housing, or slides out of a cartridge on the fridge door or inside the unit. Your owner's manual shows which type you have, but you can also look at the filter itself — if it has a threaded base, it screws; if it has a flat plastic head, it slides.
The hardest part is finding where the filter lives. Most commonly it sits in the base grille at the bottom front of the fridge, inside the door, or in a compartment at the back of the fridge interior. Open your manual or search the manufacturer's website for your exact model number — it is printed on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall or ceiling. The manual will show you a diagram and tell you how often to change it, which is usually every six months.
Key Takeaways
- Locate your filter by checking your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website using your model number, which is on a sticker inside the fridge.
- Screw-in filters turn counterclockwise by hand; slide-out filters pull straight out or twist a quarter turn before pulling.
- Turn off the water supply or let the water run for 30 seconds before you remove the old filter to clear the line.
- Install the new filter by reversing the removal steps, then run water through the dispenser for two minutes to flush air and set up the filter.
- Most filters need replacement every six months, though heavy use or poor water quality may require more frequent changes.
Locate the water supply shutoff before you start
Before you touch the filter, know where to stop the water if something leaks. Most fridges have a small shutoff valve behind or underneath the unit where the water line enters. It looks like a small knob or lever on a thin copper or plastic tube. Turn it clockwise to close it, or flip the lever perpendicular to the line.
If you cannot find a shutoff valve at the fridge, the main water shutoff for your house is usually in the basement, crawlspace, or under the kitchen sink. Knowing this ahead of time means you will not be standing in a puddle looking for it. You do not need to shut off the water to change the filter — just have a plan in case a connection leaks when you remove the old one.
Remove the old filter step by step
For a screw-in filter: locate the filter housing, place a small bowl or towel underneath it to catch drips, and turn the filter counterclockwise by hand. It will loosen after a half turn or so. Keep turning until it comes free. A small amount of water will spill — this is normal.
For a slide-out filter: look for a release button or lever near the filter cartridge. Press it and pull the filter straight out, or twist it a quarter turn counterclockwise and then pull. Again, have a towel ready. Some models require you to push a button on top of the filter head while pulling down; your manual will show which.
After you remove the old filter, wipe the filter housing or cartridge with a clean cloth to remove any debris or sediment inside. This keeps particles out of your new filter.
Install the new filter and flush the line
For a screw-in filter: remove the new filter from its packaging and check that the rubber gasket (the ring at the base) is clean and seated properly. Screw it into the housing by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten it firmly but do not force it — you should feel it seat snugly after about three-quarters of a turn past hand-tight.
For a slide-out filter: insert the new filter into the cartridge, making sure it seats all the way. If it twists, turn it clockwise until you hear or feel a click. Push or slide it in until the release button or lever clicks into place.
Once the new filter is installed, run water through the dispenser for two minutes without stopping. This flushes air out of the line and activates the filter media. The water may look cloudy or taste slightly off for the first few glasses — this is normal and clears within a day.
What to do if water leaks during removal
A small drip when you unscrew or pull out the old filter is expected. If water sprays or flows steadily, close the shutoff valve behind the fridge when ready. Wait a few minutes for pressure to release, then try again.
If the leak continues after you install the new filter, the rubber gasket may not be seated correctly. Turn off the water, remove the new filter, and inspect the gasket for cracks or dirt. Clean the gasket and the housing, then reinstall. If it still leaks, the housing itself may be cracked — contact the manufacturer for a replacement part.
Replacement schedule and filter type
Most manufacturers recommend changing the filter every six months. If you have a large household, use the ice maker frequently, or have hard water, change it every three to four months instead. Some fridges have a filter indicator light that turns on when replacement is due — check your manual to see if yours does.
Buy replacement filters from the manufacturer, a big-box retailer, or an online seller. The filter must match your exact model number. A generic or off-brand filter may fit but could reduce water pressure or filtration quality. The cost is usually between $25 and $60 per filter, depending on the brand and model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the fridge without a water filter?
Yes, but you should not for long. Most fridges have a bypass plug you can install if the filter is missing, which lets water flow to the dispenser and ice maker without filtration. Check your manual for where it is. Using the fridge without a filter or bypass plug can damage the water line or dispenser.
What if I cannot find the filter?
Search the manufacturer's website for your model number and the words "water filter location" or "filter replacement." Most brands have a short video showing exactly where the filter sits. If the website does not help, call the manufacturer's customer service line — the number is in your manual or on their website.
Why is my water pressure low after I replace the filter?
A new filter is tighter than an old one and restricts flow slightly for the first few hours. Run water for two to three minutes after installation. If pressure stays low after a day, the filter may be installed backward or the old filter was not fully removed. Turn off the water, remove the filter, and check that nothing is blocking the housing.
Do I need to turn off the ice maker before changing the filter?
No, but it is a good idea to let the ice maker cycle once or twice after you install the new filter so it makes fresh ice. The first batch may taste slightly off because the filter is still activating.
What should I do with the old filter?
Most water filters can go in the regular trash. Some communities have recycling programs for plastic filters — check your local waste management website. Do not pour the old filter down the drain or compost it.