Where Your LG Water Filter Sits and How to Access It

Most LG refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, or in the base grille at the bottom front. Open your fridge and look at the top right wall—if you see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can with a blue or white plastic housing, that is an internal filter. If not, crouch down and look at the front grille panel at floor level; you will see a round filter head there. The location matters because the removal steps are slightly different, but both take less than five minutes.

Before you start, turn off the ice maker if your model has one. This prevents water from trying to flow while you are working. You do not need to unplug the fridge or turn it off entirely—just the ice maker switch, which is usually a lever or button on the side wall of the freezer compartment.

Key Takeaways

  • LG water filters are located either in the upper right corner inside the fridge or in the base grille at the bottom front, and you can identify which by looking at your model number in the owner's manual or on LG's website.
  • The filter cartridge twists counterclockwise to remove and clockwise to install, and you should turn off the ice maker before starting.
  • After installing a new filter, run water through the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to flush out air and carbon dust before drinking or using ice.
  • LG filter model numbers start with ADQ (internal filters) or LT (base filters), and buying the exact model number ensures the cartridge fits and seals properly.
  • If water leaks around the filter head after installation, the cartridge may not be seated fully, and a quarter-turn tighter usually stops it.

Removing the Old Filter Cartridge

For an internal filter in the upper right corner: locate the blue or white cylindrical cartridge. You will see a small button or lever on the cartridge housing. Press or pull that button while twisting the cartridge counterclockwise about a quarter turn. The cartridge will release and slide out toward you. Some water will drip—place a small cup or towel underneath to catch it.

For a base grille filter: open the front grille panel by pressing the clips on either side or unscrewing the panel, depending on your model. You will see a round filter head with a blue or white cartridge inside. Grip the cartridge firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It will release and pull straight out. Again, a small amount of water will drip, so have a towel ready.

Do not force the cartridge. If it does not turn easily, you may be turning the wrong direction or gripping a different part. Check your owner's manual or the LG website for a photo of your exact model.

Installing the New Filter

Before opening the new cartridge, check that the model number on the box matches your fridge. LG internal filters usually start with ADQ (for example, ADQ73613402). Base filters usually start with LT (for example, LT120F). The wrong model will not fit or will not seal properly.

Remove the new cartridge from the box and check the rubber gasket—the flat ring of rubber around the top or bottom of the cartridge. Make sure it is clean and not cracked. If it looks dry, you can lightly dampen it with a drop of water to help the seal, but do not soak it.

Slide the new cartridge into the housing (for internal filters) or insert it into the base filter head (for base filters). Align it so the cartridge sits straight, then turn it clockwise slowly until you feel resistance. You will hear or feel a small click when it locks. Do not over-tighten—a firm quarter turn is enough. If you force it past the click, you can crack the cartridge.

Flushing the New Filter Before Use

After the new cartridge is installed, turn the ice maker back on. Then go to the water dispenser on the door and run water for 2 to 3 minutes straight into a sink or bucket. This flushes out air trapped in the filter and removes loose carbon dust from the cartridge manufacturing process. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first—that is normal and will clear.

After flushing, make a few ice cubes and throw them away. This ensures the ice maker line is also flushed. Then you can use the water and ice normally.

Checking for Leaks and Common Problems

Once the filter is installed and flushed, look underneath the fridge and around the filter housing for drips. A small amount of water on the floor right after installation is normal, but steady dripping means the cartridge is not sealed. The most common cause is that the cartridge is not turned far enough clockwise. Try turning it another quarter turn and check again in a few minutes.

If water still leaks after a second quarter turn, the rubber gasket may be damaged or the cartridge may be the wrong model. Remove it, inspect the gasket, and check the model number against your fridge's manual. If the gasket looks cracked or the model is wrong, order the correct cartridge and try again.

If the water dispenser runs very slowly or not at all after you install the new filter, the cartridge may be installed backward or the filter may be clogged. Remove it and check that you inserted it the correct direction (the manual will show this). If direction is correct, the cartridge itself may be defective—this is rare but happens occasionally. Contact LG or your retailer for a replacement.

Finding the Right Replacement Filter for Your Model

LG makes different filters for different refrigerator models, and using the wrong one will cause leaks or poor water flow. The easiest way to find the right filter is to look at your fridge's model number, which is usually on a sticker inside the fridge on the side wall or on the back of the unit. Write down the full model number (it will be something like LRMVS3006S).

Go to LG's official website, enter your model number in the search box, and navigate to the parts section. The correct water filter will be listed there with its part number. You can also call LG customer service with your model number and they will tell you the exact filter you need. Buying from LG directly, from a major retailer like Best Buy or Lowe's, or from a certified parts supplier ensures you get the genuine cartridge.

When to Replace Your Filter

LG recommends replacing the water filter every 6 months under normal use, though this varies based on your water quality and how much water you use. If your water comes from a well or is very hard, you may need to replace it more often. If you notice the water dispenser slowing down, the water tasting off, or the ice cubes looking cloudy, those are signs the filter needs replacing even if it has not been 6 months.

Some LG models have a filter status light on the control panel that turns red or orange when the filter is due. Check your owner's manual to see if yours has this feature. If it does, replace the filter when the light changes color rather than waiting for a calendar date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party or off-brand filter instead of an LG filter?

Third-party filters that match your LG model number will usually work, but they may not fit as tightly or filter as effectively as genuine LG cartridges. If you choose a third-party filter, buy from a reputable supplier and check the reviews for your specific model to make sure others have had good results. Leaking is more common with poor-quality third-party filters.

What do I do if the filter is stuck and will not turn?

Do not force it—you can crack the cartridge or damage the housing. Try wrapping a dry cloth around the cartridge for better grip and turning slowly. If it still will not budge, let it sit for 15 minutes and try again. If it remains stuck, contact LG support or a local appliance repair technician rather than forcing it.

Is the water safe to drink right after I install a new filter?

Yes, after you have flushed the filter for 2 to 3 minutes as described above. The flushing removes manufacturing dust and air. If you skip the flushing step, the water is still safe but may taste slightly of carbon. Flushing takes only a few minutes and improves the taste noticeably.

Why is water leaking from under my fridge after I installed the new filter?

The cartridge is probably not seated fully. Remove it, inspect the rubber gasket for damage, and reinstall it, turning clockwise until you feel the click. Turn it another quarter turn and wait 10 minutes to see if the leak stops. If it continues, the gasket may be cracked or the model number may be wrong.

Do I need to turn off the water supply before replacing the filter?

No. LG filters have a shut-off valve built into the cartridge, so water stops flowing when you remove it. You do not need to turn off the main water supply or unplug the fridge. Just turn off the ice maker to prevent it from trying to cycle while you work.