Most refrigerator water filters take less than five minutes to swap out, and you do not need tools or special knowledge

Replacing a refrigerator water filter is one of the simplest maintenance tasks you can do yourself. The filter sits in one of three places — inside the fridge (usually in the upper corner or on the back wall), underneath the sink cabinet, or in a housing unit mounted to the wall or under the counter — and swaps out by twisting or sliding it out and pushing a new one in. No tools required. The whole job takes about five minutes once you have the replacement filter in hand.

The hardest part is knowing which filter model your refrigerator needs. Filters are not universal. A filter made for a Samsung will not fit a LG, and a filter for a 2015 model may not work in a 2020 model of the same brand. You need the exact part number before you buy a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your refrigerator's model number on the sticker inside the fridge (usually on the wall or ceiling) or on the back, then search that number plus "water filter" to find the correct replacement part.
  • The filter location is either inside the fridge (upper corner or back wall), under the sink, or in a wall-mounted housing — check your manual or look at the water line running from the fridge to find it.
  • Before you remove the old filter, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator using the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the fridge, or the filter will spray water when you pull it out.
  • After installing the new filter, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush out air and carbon dust, then check under the sink for leaks before you push the fridge back into place.

Find Your Refrigerator Model Number and the Right Filter

Open your refrigerator and look for a sticker on the inside wall, ceiling, or side wall. That sticker holds your model number — it looks like a string of letters and numbers, often starting with the brand name. Write it down or take a photo. If you cannot find it inside, check the back of the fridge or the side wall on the outside.

Once you have the model number, search online for "[your model number] water filter" or "[your brand] water filter [model number]". The search results will show you the exact part number you need. You can order from the manufacturer's website, a big-box appliance retailer, or an online marketplace. Filters typically cost between $30 and $80 depending on the brand and whether you buy directly from the manufacturer or a third party.

Do not guess or buy a filter that looks similar. A filter that does not fit properly will either not seal correctly (and your water will taste like tap water) or will not fit at all and you will waste money.

Locate the Water Filter in Your Refrigerator

Water filters live in one of three places. The most common location is inside the fridge — usually in the upper corner (often the upper right) or on the back wall near the top. You will see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, sometimes with a plastic housing around it. The second location is under the sink, where the water line from the fridge connects to your home's water supply. The filter sits in a housing unit between the shut-off valve and the line going up to the fridge. The third location is a wall-mounted or under-counter housing — a small white or clear plastic box mounted on the wall or tucked under the counter near where the water line enters the fridge.

If you are not sure where yours is, follow the water line. It starts at the back of the fridge and runs to either the cabinet below or up the wall. The filter will be somewhere along that line. Your refrigerator's manual will also show you the exact location — if you do not have the physical manual, search "[your model number] manual" online and read the PDF.

Turn Off the Water Supply Before You Remove the Old Filter

This step prevents water from spraying everywhere when you pull out the old filter. Look under your sink for a small valve on the cold water line — it will have a small handle or knob. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If your filter is mounted on the wall or under the counter away from the sink, look for a shut-off valve near the filter housing itself, or trace the water line back to the main shut-off under the sink.

If you cannot find a shut-off valve, you can still replace the filter, but have towels ready and work quickly. The water will drip or spray for a few seconds when you remove the old filter.

Once the water is off, open the refrigerator's water dispenser and press it for a few seconds to release any pressure in the line. This makes the job cleaner.

Remove the Old Filter and Install the New One

The removal method depends on where your filter is located. For filters inside the fridge: Locate the filter cartridge, grip it firmly, and twist it counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops, then pull it straight out toward you. Some filters slide out instead of twist — if twisting does not work after a quarter turn, try pulling straight out. For filters under the sink or in a wall-mounted housing: The filter cartridge will have a plastic housing around it. Grip the housing with both hands and twist counterclockwise, or look for a release button or lever on the housing and press it while pulling the cartridge down or out.

Once the old filter is out, look at the rubber gasket (the black or clear rubber ring) on the new filter. If it is dry, wet it slightly under the tap — a damp gasket seals better. Align the new filter with the opening and push it in, then twist clockwise (to the right) until it stops. Do not over-tighten; stop when you feel resistance. For slide-in filters, push straight in until you hear or feel a click.

Turn the Water Back On and Flush the New Filter

Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water flow. You will hear the line fill up. Open the refrigerator's water dispenser and let water run for 30 seconds. This flushes out air bubbles and carbon dust from the new filter. The water may look slightly gray or cloudy at first — that is normal and will clear after a few seconds of running.

Check under the sink or around the filter housing for drips or leaks. A small drip at the connection point usually means the gasket did not seal properly — turn off the water, remove the filter, wet the gasket again, and reinstall it. If water is leaking from the housing itself, the housing may be cracked and will need to be replaced.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

If you cannot find the shut-off valve, the old filter will not come out after gentle twisting, or water leaks from the housing after you have reinstalled the filter, stop and call a plumber. Forcing a stuck filter can crack the housing or the line. A plumber can also install a shut-off valve if your fridge line does not have one, which makes future filter changes much easier.

If your refrigerator has an in-line filter (one that sits between the wall and the fridge connection), you may need a special wrench to loosen the housing. A plumber will have the right tool and can do it in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my refrigerator water filter?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every six months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If you have hard water or use the dispenser heavily, you may need to replace it more often. Many filters have a small indicator window that turns color when the filter is exhausted — check yours monthly.

What happens if I do not replace the filter?

A clogged filter stops water from flowing to the dispenser and ice maker, or water flows very slowly. The water may also taste bad or smell like old carbon. A very old filter can harbor bacteria, though this is rare in modern refrigerators. Replacing it on schedule keeps your water tasting fresh and your ice maker working properly.

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

Yes. Third-party filters made for your model number work just as well as brand-name filters and often cost less. Look for filters that match your exact model number and check the reviews. Avoid filters with no reviews or unclear compatibility information.

My water dispenser is not working after I installed the new filter. What do I do?

First, make sure the water shut-off valve is fully open. Second, run water through the dispenser for a full minute to flush out air. If water still will not flow, the filter may be installed backward or not fully seated — remove it and reinstall it, making sure it clicks or stops when twisted. If it still does not work, the dispenser may have a separate issue unrelated to the filter.

Is it normal for water to leak a little when I first turn the water back on?

A few drops at the connection point are normal as the line fills. If water continues to drip after 30 seconds, turn off the water, remove the filter, and check that the rubber gasket is seated properly in the groove. Reinstall and try again. Steady leaking means the gasket is damaged or the housing is cracked.