Install the filter by turning off the water supply, locating the filter housing under your sink or inside the refrigerator, unscrewing the old cartridge, inserting the new one, and running water through it for five minutes
Samsung water filters screw into a housing that connects to your water line. The housing location depends on your model—under-sink systems have it mounted to the cabinet wall, while refrigerator filters sit inside a compartment on the fridge wall or in the base. The entire installation takes about ten minutes and requires no tools beyond your hands.
Before you start, locate your filter model number on the old cartridge or in your product manual. Samsung filters are model-specific, and using the wrong one can reduce water pressure or let contaminants through. You can find the correct replacement by searching your refrigerator or faucet model number on Samsung's website or checking the packaging of your current filter.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve before removing any filter to prevent water from spraying into your cabinet or fridge.
- Locate the filter housing—under the sink for faucet systems, inside the fridge compartment for refrigerator filters—and note which direction the cartridge screws in.
- Soak the new filter's rubber gasket in water for ten seconds before installation to create a watertight seal.
- Run water through the new filter for five minutes after installation to flush out carbon dust and set up the filter media.
- Mark your calendar three, six, or twelve months ahead depending on your filter's rated lifespan so you remember when to replace it.
Locate the water shut-off valve and turn it clockwise
Find the shut-off valve before you touch the filter. For under-sink systems, look at the pipes below the sink—you will see a small oval handle on the cold water line. Turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. For refrigerator filters, locate the shut-off valve on the water line that feeds into the back of the fridge, usually behind the fridge or in a nearby cabinet.
If you cannot find a shut-off valve, turn off the main water supply to your house. This is usually a lever or knob near your water meter in the basement, garage, or outside. Turning off the main supply takes longer but ensures no water flows while you work. Once the valve is closed, open the nearest faucet to release pressure in the line—this prevents water from spraying when you unscrew the old filter.
Unscrew the old filter cartridge by hand
Grip the filter housing with one hand and the cartridge with the other. Turn the cartridge counterclockwise (to the left) slowly. Water may drip out, so place a towel or shallow bowl underneath to catch it. Keep turning until the cartridge comes free—it usually takes three to five full rotations.
Once the old cartridge is out, look inside the housing. You will see a rubber gasket (a flat ring) at the base. If it stayed on the old cartridge, remove it and set it aside. If it is stuck inside the housing, leave it there—you will replace it with the gasket from the new filter. Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean, damp cloth to remove any loose carbon particles or sediment.
Soak the new filter's gasket and insert it into the housing
Remove the new filter from its packaging and locate the rubber gasket at the bottom. Soak this gasket in clean water for ten seconds—this softens it and helps create a tight seal. While the gasket soaks, remove any old gasket still inside the housing and discard it.
Insert the new gasket into the base of the housing, pressing it down gently until it sits flat. The gasket should fit snugly in the groove at the bottom. If it does not sit flat, remove it, dry it, and try again. A gasket that is not seated properly will cause water to leak around the cartridge.
Screw the new cartridge in until it stops
Hold the new filter cartridge and align it with the opening in the housing. Push it in straight, then turn it clockwise (to the right) by hand. You will feel resistance as the threads catch—keep turning steadily. Stop when the cartridge is snug and will not turn further. Do not use a wrench or pliers; hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can crack the cartridge or damage the housing.
Once the cartridge is seated, turn the water shut-off valve counterclockwise (to the left) to restore water flow. Open the nearest faucet and let water run for a few seconds to confirm the valve is fully open. Check under the sink or around the filter housing for drips. A small amount of water may seep for a few seconds as the gasket settles—this is normal. If water continues to drip after thirty seconds, turn off the water and reseat the cartridge.
Run water through the filter for five minutes to flush it
For under-sink systems, turn on the filtered water faucet and let it run for five minutes. The water may appear cloudy or slightly gray at first—this is carbon dust from the filter media and is harmless. Keep the water running until it runs clear. For refrigerator filters, fill a pitcher or glass from the water dispenser and discard the first few glasses of water. Continue dispensing water for five minutes total.
This flushing step activates the filter and removes manufacturing residue. Skipping it can leave your water tasting or smelling like carbon for the first few uses. After five minutes, your filter is ready to use. The water should taste and smell normal. If it still tastes off after an hour of use, turn off the water and check that the cartridge is screwed in all the way.
Mark when to replace the filter based on its rated lifespan
Samsung filters are rated for different lifespans depending on the model. Most last three, six, or twelve months. Check the packaging or your product manual for the rated lifespan. Write the replacement date on a piece of tape and stick it to the filter housing, or set a phone reminder for three months before the date.
Water quality and household usage affect how quickly a filter clogs. If you have high sediment in your water or a large household, your filter may need replacement sooner than the rated lifespan. Signs that a filter is failing include reduced water pressure, cloudy water, or water that tastes or smells bad again. If you notice any of these, replace the filter even if the rated time has not passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if water leaks from under the filter after I install it?
Turn off the water when ready and let it drain. Unscrew the cartridge and check that the rubber gasket is seated flat in the groove at the base of the housing. If the gasket is crooked or missing, reseat it or replace it with a new one. Screw the cartridge back in by hand until snug—not tight. Turn the water back on and watch for leaks for one minute.
Can I use a non-Samsung filter in my Samsung system?
No. Non-Samsung filters may not fit properly, can reduce water pressure, or may not filter contaminants correctly. Always use a filter designed for your specific Samsung model. You can find the correct filter by searching your model number on Samsung's website or checking the old filter's packaging.
How do I know which direction to turn the cartridge?
Turn counterclockwise (left) to remove the old filter and clockwise (right) to install the new one. This is the standard for most threaded cartridges. If the cartridge does not turn in either direction, stop and check that you are gripping the housing, not the cartridge, with your other hand.
What if I cannot find the water shut-off valve?
Look for a small oval handle on the cold water pipe under the sink or behind the refrigerator. If you still cannot find it, turn off the main water supply to your house at the meter or main shut-off valve. This is usually in the basement, garage, or outside near the street. Once the main supply is off, open a faucet to release pressure before removing the filter.
Is the cloudy water after filter installation safe to drink?
Yes. The cloudiness is carbon dust from the filter media and is not harmful. Continue running water through the filter for five minutes until it runs clear. After that, the water is safe to drink and use normally.