How to Change a Fridge Water Filter

Changing a fridge water filter is a fairly simple process that typically doesn’t involve any tools.

It’s important to replace the refrigerator water filter every 6 months or as recommended in the owner’s manual for your fridge. Some refrigerators have a reminder light on the dispenser control panel that tells you when to replace the filter. Of course, you’ll need to replace the filter when that indicator light recommends replacement.

Here’s a rundown of how to change the most common refrigerator water filters.

How to Replace the Whirlpool EveryDrop 5 Refrigerator Water Filter EDR5RXD1

Follow these steps to replace the Whirlpool EveryDrop #5 refrigerator water filter:

1. To remove the existing Whirlpool EveryDrop 5 refrigerator water filter, twist it to the left ¼ turn (the decorative cap will be in the vertical position) and pull it out of the water filter housing.
2. Transfer the decorative cap from the old filter to the new one. (The decorative cap just slides off.)
3. Align the new filter with the decorative cap in the vertical position and push the filter into the housing until it stops. Twist the filter ¼ turn to the right to lock it in place (the decorative cap will be in the horizontal position).
4. Purge 1 gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to eliminate air in the refrigerator water lines and flush carbon dust and impurities from the filter.
5. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the dispenser control panel if your model has that feature. You’ll find instructions to reset the reminder light in the owner’s manual.

Here’s a video that illustrates how to change this fridge water filter:

The Whirlpool EveryDrop 5 water filter fits certain Whirlpool, Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, Crosley, Estate, Ikea, Inglis, Kirkland, KitchenAid, Roper, and Thermador side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators. It is sold under replacement part numbers: EDR5RXD1, 4396510, 2186444, 2200203, 2203220, 2255518, 2255519, 2255709, 4392857, 4396163, 4396164, 4396508, 4396509, 4396547, 4396548, 22032200, 4392857R, NL300 and W10141392.

How to Change the Whirlpool EveryDrop 3 Fridge Water Filter EDR3RXD1

Follow these steps to replace the Whirlpool EveryDrop #3 refrigerator water filter:

1. To remove the existing filter, push the eject button beside the filter. You may need to use the handle of a wood spoon or similar item to push the eject button if it’s hard to press in.
2. Pull the filter out of the housing.
3. Remove the decorative cap by twisting it to the left until the cap stops and ridges align then pull the cap straight off the filter.
4. Transfer the decorative cap to the new filter. Align the ridge on the cap with the arrow on the filter and push the cap onto the filter then twist the cap to the right until snaps into place.
5. Push the new filter into the housing and press it in firmly until the ejection button snaps back out and filter is locked in place.
6. Purge 1 gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to eliminate air in the refrigerator water lines and flush carbon dust and impurities from the filter.
7. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the dispenser control panel if your model has that feature. You’ll find instructions to reset the reminder light in the owner’s manual.

Here’s a video that shows how to change this fridge water filter:

The Whirlpool EveryDrop 3 water filter fits certain Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Kenmore refrigerators. It is sold under replacement part numbers: EDR3RXD1, 9083, 9920, 9953, 4396710, 4396711, 4396841, 4396842, 8212650, 4396710B, 4396841B, W10121145, W10121146, W10754687 and W10776411.

How to Change the Frigidaire ULTRAWF Fridge Water Filter

Use this procedure to replace the Frigidaire ULTRAWF refrigerator water filter:

1. Push the existing water filter firmly into the housing and then let go of the filter so it pops out slightly to release the filter.
2. Pull the existing filter out of the housing.
3. Install the new water filter by aligning the raised tab on the filter with the channel in the housing. Push the new filter firmly into the housing until the filter locks into place.
4. Purge 1 gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to eliminate air in the refrigerator water lines and flush carbon dust and impurities from the filter.
5. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the dispenser control panel if your model has that feature. You’ll find instructions to reset the reminder light in the owner’s manual.

Here’s a video that show how to change an ULTRAWF fridge water filter:

The Frigidaire ULTRAWF water filter fits select Frigidaire French door and side-by-side refrigerators made after 2008.

Water filter ULTRAWF replaces earlier filter part numbers 241791601, 242294401 and ULTRWF.

How to Replace Frigidaire Pure Source Ultra II Refrigerator Water Filter EPTWFU01

Follow these steps to replace a Frigidaire Pure Source Ultra II refrigerator water filter:

1. Grip the end of the existing filter and twist it to the left 90-degrees to release it and pull the filter out of the housing.
2. Remove the protective shrink wrap from the new filter.
3. Slide the new filter into the housing with the grip oriented horizontally. Push the filter firmly and turn it 90° to the right until it snaps into place. The grip should now be oriented vertically.
4. Purge 1 gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to eliminate air in the refrigerator water lines and flush carbon dust and impurities from the filter.
5. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the dispenser control panel if your model has that feature. You’ll find instructions to reset the reminder light in the owner’s manual.

Here’s a video that show how to change a Pure Source Ultra II refrigerator water filter EPTWFU01:

The Pure Source Ultra II refrigerator water filter EPTWFU01 fits certain Frigidaire French door refrigerators and replaces earlier filter part numbers 5304519147, 5304520985 and 807946701.

How to Replace Samsung Refrigerator Water Filters

Samsung refrigerators use 3 different types of water filters:

• HAF-CIN
• HAF-QIN
• HAF-CU1

Refer to the owner’s manual for your Samsung fridge to determine which filter your model uses.

You’ll need to use similar procedures to remove all of these types of Samsung refrigerator filters:

1. Twist the filter to the left to release it and pull it out of the housing.
2. Align the new filter and push it into the housing.
3. Twist the filter to the right to lock it in place.
4. Purge 1 gallon of water as constantly as possible through the water dispenser to eliminate air in the refrigerator water lines and flush carbon dust and impurities from the filter.
5. Reset the water filter replacement reminder light on the dispenser control panel if your model has that feature. You’ll find instructions to reset the reminder light in the owner’s manual.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace Samsung refrigerator water filter HAF-QIN:

The procedure for changing the Samsung refrigerator water filter HAF-CIN is the same. The process for replacing HAF-CU1 is similar but this filter is mounted vertically.

How to Change an LG Refrigerator Water Filter

Follow the directions in this video to replace the water filter in your LG refrigerator:

Don’t forget to purge a gallon of water through the water dispenser and reset the water filter replacement reminder light.

How to Change a GE Refrigerator Water Filter

Most GE refrigerators use either the XWFE or the MWF water filter.

How to Replace a GE XWFE water filter.

The XWFE water filter is a twist-and-remove type. Grip the filter firmly and twist it to the left to remove it. Align the new filter in the housing and rotate it to the right to lock it in place.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the XWFE filter:

How to Change the GE MWF Refrigerator Water Filter

You’ll use a similar procedure to remove the MWF water filter in your GE fridge. Here’s a video that shows the process:

Don’t forget to purge a gallon of water through the water dispenser and reset the water filter replacement reminder light in your GE fridge after replacing the filter.

Resolving Water Filter Replacement Problems

Sometimes the old water filter gets stuck, so you can’t remove it to install the new filter. This can be a frustrating problem.

Follow the expert tips in this article to free up a stuck water filter: How Do You Remove a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter?.

Here’s a video that provides practical tips for removing a stuck refrigerator water filter:

1. Wiggle the refrigerator water filter

When removing or installing the water filter, you may need to wiggle it back and forth slightly, to help loosen water seal deposits.

Wiggling the new water filter as you insert it will help align the filter as you slide it into the filter head.

2. Shut off the water supply

Water pressure exerted on the filter head can make it difficult to remove a water filter. Try shutting off the water supply valve for the refrigerator. Then run some water through the water dispenser to release water pressure at the filter head and remove the water filter.

3. Extend the water filter housing head completely

For pull-down and swing-out water filters, you may need to extend the water filter head from the housing completely before removing the filter.

4. Use only the original manufacturer replacement water filter

Inexpensive aftermarket water filters can get stuck. They can also can damage water seals and fittings in the water filter housing. Using knock-offs can also cause water leaks through damaged seals and water filter housing-fittings. Don't take chances—buy the brand-name filter that the manufacturer designed specifically to fit your refrigerator.

5. Purge water through the dispenser and then check for leaks

Purging water through the dispenser gets rid of air in the supply system that can cause leaks. Air trapped in the water lines can force water out of the dispenser. If the dispenser still drips after purging water, try purging 2 more gallons of water as constantly as possible to remove any air in the water system supply lines. If water continues to leak after purging more water, you may need to replace the inlet water valve.

If you’re unable to free up a stuck water filter or your water filter housing leaks or gets damaged, schedule refrigerator repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to shut off water to change fridge filter?

Most of the time, you can remove and replace a fridge filter without shutting off the refrigerator water supply. If the filter is difficult to remove, turn off the water supply and dispense water through the water dispenser to release water pressure in the fridge water line and then remove the filter.

Do I need to unplug fridge before changing water filter?

Most of the time, no. Follow the directions in your owner’s manual for replacing the water filter. If the owner’s manual directs you to unplug the fridge, do it. If not, you can safely replace the water filter without unplugging the fridge.

How do I know what filter I need for my fridge?

Look up the part number for the replacement water filter in your refrigerator owner’s manual. You can also look on the current filter to find the part number. Or, you can look up the replacement parts on a home appliance repair part site such as the Sears PartsDirect website (www.searspartsdirect.com).

What happens if you don't flush your fridge water filter?

Carbon dust residue from the new filter may wind up in the ice in your ice maker or in the water coming from your water dispenser. Also, air trapped in water lines inside your fridge can cause water to drip from the water dispenser.