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Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Guide

mediumHome Repair1 hr

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for replacing a refrigerator water filter to ensure your drinking water remains clean and fresh. Designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, it teaches you how to properly disconnect old lines and install a new inline filter using essential tools and materials.

Safety Warnings

  • Turn off the water supply before starting to prevent high-pressure spraying and flooding.

Tools Needed

Grip pliers — adjustable 8-inch
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Scissors — standard
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Materials

Inline water filter — 1-year or 5-year model(1)
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Teflon tape — standard plumbing tape(1 roll)
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PEX water lines — with built-in flares(as needed)
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Zip ties — standard(2-4)
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Steps

1
Locate the water shut-off valve for the refrigerator. This may be at the unit itself or located elsewhere in the house, such as under a sink or in the basement. Turn the water off completely.
2
Disconnect the existing water line. Place a towel under the connection and bleed the line into a bucket to catch any residual water.
3
Prepare the new filter for installation. If using a filter with plastic fittings, wrap the copper piece with teflon tape, ensuring it is as flat as possible and not too bulky, to create a secure seal.
Copper fitting Teflon tape Filter housing Wrap tightly Wrap teflon tape around the copper fitting to ensure a watertight seal.
4
Mount the filter to the back of the refrigerator using adhesive stickies or zip ties. Ensure the filter is securely attached and not dropping to the floor.
Fridge back Filter housing Zip tie Secure tightly Press to wall Mount the filter to the back of the fridge so it does not sag.
5
Connect the water lines to the filter. Pay close attention to the flow arrow on the filter housing; the water must flow in the direction indicated by the arrow. Hand-tighten the fittings first, then use pliers to give them a quarter to half turn.
Inlet line Filter housing Flow arrow Tighten ¼ turn Connect lines following flow direction and tighten fittings with pliers.
6
Bleed the filter to remove air from the system. Before hooking the filter to the refrigerator, turn the water on slowly and let it flow into a bucket until it is about half full.
7
Complete the final connection to the refrigerator and turn the water on slowly. Check all connection points for drips; if a leak occurs, tighten the fitting slowly until the leak stops.
8
Test the system by running water from the refrigerator door dispenser. Monitor the connections for about a week after installation to ensure no leaks develop.

Pro Tips

  • PEX lines are recommended over copper or stainless steel braided lines because they have built-in flares and are more flexible for routing behind the appliance.
  • Avoid over-tightening fittings, as this can damage the built-in flares of the lines and cause them to fail.

When to Call a Professional

If the filter housing is stuck or water leaks from the connection after replacement, contact an appliance repair technician.

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