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How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter
Many refrigerators come with built-in ice makers and some with built-in water dispensers. Many water dispensers also include water filters
that need to be replaced approximately every six months, sooner if the filter indicator light goes on. Homeowners can replace them with a
filter from their refrigerator manufacturer or may buy an OEM (meaning a compatible product made by a different manufacturer). Be aware that
the use of third party water filters may void the warranty on a refrigerator.
What Water Filters Do
Different filters handle different types of contaminants. Most manufacturers produce several different filters for each refrigerator so
homeowners can select the type of filtering best suited to their needs and the water that comes to their home. Some filters concentrate
predominantly on removing particulates, or sediment and minerals in the water. Others remove specific chemicals such as chlorine and
mercury or focus on pesticides commonly used in agriculture. Despite filtering, there are also many chemicals and microorganisms that
can only be removed through other purification processes.
Cysts are another potential water contaminant. Some water professionals claim they are a significant danger in unfiltered water.
NSF International, a company that sets standards for water quality and certifies water filtration
systems, recognizes cysts as a potential contaminant but does not place any more importance on their removal over that on contaminants
of other types. Cyst removal is not a standard feature of most water filters, but the number of filters supporting their removal is
increasing.
Municipal water and well water typically have very different types of contaminants. Additionally, water supplies with runoff from
farmland will likely be vastly different from water which comes from more industrial or urban areas. Homeowners should consult local
experts to determine any specific water problems in their geographic location and purchase water filters best suited to removing as many
of those contaminants as possible.
How to Do-It-Yourself
Installation of a new water filter is usually straightforward and quick, even for the least mechanically inclined homeowners. John Sowden,
Vice President of Purchasing and Technical Services at RepairClinic.com, claims that in most cases "it takes longer to remove the food to
gain access to the filter than it does to change it."
In most refrigerators, removing the old filter is as simple as twisting the old filter either a quarter or a half turn counterclockwise
then pulling. Reverse the turns to install the new filter . push it in until it won't go any farther, then turn it a quarter or a half
turn clockwise. The process can be slightly more complex in certain Frigidaire refrigerators and in Whirlpool and Kenmore Base-Grille models,
but it is still simple.
Be sure to remove all caps and protective covers before installing a new filter. Flush the new filter by running two or three gallons
of water through it before drinking or making ice. Finally, reset the filter indicator light . a process that varies from refrigerator
to refrigerator but typically involves pressing and holding one of the refrigerator control buttons for several seconds. Refer to the
product documentation for exact instructions for specific models.
Like most disposable products, refrigerator water filters do not include a warranty. However, defective products can usually be returned
to the seller.
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