October 23, 2022

Why do I need a water filter in my fridge?

Introduction image for article on why you need a fridge water filter.

Unless your home has a whole-house water filter, the water and ice coming from the dispenser of your fridge will have impurities—some of which can be harmful to your health. A refrigerator water filter does more than just eliminate harmful impurities, it helps improve the taste of ice and water from your fridge. If you want clean, safe and fresh-tasting ice and water from your fridge, you’ll need a water filter.

Almost all refrigerators that have a water and ice dispenser in the door have a built-in water filter. Many fridges that just have an ice maker also have a built-in water filter.

How do I find the water filter in my refrigerator?

Not everyone knows where the water filter is located in their refrigerator—or they forget all about it and don’t remember that it’s there.

If you have no idea where the water filter is located in your refrigerator (or whether it even has one), look for that information in the owner’s manual for your fridge. I you don’t have that book, you can often find an online copy of the manual on our Sears PartsDirect website. Just key in the model number of your fridge and go to the parts listing page for your model. If the owner’s manual is available online for your model, you can click on the “Owner’s Manual” link at the top of the page to view the manual online. You’ll need to sign in on your Sears PartsDirect account (or create an account) to view the manual.

If you can’t find your owner’s manual online you can look in these common places to find the water filter in your fridge (if it has one):

In the bottom front toe grill below the door.
Top right corner of the refrigerator section.
Top left corner of the refrigerator section.
Between the crisper drawers in a French door refrigerator.
Behind a refrigerator door bin.
Installed in the outside edge of the refrigerator door.

How can I find the right replacement water filter for my refrigerator?

Once you find the water filter in your fridge, you’ll need to order a replacement filter every 6 months.

You can order a new filter by finding the part number on your existing water filter and buying the same part.

If you can’t find the part number on your existing water filter, you can look up the part number for the filter in refrigerator owner’s manual. You can also look up the part number for the replacement filter on the parts list diagram for your model of fridge.

If you can't get the right replacement filter using those methods, find the replacement water filter for your fridge using our convenient Sears PartsDirect water filter finder.

What if my fridge doesn’t have a water filter?

We have the perfect water filtering solution for that issue. When your refrigerator has not water filter, we recommend that you install an inline water filter on the water line behind your fridge to filter the water.

Enjoy fresh tasting ice and water by installing an inline filter on the supply tubing to remove chlorine and contaminants as shown in this DIY video.

How to install an inline water filter behind your refrigerator

Order an inline water filter to fit the water supply line on the back of your fridge. Our most popular inline filters are:

These inline water filters fit standard refrigerator water lines.

Once you have your inline filter, follow these steps to install it behind your fridge.

Attach the filter mounting hardware to the wall.
Unplug the refrigerator and shut off the water supply.
Cleanly cut the water supply tube in the spot where you want to install the filter; sand off and clean the ends of the cut water tubing.
If necessary, install water tube adapters so the ends of the water tube fit the filter fittings.
With the filter's water flow pointed in the right direction, push the inlet end of the water tube into the filter fitting until it bottoms out.
Tug the water tube to make sure it's securely connected.
Hold the water filter outlet over the bucket and open the water supply valve to flush 2 gallons of water through the filter to remove carbon dust and residue.
Check the inlet water connection for leaks; if you find any, push the tube further into the filter.
Shut off the water supply valve.
Connect the outlet tube to the filter outlet fitting and tug the water tube to make sure it's securely connected.
Open the water supply valve and check the outlet water tube for leaking. Push the tube further into the filter if it leaks.
Attach the water filter to the mounting hardware on the wall.
Plug the refrigerator back in and carefully push the refrigerator back into place.

Replace the water filter every 6 months, or more often if water flow slows noticeably.

Remember to shut off the water supply to the refrigerator first and to flush the new filter.

For convenience, set up a water filter subscription to get a new filter shipped every 6 months. You can do that when you buy the filter.

Our How to replace an inline refrigerator water filter article (with DIY video) shows you how to replace the inline water filter behind your fridge.

How to replace an inline water filter behind your fridge

First, you'll need a bucket to catch water and a towel to wipe up any water spills.

Follow these steps to replace the inline water filter behind your refrigerator:

Remove the existing inline water filter

Shut off the water supply.
Using a helper, carefully pull the refrigerator forward to access the water supply tubing.
Release the water filter from its mounting bracket.
With the filter over a bucket, release the inlet water line by pushing in the water fitting collar and pulling out the water line.
Repeat the process to release the outlet water line.

Install the new inline water filter

With the filter's water flow pointed in the correct direction, push the inlet end of the water tube into the filter fitting until it bottoms out.
Tug on the water tube to make sure it's securely connected.
Hold the water filter outlet over the bucket, open the water supply valve and flush 2 gallons of water through the filter to remove carbon dust and residue.
Check the inlet water connection for leaks. Push the tubes further in if they leak.
Shut off the water supply valve.
Connect the outlet tube to the filter outlet fitting and tug it to make sure it's secure.
Open the water supply valve and check the outlet water tube for leaks. Push the tube further into the filter if it leaks.
Attach the water filter to the mounting hardware on the wall and push the refrigerator back into place.

Your refrigerator water filter becomes less efficient over time, as it traps more and more impurities. Keep a fresh water filter installed to reduce impurities, chlorine taste and odor in your refrigerator’s water supply and enjoy safe ice and drinking water from your fridge.