How To Replace Whirlpool Water Filter

If you have a water dispenser in your Whirlpool refrigerator, then there is a water filter to go with it. This filter removes contaminants from the water so that it is safe to drink and tastes good.

It is important to change the filter when the refrigerator indicates that this is necessary. This will be either through a change in the filter status light, or you may get a message on your display.

It will depend on which Whirlpool model you have in your home.

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How Do I Know When To Change My Whirlpool Water Filter?

Some Whirlpool models will have indicator lights that reflect the status of your water filter. If the filter is working well, the indicator light will be green.

If the filter is nearing the end of its life, an orange light will appear. This tells you that it is time to order a new filter cartridge.

A red indicator light on your filter status means that the filter is no longer working properly and needs to be replaced immediately.

Other Whirlpool models will have a message on your display that indicates the health of your water filter. This could be an icon on your display that turns a different color, or you may get a displayed message saying ‘replace filter’.

Typically, a Whirlpool water filter will last around six months, but this can depend on several factors such as the size of your family, how much entertaining you do, or just how much water you drink.

If you live in a hard water area, then you may need to change your filter cartridge more often, like every four months, due to increased mineral content.

Where Is The Whirlpool Water Filter Located?

Different models of Whirlpool refrigerators will have their water filters in different locations. If you are unsure where it is on your model, check the owner’s manual that came with the refrigerator, or look online on the Whirlpool website.

Some older Whirlpool models will have the water filter at the bottom of the refrigerator, concealed in a separate unit. Newer models will have the water filter positioned inside the refrigerator at the top or in the door close to the water dispenser.

How Do I Change A Whirlpool Water Filter?

Each Whirlpool water filter will have a part number that you should note when you are ordering a replacement. Check that the one you are ordering is correct for your particular Whirlpool refrigerator model.

The housing for the water filter will have an indicator that lets you know how to open it so that you can access the filter cartridge. This is usually an arrow indicating the direction of the opening for the housing.

When you open the filter housing the cartridge may be partially pushed out by the opening mechanism, this makes it easier for you to remove the filter.

Carefully remove the cartridge from the housing. You may experience some water dripping as you remove the cartridge.

As you remove the filter, make a note of how it’s positioned. This will allow you to correctly install the replacement filter cartridge.

Next, remove the new filter cartridge from its packaging and compare it to the old one to make sure they are the same.

Check that your new cartridge supports your model of Whirlpool refrigerator. Most are adaptable to different manufacturers. Also, check the model of your fridge to make sure the cartridge is compatible with it.

If there is a protective cover on the filter cartridge, remove this before you install the filter in your refrigerator. Failure to remove the protective cover before installation may result in damage to the connection for your filter cartridge.

The filter cartridge can now be installed. Line it up in the correct position and slide it into the housing. On some Whirlpool models, the door of the filter housing will start to partially close as you are inserting the cartridge. This is normal, so don’t worry.

Once you are satisfied that the filter is correctly in place, push the housing door closed until you hear a satisfying click. This will tell you that the filter is in place and ready to start filtering your water.

After fitting your new filter cartridge and before you drink any water from your Whirlpool water filter, you need to flush the lines. Place a large container underneath the outlet and run 3-4 gallons of water through the filter.

You may get some air pockets when running water through a new filter, but this is nothing to worry about, and it will settle down. The ‘change filter’ light or displayed message or icon will need to be reset. Models will differ, so consult your manual on how to do this.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Whirlpool Water Filter?

If you fail to change the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator when indicated, you may experience some or all of the following problems:

• Bad tasting water
• Water dispensing slowly
• No water is being dispensed
• Measured fill not working correctly
• Thin or hollow ice cubes
• Reduced ice cube production
• Cloudy water

Apart from the above problems, failing to replace the filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator can cause contaminants to enter your refrigerator’s water supply. This is not something you want to expose yourself or your family to.

All the nasty things that your filter removes from your refrigerator dispenser water will no longer be taken out. These contaminants can include lead, asbestos, benzene, and mercury.

Neglecting to change your water filter will also cause a buildup of scale in your water lines if you live in a hard water area. This can potentially cause clogs in the water lines, cause low pressure in the water dispenser, and shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped take you through the process of changing your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter.