How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter

Replacing your refrigerator water filter is one of the simplest and most important maintenance tasks you can do. A fresh filter ensures clean, great-tasting water and ice, protects your ice maker from sediment buildup, and maintains proper water flow. Here's a complete step-by-step guide.

When to Replace the Water Filter

Most refrigerator water filters should be replaced every 6 months or after filtering approximately 200–300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. Signs it's time to replace:

The filter indicator light on your fridge turns red or orange.
Water or ice has a strange taste or odor.
Water flow from the dispenser is noticeably slower.
Ice production has slowed.
It's been more than 6 months since the last replacement.

Finding the Right Replacement Filter

Always use a filter compatible with your specific refrigerator model. Using an incompatible filter can cause leaks or poor filtration. Check your fridge's owner's manual or the existing filter for the part number.

The everydrop by Whirlpool Ice and Water Refrigerator Filter 1 is a genuine OEM replacement filter compatible with Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, and Kenmore refrigerators that use Filter 1 (EDR1RXD1). It's NSF certified to reduce 24 contaminants including lead, chlorine, and cysts.

Where Is the Water Filter Located?

Refrigerator water filters are typically located in one of three places:

Inside the fridge, upper right corner: Most common location. The filter is in a housing that you twist or push to release.
Inside the fridge, bottom left or right: Some models have the filter in the lower section of the fridge interior.
In the base grille at the bottom front: Some models have the filter accessible from the front bottom of the fridge.

Check your owner's manual if you're unsure where your filter is located.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter

Step 1: Purchase the Correct Replacement Filter

Verify the filter part number for your fridge model before purchasing. Using the wrong filter can cause leaks.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Dispenser (Optional)

You don't need to turn off the water supply to replace most refrigerator filters — the filter housing has a built-in shut-off. However, have a towel ready for any drips.

Step 3: Remove the Old Filter

The removal method depends on your filter type:

Twist-and-pull filter: Turn the filter counterclockwise about a quarter turn, then pull it straight out.
Push-button filter: Press the release button next to the filter housing, then pull the filter straight out.
Push-in filter: Push the filter in slightly, then pull it straight out.

Have a towel ready — a small amount of water may drip when the filter is removed.

Step 4: Prepare the New Filter

Remove the new filter from its packaging. Remove any protective caps from the filter ends.

Step 5: Install the New Filter

Twist-and-pull filter: Insert the new filter and turn clockwise until it locks (about a quarter turn). You should feel or hear it click into place.
Push-button filter: Push the new filter straight in until it clicks into place.
Push-in filter: Push the new filter straight in until it seats fully.

Step 6: Flush the New Filter

Always flush a new filter before using the water or ice. Run 2–3 gallons of water through the dispenser to clear any carbon fines and air from the new filter. Discard this water — don't use it for drinking or ice.

Step 7: Reset the Filter Indicator

After replacing the filter, reset the filter indicator light on your fridge. The reset method varies by model — check your owner's manual. Common methods include:

Press and hold the "Filter Reset" button for 3–5 seconds.
Press and hold the "Ice Type" and "Child Lock" buttons simultaneously.
Press and hold the "Water" button for 3 seconds.

Quick Summary: Water Filter Replacement

Replace every 6 months or 200–300 gallons.
Purchase the correct filter for your fridge model.
Remove the old filter (twist, push-button, or push-in).
Install the new filter until it clicks or locks.
Flush 2–3 gallons of water through the dispenser.
Reset the filter indicator light.

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