How Fridge Water Filters Work and When to Replace Them

Fridge water filters: How they work and when to replace them

A fridge water filter treats water before it reaches the fridge water dispenser or ice maker, helping to reduce chlorine taste, odour and sediment.

ost fridge filters use carbon filtration, and you typically need to replace them every 6 months, depending on how much water you use and the quality of your source water.

Depending on the fridge model, the filter may be located inside the refrigerator or on the incoming water supply line at the rear of the appliance.

Key facts:

• A fridge filter reduces chlorine taste, odour, and sediment before the fridge dispenses ice and water.
• It does not remove calcium, magnesium, fluoride or PFAS: that needs an under-sink or RO filter system
• Replace fridge filters every 6 months as a standard interval, sooner with heavy use or poor quality source water
• A filter that looks clean may still need replacing, which is why it is important to follow a scheduled replacement timetable 
• Water2water can identify and source replacement fridge filters for all major brands and models 

How does a fridge water filter work?

A fridge water filter connects to the cold-water supply feeding the refrigerator. Water passes through a carbon filter cartridge before reaching the dispenser or ice maker. The carbon filter helps reduce chlorine, taste and odour compounds and some sediments. NSF/ANSI 42 commonly certifies fridge filters, the standard for reducing aesthetic impurities such as chlorine and taste and odour. Calcium, magnesium and fluoride pass through unchanged and need a dedicated under-sink or whole-house system to address them.

Most fridge filters are internal, sitting in a housing inside the fridge cavity. Some older models use an external inline filter connected to the supply line behind the fridge.

Perth mains water is disinfected with chlorine, which is why water from the dispenser can carry a noticeable chlorine taste. The NHMRC confirms carbon filters help reduce chlorine by-products, taste and odour compounds and dissolved organic matter. For households that rely on fridge dispensers for their main source of drinking water, a well-maintained filter makes a clear difference.

How often should you replace a fridge water filter?

Every 6 months is the standard frequency recommended by most major fridge brands. If your household uses a large amount of filtered water, or your water supply contains higher sediment and mineral levels, you may need to change your filter more often.

Bore water in Karratha, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and across the Pilbara often carries higher iron, manganese and sediment. Levels are typically higher than Perth mains water. In these conditions, a fridge filter reaches the end of its service life faster. If you’re on bore water in these areas, check your filter closer to the 6-month mark. Don’t wait for it to run its full course.

How do you know when your fridge filter needs replacing?

Many modern fridges have a light that comes on telling you it’s time to change the filter. Some fridges activate this after a set volume of water, others use a set period, usually 6 months. The “change filter” light is a good signal, but if you have a large family and use more water than the average household, an automatic 6-month trigger may be too long,

Beyond the indicator, slow water flow could mean sediment has clogged the filter. Cloudy water, a change in taste or smell, or discoloured ice are all signs that it’s time to change the filter.  One thing worth knowing: a filter that looks clean may still be due for replacement. Over time, carbon filters become less effective, even if there are no obvious signs of wear.

Fridge Water Filter Replacement

Replacement steps vary by fridge brand and model, but most internal filters allow for straightforward DIY replacement. The process usually only takes a few minutes and doesn’t require a plumber or any tools. 

For most Fisher & Paykel, Whirlpool, Samsung and LG models with an internal filter:

• You don’t usually need to turn off the water supply when replacing an internal filter but do check the manufacturer’s instructions
• Locate the filter housing inside the fridge, sometimes behind an access panel
• Remove the old filter following the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by twisting, releasing or pulling it from the housing 
• Insert the new filter and secure it in position
• Run several litres of water through the dispenser to flush the new cartridge before drinking
• Reset the filter-change indicator if your model has one

For models with an external mains-fed filter behind the fridge, turn off the water supply to the fridge before replacing the filter. If access is difficult or you’re not sure where to find the isolation valve, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t try and force any of the fittings or connections. 

If you’d rather leave filter changes to the experts, you can book a service with Water2water and one of our fully trained technicians will visit to replace the fridge filter and sanitise and flush the filter housing fittings.

Water2water installs and services all major brands of fridge water filters and our servicing and maintenance plans include regular filter replacement, full system checks, sanitisation and flushing.

Which fridge filter do you need?

The right filter depends on your fridge brand and model. Water2water can identify and source replacement filters for most major fridge brands including Fisher & Paykel, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Westinghouse and Maytag refrigerators. Our fridge water filters page explains how we can help identify the right replacement filter for your appliance using the fridge model number. 

If you want filtered water for cooking as well as the fridge dispenser, an under-sink system at the kitchen tap is the better fit. If you live in an area with poor quality source water and want a deeper level of filtration to reduce fluoride, PFAS or heavy metals, a reverse osmosis system could be the best choice.

Looking beyond the fridge, water filtration for your home covers the main drinking water and whole-home systems available.