FAQ

 Refrigerator Water Filters

1. What is the difference between an original and replacement water filter?

An original water filter is the one supplied with new side-by-side refrigerators and is sometimes branded with the same manufacturer name. We sell both original and replacement water filters. The replacement water filters that we sell are made by us, Water Filter for Fridge, and other manufacturers.  These replacement water filters all have the same fittings and have equal or better filtration performance.

2. Do I need to buy the same brand fridge water filter?

No. There are about 15 genuine fridge water filter types and over 200 different model numbers corresponding to the same filter. Manufacturers often take the same fridge water filters then attach their own labels to encourage you to purchase their replacement filters. The most important thing is to ensure that the fittings of your water filter are the same. In addition, you need to make sure that the replacement filter cartridge reduces the same contaminants in your water as the original filter.

3. How long does the fridge filter last? How often should I change my fridge water filter?

You should change your refrigerator water filter cartridge every 4, 6, 9, or 12 months (depending on the filter/fridge manufacturer recommendation) or if you exceed the filter usage capacity, or if you notice a decrease in water flow, as per the fridge manufacturer's instructions.

4. Why do I need to change the refrigerator water filter every 6 months?

Over time as the filter adsorbs and blocks water contaminants, the filter will become saturated reducing the flow of water and filtration ability. More importantly, newly formed bacteria will start to saturate the filter increasing the risk that bacteria will enter into your drinking water. This is also true for the ice maker as some bacteria can survive temperatures below zero degrees, therefore, even ice can become contaminated. Once the refrigerator water filter has been soaked on its initial use, it should be changed 6 months thereafter unless otherwise stated.

5. If I use less water can I change the fridge filter less regularly?

As stated in the answer above, the fridge filter should be changed every six months unless otherwise stated. In addition, some fridge manufacturers advise owners to change the water filter if the fridge water/ice dispenser has not been used for a number of weeks.

6. Do these fridge water filters have an expiration date?

No, the medium used in filters is mainly carbon. All of the fridge filters we sell can be stored until you need them. As long as your water filters are stored away from chemicals, moisture and extreme or greatly fluctuating temperatures, there is no shelf life. For that reason, you may wish to take advantage of the saving offered when buying 2 or 3 fridge filters at a time.

7. How do I know if my fridge has an internal or external filter?

Internal filters can be found in one of three places:

• Inside the refrigerator compartment hanging down vertically from the top right or left hand corner of the fridge.
• Inside the refrigerator compartment covered by a plastic shield, and generally installed horizontally in the top right or left hand corner of the fridge.
• Located in the front grille at the bottom of the fridge.

External filters can be found:

• Outside of your fridge, located somewhere along the water line to your fridge. Ideally, it should have been installed vertically (upright) and mounted with brackets.

8. How do I select the right replacement water filter for my Australian / American style fridge?

You can search for your fridge filter in different ways: Firstly select your manufacturer from the menu bar, then:

• Scroll down and select the filter model number that corresponds to your filter, or

If you have any doubts or your filter/fridge is not shown, please contact us and we'll be happy to assist you. Please provide as much information as possible: brand, model number of the fridge and filter as well as the location of the filter.

9. Can I recycle my refrigerator water filter?

We are not aware of any fridge or filter manufacturer supported recycling programs. Filters are typically made with a plastic pressure chamber filled with granular activated carbon. We hope that this information will assist you to dispose of your used filter in an environmentally friendly way

10. What type of contaminants does my fridge water filter remove?

Fridge water filters are designed to significantly reduce impurities present even in microbiologically safe drinking water.All our filters reduce particulates, dissolved solids, chlorine and bad odours to deliver fresh tasting purified water. All the information about the contaminants that your fridge filter removes can be found under Filter Quality on this site.

11. Where does my refrigerator water filter come from?

The country of manufacture is listed. All our original refrigerator water filters are genuine. All our replacement refrigerator water filters are either manufactured in Australia, Korea, the USA or Europe, or in the case of other foreign manufacturers have been certified to strict NSF standards.

12. How will I know when to change my fridge filter?

Some side-by-side refrigerators have the Filter Indicator Light or Counter which will let you know when it is time to change the current water filter cartridge by turning red or reaching 0. With other American style fridges it's your responsibility to note the date on the filter when you installed it. We offer a Free filter reminder  that will notify you by email, approximately 10 days before it is time to change your filter.

13. Is it easy to change the fridge water filter cartridge?

Yes, filters can be changed easily. Most water filter cartidges come with printed installation instructions. In addition, we provide general installation instructions and for some fridge water cartridge models, we also provide YouTube video installation clips.

14. How tightly should I tighten the refrigerator water filter?

Most refrigerator filters will hit a stop when they are fully tightened. As long as you install them by hand (not using tools) you will feel the filter hit the stop and know that it is properly installed. Most internal refrigerator filters only require a quarter to a half turn to tighten.

15. How do I reset my filter change indicator light?

If your side-by-side refrigerator has an indicator that tells you when to change the filter, it needs to be reset MANUALLY when you replace the filter. Each manufacturer provide their own instructions for resetting the indicator (please check your fridge manual for more information).

• Amana: press and hold the Lock and Auto light (or Water) buttons on the dispenser (at the same time) for 4 seconds until the filter status indicator begins to flash, and then release the buttons.
• Atag: press and hold the Light/Filter button for 3 seconds.
• Balay: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds to switch off the reminder display. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
• Bauknecht: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the light changes to green.
• Baumatic: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more. The LED will then change to NORMAL.
• Beko: press and hold the Auto Eco button for 5 seconds.
• Bosch: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
• Caple: press the Reset button until the light will change to green.
• Daewoo: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more; while holding the lock button, the light will change to green.
• De Dietrich: press and hold the Reset Water Filter button for 5 seconds.
• Fagor: press and hold the Light/Filter button for 3 seconds.
• Gaggenau: press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the yellow/red light goes out.
• GE: press and hold the Reset Water Filter button on the dispenser for 3 seconds.
• Haier: press Reset button.
• Hotpoint-Ariston: press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the indicator light changes to blue or green.
• KitchenAid: press and hold Filter Reset button for 3 seconds until the Order or Replace light turns off.
• Küppersbusch: press the Filter Reset button until the icon becomes blue (or green). The Filter reset button will not work if the filter icon is already blue (or green).
• LG: press and hold the Light/Filter button for 3 seconds.
• Liebherr: press and hold the Filter button for 3 seconds.
• Maytag: Press Options, then Water Filter, then Reset, and then Yes. The status light will change from red to green when the system is reset. Or press and hold the Filter Reset button for 3 seconds.
• Miele: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
• Nardi: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more; while holding the lock button, the light will change to green.
• Neff: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
• Pelgrim: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more; while holding the lock button, the light will change to green.
• Samsung: press the Ice type and Child lock (or Moisture Control) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Note: Hold the buttons for only 3 seconds. If you press these 2 buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds, the reset function ceases. Release the buttons and repeat the same step one more time. The water filter indicator light should turn green.
• Siemens: press and hold the Water Filter Reset button for 5 seconds. Newer models: press the Options button until "filter change" is selected, press selection buttons +/- until the "filter change" display goes out.
• Smeg: press and hold the OK button until the three dashes reappear on the display. Or, press and hold the Reset Water Filter button for 5 seconds.
• Steel: press the Ice Maker Lock button for 3 seconds or more; while holding the lock button, the light will change to green.
• Sub-Zero: press and hold the Filter Reset button for 5 seconds.
• Teka: press and hold the Auto Eco button for 5 seconds.
• Whirlpool: press the Filter Reset button until the icon becomes blue (or green). The Filter Reset button will not work if the filter icon is already blue (or green). Or, press the Light switch 5 times within 10 seconds.

16. Will the use of a compatible fridge filter invalidate my fridge warranty?

No, it will not invalidate your fridge warranty.

17. I'm planning on buying a new American style fridge. Which water filter system is best, internal or external?

Some internal fridge filters are certified to both NSF 42 & 53 standards. NSF 53 certified models, filter more contaminants, see Filter Quality for more information on NSF standards.
External fridge water filters are generally cheaper, certified to NSF 42 standards and have a greater filtration capacity / replacement period. The R200 Series A model we sell requires replacement every 12 months. In addition, external fridge water filters do not use valuable space inside your fridge.
However, depending on how and where you have fitted your external water filter, an internal model could be easier to access and replace.

18. The filter shown for my side-by-side fridge model number is an external model; however, my fridge uses an internal water filter. Which one should I purchase?

Some side-by-side fridges have both internal and external filter systems for the same model number. Please search by filter and select the filter number or picture that corresponds to your internal water filter. If you are still unsure please feel free to contact us providing the following details (fridge: make and model number - filter: make and model number - filter location: internal or external).

19. My internal fridge water filter is very expensive to replace. My side-by-side fridge came with a bypass connector. Can I install the bypass and install an external fridge filter?

Yes, as long as you have access to the water line and it is a 1/4" (6.35mm) diameter, an external fridge filter can be easily installed. An external water filter can be installed by making a clean, perpendicular cut in the water pipe and connecting the water filter. No special tools are required and all our external water filters come with standard 1/4" (6.35mm) diameter connectors. The water filter should ideally be fixed in an upright (vertical) position, with the water supply entering from the lower end and flowing to the fridge from the top end. If you are in doubt please seek advice from a qualified professional.

20. Can I use my refrigerator side-by-side without the external water filter or by using the internal bypass connector?

Yes, assuming that your water is microbiologically safe to drink, it is possible and safer than using an old refrigerator filter that has exceeded the recommended usage period. However, by not using a refrigerator water filter, over time your fridge may develop lime scale and other impurities which could damage and/or clog the water and ice dispenser function.

21. How to remove the old external fridge water filter cartridge?

First, remove locking clips (red or blue) between filter and collets. Then, depress and hold white collet and pull tubing out.