How to Replace a Whirlpool Refrigerator Water Filter?

Replacing a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is easy. You need to find the water filter door, hole-open it to release the filter, remove the old filter, and replace it with a new one.

The location of the door cover is different in Whirlpool models. Typically, you can find it on the base grill or the upper-right side inside your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Locating and Replacing the Water Filter

Whirlpool water filter keeps your water clean and fresh. It should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on your model.

Before replacing the water filter, you must know the specific type of water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator. To do this, you need to look for your Whirlpool Refrigerator model number in one of these places:

The ceiling of your refrigerator's interior

At the back of the kickplate

Freezer or refrigerator's inside walls (ideally at the back of the drawers)

Open your Whirlpool refrigerator's door and look behind the door's frame

You will use the model number to source the right water filter replacement for your refrigerator.

We will cover the water filter replacement process for the following Whirlpool refrigerator models:

WRF560SEYM05

WRS325FDAM04

1ET25DKXGW00

WRF736SDAM14

3EAD19XMWR1

3ECKMF8

WRF736SDAM13

ED5FVGXWS07

3ECKMF86

WRS325FDAM02

WRF535SMBM00

WRX735SDBM00

WRB322DMBM00

WRS571CIHZ01

WRF560SEHZ00

WRF736SDAM11

WRF736SDAM12

WRS322FDAM04

WRS571CIDM01

You also need to locate your refrigerator’s water filter. The water filter will either be inside your refrigerator on the rear or your refrigerator’s grill at the base. However, if you are unsure where to find it in your fridge, you should use your user manual to locate the water filter.

Preparing For the Water Filter Replacement Process

Now that you know your Whirlpool refrigerator’s model number and the water filter’s location, you should prepare for the replacement process. Begin by turning off your refrigerator. If the filter is on the outside, place a towel at the base of your refrigerator.

This towel will contain spillage that may occur during the old water filter removal and keep the work environment neat. If the filter is situated inside the fridge, you may have to remove food and beverages from your fridge.

Shut off the ice maker to prevent leaking when removing the water filter. If you have an older Whirlpool fridge model, you will have to shut off the water supply manually. Even so, most models come fitted with a valve that prevents water from leaking out during the filter removal process. Check your user manual to ensure your refrigerator has a valve. This process is not necessary for the latest fridge models. These models turn off the water supply automatically as you remove the filter.

Step-by-Step Process of Replacing the Water Filter

The water filter replacement process happens in two phases. Phase 1 involves removing the old filter from the fridge while phase 2 is installing the new one.

Phase 1: Removing the Old Filter

To remove a water filter in the grill at your refrigerator’s base, you need to press the button on the left side of your water filter to release it. In case your refrigerator model does not have a button, you will have to turn the filter in an anticlockwise direction (right to left) until it pops out. In some models, you may have to push the filter inwards as you turn for it to be released.

To remove a water filter inside the fridge, you will start by removing the cover. Do this by either pushing in on the tab and then sliding it down or gently pulling the tab toward the front. After getting uninterrupted access to the water filter, you should push it in and turn it anticlockwise to release it. Finally, pull it out of the fridge.

You can experience difficulty when releasing or turning the water filter. In this case, you should carefully use more force to turn the filter or push the button.

Phase 2: Installing the New Filter

Whirlpool refrigerators with water filters on the grill often come with a cap. These caps are color-keyed. You have to unscrew the cap from the old filter and attach it to the new filter. Once the cap is firmly in place, you can position the filter correctly by pushing it or screwing it in until you hear a clicking sound.

If the water filter is inside the fridge, you have to place it in its position and secure it by screwing it or pushing it in. Ensure the new filter faces the same direction as the old one. Most water filters have arrows showing how to attach the filter to your fridge.

Finally, attach the filter cover.

Turn on the refrigerator, ice machine, and water supply. You should also remove the towel from under your fridge.

Post Replacement Care

You need to flush your refrigerator before using it. Do this by running 4 gallons of water through the system. Flushing the fridge removes trapped air and carbon fines from the system.

You can start drinking water from your fridge after flushing it. In case your refrigerator displays a “change filter” prompt on its display, press the reset button on your fridge – video.

FAQ/Google Questions

What happens if you don't change the water filter on your refrigerator?

Failing to change your refrigerator’s water filter puts you at risk of consuming harmful chemicals, particles, and bacteria every time you get a glass of drinking water from your fridge.

Can you change a refrigerator filter without turning off the water?

Yes. However, you have to turn off the water in older Whirlpool refrigerator models.

Where is the filter located in a Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator?

It is situated on the back wall of the fridge close to the refrigerator’s top compartment.

Summary

Replace your refrigerator’s water filter by locating the old filter, unscrewing it from its position, and replacing it with a new filter. Ensure you source your new water filter from a trusted supplier like Dearlifter – click here to get Dearlifter water filters for all Whirlpool refrigerator models.