My Refrigerator's Filter Is Stuck

Grille Mounted

• Many refrigerator water filters are located near the bottom-front of the appliance in the grille area. These grille-mounted filters generally come out and install very easily. If you feel it is stuck, it may be because you haven’t turned it the right way. Many of the grille-mounted filters require a quarter turn to the left to release them. The cap on the filter is typically turned so that the finger grip on the cap is aligned horizontally. Try turning the cap so that the handle is vertical. Once in this position, the filter should slide right out. This type of filter could become stuck if it was not installed properly. The grille-mounted filters generally have to be lined up at a certain angle to go in and out smoothly and easily. When replacing the new filter, lock it in by turning the cap a quarter turn to the right.

Side By Sides

• Some side-by-side refrigerators have the water filter inside the fresh food compartment. This is usually located on the right side of your side-by-side unit. The filter housing may have an ejection door. Press the release on the door and it will swing open and eject the filter partially. Once it is open and the filter has moved out slightly, you will be able to pull it straight out and replace it with a new one. After sliding the new filter in, many filter doors will begin to close. But you will need to finish the job by pressing firmly against the door to snap it into place and lock the filter in its spot.

Eject Button

• If you have a grille-mounted filter that will not turn and release as described above, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is stuck. Look around the cap on the filter and see if there is a small round button. This is the eject button on some models. This button has to be pressed to release the filter before you can turn the cap and pull out the old filter. Once you have removed the old filter and put a new one in the slot, you can turn the cap to lock it into place and the button should pop out and reset. The filter will not come out as long as this eject button has not been pressed in.

Screw In Filters

• If you have a water filter that is stuck inside a plastic housing located inside the refrigerator, you may have a type that is actually screwed into place. If the filter was inserted too tightly, then you may not have the strength to loosen it with your hands. In this situation, you may need to use a wrench to loosen the filter.

Flushing

• No matter which type of filter you have, flush a gallon or so of water through the replacement filter before consuming any water. Carbon filters may have residue in the first gallon of water that will make it taste bitter or may leave residue on dishes.