How to change the filter on whirlpool refrigerator

This guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to replace the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator. It’s recommended that you replace your water filter every six months. If you don’t, you risk the water starting to taste bad, odors emitting from your fridge, and leaks occurring in your fridge.

Before you can replace your water filter, make sure you purchase the correct replacement filter from a retailer that stocks them. On your existing water filter, there should be a product code that you can use when ordering replacement filters.

As soon as you have the correct replacement filter, you can follow the steps in this guide to remove and then install the new filter into your Whirlpool refrigerator.

This guide covers all major Whirlpool refrigerator models, including:

1ET25DKXGW00

2-A Y

3EAD19XMWR1

3ECKMF10

3ECKMF8

3ECKMF86

ED5FVGXWS07

WRB322DMBM00

WRF535SMBM00

WRF560SEHZ00

WRF560SEYM05

WRF736SDAM11

WRF736SDAM12

WRF736SDAM13

WRF736SDAM14

WRS322FDAM04

WRS325FDAM02

WRS325FDAM04

WRS571CIDM01

WRS571CIHZ01

WRX735SDBM00

Step 1 – Get prepared

The first task is to locate your water filter. Depending on your exact Whirlpool refrigerator model, it will either be in the grill that’s at the base of the fridge or inside the refrigerator at the back. You should be able to easily find it, but if you’re not sure, you can always check your user manual. 

Once you’ve located the water filter, it’s a good idea to place a towel down underneath the filter unit to pick up any water that leaks out when you remove the old filter. You can also turn the ice maker off as this can be another source of leaking water. 

If you have an older Whirlpool refrigerator, you may also need to turn the water supply off manually—but usually, there is an automatic water valve that ensures no water leaks out when you change the filter. If you’re not sure if you have an automatic water valve, you should check your user manual.

Step 2 – Remove the old filter

Now that you’re prepared, you can remove the old filter from your fridge. The easiest way to do this is to:

• If the water filter in your Whirlpool refrigerator is in the grill at the bottom of your fridge: press the button on the filter and pull it out. If the filter doesn’t have a button, turn the filter counterclockwise, and it should then pop out.
• If the water filter is inside your fridge: remove the cover of the filter, push the filter in, turn it counterclockwise, and it should be able to come out.
• If you’re unable to get the old filter out, you may need to push the filter in harder, or turn it with more force as they can sometimes become stuck—especially when they haven’t been changed for a while.

Step 3 – Install the new filter

Now that the old water filter has been removed from your Whirlpool refrigerator, the next step is to install the new one. You can do this by:

• If your water filter is located in the lower grill, it probably has a cap on it that can be unscrewed and placed onto the new filter. Once it has been attached, you can place the filter into the correct position and secure it in place by either screwing it in or pushing it in until you hear it click into place.
• If your water filter is in your fridge, simply place it into position and either screw it in or push it in until it clicks into place. Most filters have arrows on them that tell you which way it goes in. Once in place, make sure you put the cover back onto the filter.
• You can now remove the towel you put down earlier and turn the ice machine back on. If you had to turn the water supply off you can turn that back on too.

Step 4 – Flush the water pipe out

Now that the new water filter has been installed into your Whirlpool fridge, it’s a good idea to flush the system out before you start drinking any water or making ice with it. This is especially important if your filter hasn’t been changed for a while.

To flush the water pipe out, place a 1-gallon jug under the dispenser and dispense four jugs worth of water (4 gallons) out of the tap and pour it down the sink. Once flushed out you can start to drink water from your fridge again. Remember to change your filter every six months to avoid any problems from occurring.

Whirlpool refrigerator water filters should be replaced every six months. If you leave it longer than this, then water from the refrigerator will start to taste funny and look murky, ice will begin to smell, and you may notice black specks in the water. A water filter that needs replacing can also affect the water flow, causing water to slowly trickle out and smaller blocks of ice to be produced.

Replacing your Whirlpool refrigerator’s water filter is a reasonably simple process that should not require any tools or specialist knowledge. However, you will need to ensure you get the correct replacement water filter that matches your refrigerator’s model. If you try to install the wrong water filter, it will likely not connect up with your refrigerator’s water line. Identifying the part number, which should be printed on the old water filter, will help ensure you get the correct replacement water filter.

Step 1: Locate Your Water Filter

The location of your Whirlpool refrigerator’s water filter depends on your specific model. Depending on the model, the water filter will be located either in the grille at the base of the refrigerator or inside the refrigerator in the upper right back corner. Check your refrigerator’s manual for the water filter’s location if you are unable to locate it.

Step 2: Preparation

When you change the water filter, there may be a little water spillage, so put down a towel before removing the filter. If the filter is located inside the refrigerator, you may also want to remove food or beverages that may get in the way.

If your refrigerator has an ice maker, turn it off while replacing the water filter, as water may spill out if the ice maker makes ice while the filter is being replaced. On some older models, you may need to turn off the water supply to the refrigerator before replacing the filter to avoid water spillage. However, for the majority of refrigerators, this step should not be required, as the water supply will shut off automatically when you remove the filter. Changing the water filter should not require access to any electrical components, so it should be safe to change the filter without disconnecting the power.

Step 3: Remove the Water Filter

If the water filter is located in the grille of your refrigerator, you should be able to press firmly on the button located to the left of the filter, which should release the old filter. If your refrigerator model does not have a button to push, turning the filter a quarter turn counterclockwise should release it. Depending on the model, you may also need to push in on the filter while turning it to release the old filter.

If the water filter is located inside the refrigerator, it likely has a cover over it. You will need to either release the tab to pull the water filter cover down, lift the water filter cover, or push on the water filter cover to access the filter. Once you have accessed the filter, pushing it in and/or turning the old filter counterclockwise should release it from the refrigerator.

Once released, you should be able to pull the old water filter out of the refrigerator. If you are having trouble removing the water filter, try pressing more firmly on the release button, as sometimes the button can stick, and/or apply more pressure when turning the filter.

Step 4: Install the New Filter

Most Whirlpool refrigerators with the water filter located in the grille feature a color-keyed cap that must be unscrewed from the old filter and screwed on to the new filter. If you have this type of filter, make sure you have transferred the cap to the new water filter before proceeding.

Installing the new water filter should be an easy task. Replace the old filter with the new filter, sliding it into the water filter slot. Depending on the model, you may need to turn the new filter clockwise or simply push it straight in until you hear a click and it locks into place. Make sure to install the new filter facing the same way as the previous filter. If the water filter has arrows on it, make sure to line them up when you install the new filter.

Make sure that the filter is locked in place and/or the water filter cover is closed before proceeding.

Step 5: Flush Out the System

Before drinking the water, you need to run water through the system to clean it out and remove any carbon fines as well as any trapped air. Whirlpool recommends four gallons of water go through the system after the filter has been replaced. If you have a one-gallon jug, fill it up four times and pour the water out.

Once you have flushed the system out, you can now enjoy a well-deserved glass of brand-new filtered water. If your refrigerator has a “change filter” light, press the button on your refrigerator to reset it. If you turned off the water supply before installing the filter, remember to turn it back on now that the new filter is installed.

Do you have to turn off water to change Whirlpool refrigerator filter?