How to Replace an LG Refrigerator's Water Filter

If the water from your LG refrigerator has a funny taste or smell to it, it's likely a sign that the water filter is in dire need of replacing. After all, water filters are used to remove any chemicals or minerals that would be unhealthy to drink, like chlorine, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and many more. Which is why we're going to show you exactly how to replace an LG refrigerator's water filter, and answer some popular questions along the way.

How to Replace the Different Types of LG Refrigerator Water Filters

Although there are quite a few different models and types of LG refrigerators, they all borrow from a shared pool of water filters. Speaking of, you can find the water filter for your LG refrigerator in PartSelect's water filter finder! Each of these filter types all serve the same purpose, in filtering out harsh chemicals, contaminants, and unpleasant tasting minerals, but they all require different ways of removing and installing. Before replacing any water filter, ensure your water line supply is shut and turned off.

Inline Water Filter

Inline water filters are installed outside of your refrigerator and are designed to allow the water line to flow inline through it, on its way to the refrigerator. The most common LG refrigerators that use inline water filters are top freezer models.

1. For this replacement, you will require a bucket and a towel.
2. Locate an inline water filter behind the fridge. It is normally mounted to the wall or the fridge itself.
3. Your filter will have two water lines going into each end of the filter, with a grommet securing each tube. Carefully remove the tubes from each end.
4. Take the new filter and plug the water supply line into one end.
5. Now turn your water supply on and flush 2.5 gallons of water through the filter to flush and prime it. Once finished, turn off the water supply.
6. Then, install the fridge's water line into the filter.
7. To ensure the filter is installed correctly, if you pull slightly on each line, the line should stay inside the filter.
8. Install the filter to your wall or refrigerator mount, and turn on the water supply.

Twist to Remove Water Filter

Twist to remove water filters are normally located in the top left or top right portion of your French 3 or 4 door, side-by-side, or top freezer refrigerator, or in its door.

1. Pull the tray of the water filter out if applicable, and allow the filter to swing out or down.
2. Grab the filter and turn it counterclockwise until it disconnects and comes out of the filter housing.
3. Take the new filter and place it in the filter housing, then rotate it clockwise until it's secure.
4. If your filter has a housing or tray, push it into place and close the housing.
5. Now, turn on the water supply to the refrigerator and dispense 2.5 gallons of water to flush and prime the filter.

Pull Down Water Filter

If your refrigerator has a pull down water filter, you will normally locate it in French 3 or 4 door, or side-by-side models of refrigerators.

1. Locate the water filter in the top right or top left of the refrigerator cabinet.
2. Open the water filter tray, and the water filter should swing out.
3. Pull the water filter down carefully and it should simply come out.
4. With your new water filter in hand, push it into the filter housing, and swing it upwards towards the fridge ceiling.
5. Close the water filter tray, and turn on the water supply.
6. Flush 2.5 gallons of water through the water dispenser to get the filter primed and ready to be used.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Filters

When replacing the water filter in your LG refrigerator, there are some common misconceptions and things that are popularly misunderstood - and we're hoping that these frequently asked questions will clear up anything you're curious about!

Are generic water filters OK to use?

Generic and non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) filters are not suitable for use for most appliances and equipment, especially not refrigerators. OEM water filters require much less maintenance, are designed to work specifically with your refrigerator model, and because they are made and supplied directly from the original manufacturer, and thus go through the same quality testing, they also typically last much longer.

How often do I need to change my LG refrigerator's water filter?

You need to replace your LG refrigerator's water filter once every 6 months, or as needed. It's important to look for taste differences in the water, an indicator that will light around the time the filter needs to be replaced, or a significantly lower level of water pressure from the dispenser.

Can you replace an LG refrigerator water filter without turning off water?

When replacing the water filter for your LG refrigerator, it's important to disengage and turn off the water line to ensure a large amount of excess water does not come out from the water filter port when replacing it.

How do I reset my LG refrigerator after installing a new water filter?

Once your water filter for your LG refrigerator has been replaced with a new one, you can easily reset the water filter light indicator by holding the 'Reset Filter' button for 3-5 seconds, until the light turns off.

Now that you've replaced the water filter in your LG refrigerator, you're able to enjoy tasty and contaminant-free water! Remember that water filters need to replaced on a regular basis, and at the very most should be replaced after 6-8 months of regular use. However, if you use your refrigerator's built-in water dispenser more or less often than average, you may be looking at a different lifespan for your new filter.

To read other guides and articles on home improvement and DIY appliance repair, make sure to check out the PartSelect blog! And for the all of the parts you need, for the tools that matter most in your projects and DIY life, PartSelect's wide-range of OEM parts has you covered!