How to Change KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter in 6 Easy Steps

When we’re unsure how to do something, it sometimes seems easier to avoid doing it. But changing a refrigerator water filter is one task you shouldn’t avoid. We’ll review how you can change a KitchenAid refrigerator water filter in 6 simple steps.

Why It’s Important to Change a KitchenAid Refrigerator Water Filter

A refrigerator water filter screens out impurities from your home’s water supply before providing filtered drinking water and ice. However, a filter’s mesh screen eventually becomes clogged with these impurities, passing contaminants into your refrigerator’s water.

When to Replace Your Water Filter

How often should I change refrigerator water filter? It’s recommended that you change the filter every 6 months. Here’s everything you need to know about replacing KitchenAid water filters.

However, you may need to change your filter sooner if other problems develop. These signs indicate that you may need to change your KitchenAid refrigerator water filter more often:

• The filter indicator light is illuminated
• You notice your ice maker not making ice
• Ice cubes are smaller or oddly shaped
• Dispensed water has a bad smell or taste
• Dispensing times are longer than usual

How to Replace KitchenAid Refrigerator Push-In Water Filter

Refrigerators that use KitchenAid water filter #1 can have their filter compartment in one of two locations. It will either be in the upper right hand corner of the refrigerator’s interior or behind the base grille at the bottom of the unit. Here’s how to replace the filter:

1. Lift up the filter door.
2. Pull the old filter straight out.
3. Remove the protective covering from the new filter’s O-rings.
4. Insert the new filter into the compartment with the arrow pointing upward. Make sure the notches and grooves of the compartment and filter are aligned.
5. Snap the filter door closed.
6. Flush the filter by dispensing and disposing of 4 gallons of water.

How to Replace KitchenAid Refrigerator Twist-in Water Filter

Other refrigerators use KitchenAid refrigerator water filter #4, a twist-in model filter, located in the upper right hand roof of the interior. Follow these steps to change the filter:

1. If the tab on the filter compartment is facing out, push on it and pull the cover down. If the tab is on the bottom of the cover, pull forward and down on the lever to open it.
2. Turn the filter to the left and pull to remove.
3. Line the new filter up with the grooves in the compartment, push it in, and turn the filter to the right.
4. Lock the filter in place by pushing it upward.
5. Push the filter door up until it snaps closed.
6. Dispense and dispose of 4 gallons of water to flush the filter.

What to Do When the Water Filter Won’t Come Out

Is your KitchenAid water filter stuck when you try to remove it? Try these simple fixes to solve this common problem:

Base Grille Filters:

1. Remove the base grille to better access the filter
2. Place a cloth over the filter cap
3. Grip the cloth with pliers and turn the cap a quarter turn
4. Pull the filter straight out

Interior Filters:

1. Try opening and closing the filter compartment door again
2. Make sure the filter door is completely open
3. Decrease pressure in the refrigerator’s water line. Turn off the refrigerator’s water valve and release the remaining water in the dispenser before trying to remove the filter.

If changing the water filter or other refrigerator maintenance poses a problem, you may need a KitchenAid refrigerator repair. Justin-Time Appliance is here to help with any question or concern.