Having a water filter on your refrigerator used to be considered a luxury. Now, it’s all but a standard issue feature on most models. Considering the many benefits that drinking filtered water straight from your fridge comes with, it’s no surprise the feature has become so popular.
However, like every other filter in your home, your refrigerator water filter needs regular replacing. If you don’t replace it regularly, you place yourself at risk for some serious health issues later on down the line.
If you think your filter has gone off, here’s what you need to look for.
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The “Check Refrigerator Water Filter” Light Is On
You know how, when you’re driving a car and the ‘check engine soon’ light turns on, you file that away in the back of your mind and forget it so long as nothing else appears to be happening? You shouldn’t do that when the indicator light for your refrigerator water filter turns on on the front of your fridge.
Not every fridge has this light in it, but if your model has a panel in front with the water and ice dispenser, chances are, it has this function.
Fridges tend to calculate when replacement filters are needed automatically. Some do this based on the amount of water processed, while others do it based on the time passed since the last filter change. Either way, if and when you see this light come on, it’s time to find a replacement fridge filter and swap it out.
The Taste of Tap Water
One of the biggest benefits of having a refrigerator with a water filter in it is the ability to drink water that doesn’t taste like it came from the tap. Let’s face it: tap water tastes disgusting in most places.
Not only does tap water taste gross, but depending on where you live, it might be dangerous to your health to drink it unfiltered. So, if your fridge water is starting to taste like unfiltered, unaltered tap water, it’s time for a replacement filter.
This notice also applies to your ice. Even if the water itself tastes fine, if the ice tastes weird or has a bizarre odor, you should consider swapping the filter.
Clouded Ice or Water
Water should be crystal clear, with no clouds, murkiness, or tint to it when held up to the light. If you’re seeing swirls, a colored tinge, or other cloudiness, it could be time to swap your filters.
Hints of red in the water or ice might indicate a high rust content, while hints of gray or grayish-white might hint towards dust contamination. Either way, if your water looks translucent rather than transparent, or has a color to it, don’t drink it.
While some sources of coloration can be harmless, it’s better to be safe now than sorry later.
Visible Flecking
Most refrigerator water filter models have carbon filters in them. These carbon filters are what help catch contaminants, clean the water and make it safer to drink. The water flows through them while the contaminants get left behind.
The carbon inside these filters is a black, gritty substance that sometimes slips out as water gets dispensed. Occasional black flecks are normal, but if they seem excessive, it could mean your filter’s mesh is failing.
Once the filter’s mesh fails, it won’t be able to keep out the chemicals or bacteria you need it to for your health. If you notice this sign, don’t drink any more fridge water until you’ve swapped the filter.
Dispenser Runs Slow
Your refrigerator’s water filter works hard, sifting out heavy metals, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants from the water. However, because it does so much heavy lifting, it can become clogged.
Clogged filters take longer to process the contents flowing through them. So, if your dispenser seems to be running in slow motion as of late, it might be time for a refrigerator water filter replacement.
What’s That Smell?
Humans evolved with a sense of smell to help us determine whether or not something was poisonous. We shouldn’t ignore that highly tuned sense for the sake of saving money.
If your nose recoils from the scent of your fridge water, trust its input. Whether it’s the rotten egg smell of sulfur or the metallic, acrid tang of bleach or metal particles, it doesn’t matter. Any strong scent indicates that your filter’s not doing its job, and needs to be replaced.
Has It Been a Year?
As with every other filter in your home, your refrigerator water filter should be swapped out on a regular basis. Most standard water filters have a shelf life of around a year.
If you use your water filter regularly, you should aim to change it around every 3-9 months or so. However, if you use it on a less than regular basis, the standard year mark will work for you.
Let’s Review the Facts
So, you’ve had your new fridge and the tasty water it provides for a while now. Something seems off about your water, but you’re not sure if you need to replace the filter. You now know that if the water looks, smells, or tastes odd, or if it’s been longer than a year since you last changed the filter, it’s time for a replacement refrigerator water filter.
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