How to Change Water Filter in Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

You want clean and fresh water from your Whirlpool French Door refrigerator, right? But did you know the water filter inside needs to be changed regularly? If you don’t change it, your water might taste bad or have dirt in it. Changing the water filter sounds hard, but I will show you how to do it easily step by step. You don’t need to be a pro or call a repair person. Let’s get started and make sure your water stays fresh and safe!

Find the Water Filter Location

Before you can change the water filter, you need to find where it is inside your Whirlpool French Door refrigerator. This might sound simple, but the filter can be in different places depending on your model.

Look Inside the Refrigerator Section

The first place to check is inside the fridge part. Usually, the water filter is near the top right or left corner inside the fridge. Open your refrigerator door and look up there carefully. Sometimes it’s hidden behind a small cover or flap. Look for a round or rectangular piece that looks like a cartridge. This is usually the water filter.

Check the User Manual

If you cannot find the filter inside the fridge, the best way is to look at your user manual. It has pictures and explains exactly where the water filter is. If you don’t have a paper copy, you can find your Whirlpool refrigerator model number (usually on the door edge) and search for the manual online on Whirlpool’s website.

Water Filter Near the Bottom or Base

In some models, the water filter is not inside the fridge but at the bottom front or even behind a kick plate near the floor. If you don’t see it inside, check the lower area of your fridge. Sometimes, you need to open a small door or panel to reach it.

Water Filter Cartridge Shape and Size

The filter usually looks like a small cylinder or cartridge. It can be white, black, or gray. Knowing what the filter looks like helps you find it quickly. If you see a plastic piece that looks like it can be pulled or twisted, you’ve probably found the filter.

What If You Still Can’t Find It?

If you tried all the places and still can’t find the water filter, don’t worry. You can always call Whirlpool customer support or search online using your refrigerator’s model number. Many videos and guides show exactly where the filter is for your model.

Finding the filter is the first and very important step because without knowing where it is, you can’t change it safely.

Turn Off the Water Supply

Now that you found the water filter, it is time to stop the water from flowing to the filter before you take it out. This is to prevent leaks and water spilling everywhere.

Locate the Water Valve

The water supply for your refrigerator comes from a water valve usually found behind the fridge or under the sink. The valve looks like a small lever or knob attached to a pipe.

How to Turn Off the Valve

Once you find the valve, turn it clockwise (to the right) to close it. This will stop water from flowing to the fridge and filter. If you are unsure which valve it is, you can turn off the main water supply for the house, but it is easier to find just the fridge valve.

What Happens If You Don’t Turn Off the Water?

If you skip this step, water can leak when you remove the filter. This can make a mess on your floor and cause damage. So, always make sure the water is off before moving forward.

Test the Water Supply

After turning off the valve, open the water dispenser on the fridge and press the water button. If no water comes out, you know the supply is off. If water still flows, you need to find the right valve or turn off the main water supply.

Prepare for Water Drips

Even with the water off, a little water might drip when you remove the filter because water is still inside the pipes and filter. Keep a small towel or bowl nearby to catch drops and keep the area dry.

Turning off the water is a quick but important step that keeps your kitchen clean and avoids water damage while changing the filter.

Remove the Old Water Filter

Now it’s time to take out the old water filter. This step needs a little care so you don’t break anything inside the fridge.

Open the Filter Cover

If your water filter is behind a cover or flap, gently open it. This might be a plastic door or panel that snaps open. Don’t force it; if it doesn’t open easily, check your manual for instructions.

How to Remove the Filter

Most Whirlpool French Door refrigerators have a twist-in filter. To remove it, hold the filter firmly and turn it counterclockwise (to the left). You should feel it loosen and then you can pull it straight out.

If your filter is a push-in type, you might need to press a button or push the filter gently while pulling it out.

What If the Filter Is Stuck?

Sometimes the filter is hard to turn or pull out, especially if it hasn’t been changed in a long time. If it’s stuck, try using a little more force, but be careful not to break the filter or plastic parts. You can also try to wiggle it gently while turning.

Dispose of the Old Filter Properly

Once you remove the filter, put it in a plastic bag or container and throw it in the trash. Don’t leave it near your fridge or kitchen because it can leak or smell bad.

Check for Any Damage

Look inside the filter slot for dirt or damage. If you see any cracks or broken pieces, call a repair person before installing the new filter. The slot should be clean and dry.

Removing the old filter carefully is important to keep your refrigerator working well and avoid leaks.

Install the New Water Filter

After the old filter is out, it is time for the new one. This step is simple if you follow these instructions carefully.

Remove the Packaging

Take your new water filter out of its box and remove any plastic wrapping or caps. These caps keep the filter clean and safe before use.

Check the Filter Model Number

Make sure the new filter matches the model number of your old one or the one recommended in your manual. Using the wrong filter might not fit or work properly.

Insert the New Filter

Line up the new filter with the slot inside the fridge. If it twists in, turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. Don’t force it, but it should fit snugly.

If it is a push-in filter, push it firmly until you hear or feel it click into place.

Close the Filter Cover

Once the filter is installed, close any cover or flap you opened earlier. This protects the filter and keeps the fridge looking neat.

Turn On the Water Supply

Go back to the water valve you turned off earlier and open it by turning it counterclockwise (to the left). This lets water flow back to the fridge and new filter.

Flush the New Filter

It is important to flush the new filter before you use the water. Press the water dispenser button and let water run for about 3 to 5 minutes or 2 to 3 full gallons. This clears out any air or small particles in the new filter and makes the water clean and fresh.

Check for Leaks

While flushing, watch for water leaks around the filter. If you see water dripping or pooling, turn off the water and check if the filter is installed correctly. You might need to push or twist it again to seal properly.

Reset the Filter Indicator Light

Many Whirlpool refrigerators have a filter change light. After installing the new filter, reset this light by pressing and holding the reset button or filter button for a few seconds. Check your manual for exact instructions.

Installing the new filter correctly keeps your water fresh and your fridge working well for months.

I hope this guide helps you feel confident and ready to change your Whirlpool French Door refrigerator water filter yourself. Clean water is just a few simple steps away!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to change the water filter in a Whirlpool French Door refrigerator?

Changing the water filter is actually easy and does not require special tools or skills. Most filters just twist out and twist in. Following step-by-step instructions can help anyone do it safely. It might feel tricky the first time, but after you do it once, it becomes quick and simple. Just remember to turn off the water and flush the new filter after installation to avoid leaks or bad taste.

Can I use any water filter for my Whirlpool refrigerator?

No, you should use only the filter recommended for your Whirlpool model. Using the wrong filter may not fit properly, could leak, or may not filter water correctly. Always check your user manual or the model number on the old filter to buy the correct replacement. Using the right filter keeps your water clean and your fridge working well.

Do I need to turn off the water supply every time I change the filter?

Yes, turning off the water supply is very important. If you don’t, water can spill or leak when you remove the old filter. This can cause a mess or damage your kitchen floor. Turning off the water valve near your fridge or under the sink helps keep everything dry and safe.

Is it normal for water to drip when I remove the old filter?

Yes, a little water might drip out because water is still in the pipes and filter. Keep a small towel or bowl nearby to catch drops and avoid spills. After you remove the filter, wipe the area clean before installing the new one.

Can I reuse my old water filter if it still looks clean?

No, you should never reuse an old water filter. Over time, filters get clogged with dirt and bacteria that you can’t see. Reusing an old filter can cause bad taste, cloudy water, or even make you sick. Always replace the filter every 6 months or as recommended by Whirlpool.

Do I need to flush the new water filter after installing it?

Yes, flushing the new filter is important. It clears out any air bubbles and small particles left inside the filter. Run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes or about 2 to 3 gallons. This makes sure the water tastes fresh and is safe to drink.

Can I change the water filter without opening the fridge door?

Usually, you need to open the fridge door to access the filter inside. Some models have filters in the base or back, but most French Door refrigerators have the filter inside the fridge. Opening the door gives you better access and makes it easier to remove and install the filter.

Is it necessary to reset the filter change indicator light?

Yes, resetting the indicator light after changing the filter helps remind you when it’s time to replace it again. This light keeps track of how long the filter has been used. Check your manual for the reset method, usually by holding a button for a few seconds. This keeps your filter changes on schedule and your water clean.