What happens if you haven't changed the water filter in your refrigerator?

Author: Nikita Mraz  |  Last update: Saturday, February 14, 2026

An unchanged water filter can produce water with a foul odour or a strange taste. A dirty or clogged water filter can also affect the mechanical actions within your refrigerator, such as the Ice dispenser. A refrigerator with a water dispensing function is a significant investment and really should be treated as such.

What happens if I don't change the water filter on my fridge?

Failing to change the filter can strain the refrigerator's water filtration system and reduce its overall efficiency. This may lead to potential issues, such as decreased ice production or slower water dispensing, affecting the refrigerator's lifespan.

How long can you go without changing fridge filter?

How often to change your refrigerator water filter. Refrigerator water filters are one of the best, most cost-effective ways to ensure your family is drinking clean, fresh-tasting water, but they need to be changed every six months.

Is it safe to drink water from the fridge with an old filter?

As the filter is used over time, these contaminants will clog the filter, and the water will move through the filter less efficiently and fewer contaminants will be removed. Bacteria will also colonize the filter and may result in illness. Probably best to replace the filter so as not to worry about it.

Can not changing your refrigerator water filter make you sick?

You're not going to get sick from it, but the flow will likely be reduced as the filter becomes more clogged, and the filter will not work as well.

When to change the water filter in your refrigerator

What happens if you keep using an old water filter?

Depending on your filter type, after 2 months, 6 months or 6 years, your filter could be covered in bacteria, rendering it unable to perform up to optimal spec, and turning it into a petri dish for all other contaminants to thrive, and those very contaminants that you tried to prevent from entering your house will be ...

What happens when refrigerator water filter goes bad?

Stress on Your Fridge: A clogged filter forces your refrigerator's water system to work harder, which can cause to leaks, damage to the water pump, or even complete failure of the water dispenser or ice maker.

What happens if you drink from a dirty water filter?

Contaminants, along with bacteria, viruses, and the like, will continue to multiply and pass through the filter, potentially leading to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, or even more severe illnesses, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Do I need to dump ice after changing the water filter?

Discard the ice cubes produced during the first 24 hours. If your appliance has a water dispenser, dispense water for 5 minutes and then discard.

How does my refrigerator know when to change the filter?

If you have a touchscreen refrigerator with a filter indicator light, simply change the filter when the light flashes. This will keep your ice and water tasting great. Signs it's time for refrigerator water filter replacement include: Water coming from the fridge dispenser tastes or smells bad.

Will fridge stop making ice if filter needs replaced?

A clogged water filter can restrict water flow to the icemaker. Water filters should be changed every 6 months. If your refrigerator has a water filter, try replacing your water filter. You can purchase a GE Appliance genuine water filter online at our GE Appliances Parts & Accessories website.

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

Do You Have to Turn the Water Off to Change a Refrigerator Filter? You do not have to shut off the water supply from your refrigerator to change out an old water filter.

How do I know when my water filter needs replacing?

So we've put together a simple guide for you to tell whether this might apply to your cooler or water filter system.
  1. 1 - Reduced Delivery Volume. ...
  2. 2 - Water Tastes or Smells Bad. ...
  3. 3 - Strange Noises or Air Bubbles. ...
  4. 4 - Discoloured or Cloudy Water. ...
  5. 5 - Expiry Date or Visual Indicators.

Will my fridge work without a water filter?

With the filter removed, the water system will continue to operate, bypassing the filter, and the clogged filter will not cause slow water dispensing or low ice production. However, you will need to install a new filter to have filtered water. REMINDER: Make sure you flush the system after replacing your water filter.

Do all refrigerators with ice makers have a water filter?

Not all ice makers use filtered water to make ice. Furthermore, not all fridges with ice makers come with fridge filters; it depends on the specific model. However, most modern refrigerators come with an in-built filter to ensure you get the best ice quality from your machine.

Will my ice maker work without a water filter?

The short answer is not necessarily.

An ice machine will operate without a filter, but will quickly start having problems will scale buildup, especially in a city where the water is considered “hard”.

Can you drink water right after changing fridge filter?

Most refrigerator filter manufacturers recommend running 3-5 gallons of water through your filter before drinking it.

Why does ice taste bad after changing filter?

Ice Tastes or Smells Bad:

One of the most common complaints after changing the filter is that the ice tastes or smells bad. This can be attributed to residual impurities in the water or a reaction between the new filter and the water supply.

Why does my water look weird after changing the filter?

If you recently replaced the water filter and the water appears cloudy, it could be because of air in the water line. This is normal when using the water dispenser for the first time or after replacing the filter. Flush the water system to help remove the air from the water line.

Can you get sick from not changing the water filter in your refrigerator?

Consume Harmful Bacteria

If you neglect to change your refrigerator's water filter, it will become clogged with these substances and fail to do its job, causing these harmful microbes to get into your water. From E. coli to fecal coliform, your health can be impacted.

What happens if you never change a water filter?

Minerals, microbes and various chemicals may contaminate the water supply. Neglecting your water filters can lead to system malfunctions, clogging, and compromised water quality. It is advised that you change your filters as instructed by your manufacturer.

How long does it take for filtered water to go bad?

It's important to note that warm temperatures can encourage the growth of bacteria, while exposure to sunlight can stimulate algal growth in the water. Refrigerated: Filtered water can typically be stored in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Do I really need to change the water filter in my refrigerator?

Are you currently wondering if you really need to change your refrigerator filter? The answer is yes, you do. Changing your filter is critical to maintaining the cleanliness of your family's drinking water.

What happens if you don't flush your fridge water filter?

If not flushed out, they can mix with your drinking water, affecting its quality and taste. Flushing the filter thoroughly removes these unwanted substances, ensuring that the water flowing through the filter is free from any potential contaminants.

Is it safe to drink water from fridge with old filter?

Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

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