Why does my fridge have a water filter?

Author: Esteban Schamberger  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

A refrigerator filter reduces contaminants in the water that flows from your faucet through your refrigerator dispenser and ice maker. The water filter, located inside your refrigerator, usually uses a coconut shell activated carbon filter to trap and absorb contaminants and pollutants in your tap water.

Is a refrigerator water filter necessary?

The short answer is that fridge water filters do work for some simple needs — mainly those related to chlorine, like unpleasant tastes and odors. However, the list of things a refrigerator filter can't do is far longer. For example, fridge systems won't reduce contaminants like arsenic, pharmaceuticals and fluoride.

Is it OK to use fridge water without filter?

Yes, many refrigerators are designed to run even if their water filter is not installed. However, running the system after removing the filter is not advised. Drinking unfiltered water can harm your health and make you sick.

Why does my refrigerator need a water filter?

Its job is to get rid of impurities and harmful substances in the water so that it is safe to drink. It's possible that these impurities would be in the water you drink if you don't use a filter. The water coming from your fridge will stay good as long as you change the filter as often as the manufacturer says to.

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

Failing to change your refrigerator water filter regularly can lead to several issues: Reduced Water Quality: Over time, filters become clogged with contaminants, which can lead to water that tastes or smells bad. They may also fail to effectively remove impurities such as chlorine, lead, and bacteria.

Do Refrigerator Water Filters Work? We Tested the Water

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 I bypass my refrigerator water filter?

Many refrigerators have built-in water filtration that filters sediment and contaminants from the water going to the dispenser and/or the icemaker. If you do not need or want to use the water filter, a bypass plug must be used in place of the filter.

Does ice maker water go through the filter?

In homes, refrigerator filters are most commonly used to filter water that flows into the ice maker, but a reverse osmosis system can be hooked up to the ice maker as well.

Can a bad water filter cause a refrigerator to not dispense water?

If the water filter is not seated properly, it can cause; no or low ice production and water not dispensing properly.

Can you drink water from the fridge if it says replace the filter?

Ignoring the need for regular refrigerator water filter changes can lead to a host of problems. From a health perspective, an old or clogged filter cannot effectively remove contaminants. This situation means you might drink and cook with unfiltered water, exposing you and your family to potential health risks.

Why does my fridge water taste weird?

One of the most common causes of bad tasting water from your fridge is an old filter. Though they are designed to provide filtration to the water supply of your fridge freezer, they do not last forever. Fridge filters are designed to be replaced once every six months.

Is fridge filtered water better than tap water?

Fridge filters can offer benefits, including: Improved taste: Water filters can remove chlorine and other chemicals that can affect the taste and smell of tap water. Reduced contaminants: Filters can remove heavy metals, pesticides, and other impurities that may be present in tap water.

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.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Key points. Public tap water in the United States is regulated and usually safe to drink. However, sometimes tap water gets contaminated with chemicals that can make you sick. Contact your drinking water utility or health department if you think your tap water is contaminated with harmful chemicals.

Can I bypass the water filter on my Samsung refrigerator?

Most Samsung water and ice dispensers will work without an AquaPure water filter installed. The water filter housings are designed as rotary valves that allow the water to bypass the water filter whenever there is no filter or the filter is not in the locked position.

Will a fridge make ice without a filter?

Without the filter installed, the water skips the filtration step and goes straight to the ice maker or water dispenser. Some refrigerator models require an extra part, called a bypass plug, for the water to skip the filtration step. However, some refrigerators do not need this part.

Why does my ice taste bad?

As ice melts and refreezes, it can become stale and absorb flavors from the freezer or the ice bin. To keep your ice tasting fresh, regularly discard old ice and produce a new batch. Using your ice maker more frequently can help prevent ice from becoming stale and ensure a consistent supply of clean, fresh-tasting ice.

Do all fridges have water filters?

Almost all modern refrigerators are equipped with both water and air filters. However, we often take the benefits of these filters for granted.

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

Because they're susceptible to the build up of dirt and debris, old fridge water filters may not be able to prevent contaminants from tainting drinking water as well. To ensure drinkable, fresh tasting water for your family, be sure to change your fridge's water filter every six months.

Is it safe to drink water from the fridge?

The unfortunate truth is refrigerator filters can't always be relied on to remove harmful substances and bacteria from your drinking water, and, therefore, the water isn't as clean as it could be.

Why does my fridge need a water filter?

Your filter uses activated carbon to remove contaminants like chlorine, dirt, and bacteria, so it's vital to maintain it—otherwise, you might end up with icky water, cloudy ice, or a broken fridge!

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

Flushing the filter also helps eliminate air bubbles in the water lines. Air bubbles trapped in the water line can impact water flow, cause water to sputter or dribble out of the dispenser, and affect ice cube quality. Choosing not to flush your filter can cause some issues or frustrations.

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