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.
Yes, you can use your refrigerator without the water filter installed. While having a water filter in place helps to ensure that all of the water entering your fridge is clean and free of impurities, it is not necessary for keeping your refrigerator running smoothly.
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.
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.
The Refrigerator has the option to use a filter bypass plug, should you not want to use a genuine GE Appliances water filter.
Consumer Reports have shown that while some off-brand filters can perform reasonably well, brand name filters consistently outperform their generic counterparts in both filter quality and water purity.
The icemaker will not operate without the filter or filter bypass plug.
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.
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.
In short, no, unused water filters do not expire. There is no set shelf life for water filters, as long as they're not exposed to any moisture. That's the key — moisture is what makes water filters work, and without that, they're sitting pretty and ready for use at any time.
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.
If your ice maker is not working there are several potential reasons including a clogged or partially clogged water filter. Read ton learn more about this possibility as well as other common reasons for an ice maker not to work.
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.
Also, if your filters aren't making that much difference or your unit is old, you may consider skipping the refrigerator filters altogether. While it is possible for a refrigerator to operate without a filter, we do not recommend it, as it could lead to contamination of your drinking water and ice.
Genuine GE water filters not only remove 99%* of lead from your drinking water, but they also filter other contaminants that you often can't see, taste, or smell—including microplastics!
Reset Water Filter Pad
After you change the water filter, press and hold the the RESET WATER FILTER button for 3 seconds until the red light goes off.
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.
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.
Microscopic Dangers
Waterborne viruses that cause disease in humans include rotavirus, norovirus, and Hepatitis A. Bacteria are one of many microscopic dangers that can be present in clean-looking water. everywhere on earth. Some bacteria help humans, while others are the culprits for many waterborne diseases.
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.
It doesn't seem to cause any issues. It may surprise you, but the answer is yes, if the refrigerator or any appliance has a filter, it needs to be replaced according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Filter Clogs
You should typically replace your refrigerator's water filter about twice per year. Ignoring this maintenance step can cause problems with your water dispenser as well as your ice maker. If you cannot get ice or water from your fridge, then the filter should be your first suspect.
It is recommended that the water filter be replaced every nine months, with 2000 gallons of water used, when the indicator light comes on, or as needed. A clogged or incorrectly installed water filter will reduce the water flow to the ice maker, which could result in low or no ice production.