Clean, safe drinking water is something we all wish to have easy access to. After all, water is very important to our health and even our survival on this planet. We all need water to be able to survive and thrive. But of course, if we are talking about water for consumption, then it can’t be just any water that you find or have access to. Water meant for consumption by our families should be clean and safe.
Wherever we may be residing, our water in the household usually comes from a water source. These water sources are typically not up to the standards set by the FDA, and on its own, the water that goes into our tap from these sources may not be viable for drinking.
It may contain contaminant particles and chemicals, which vary depending on your location. While the actual particulates may differ, what is constant is the fact that there are particulates present. As such, it is advisable to filter your water before you drink it.
Thankfully, modern technological advancements have made it simpler and easier for everyone to have access to clean water. This pressing need is what led to the invention of refrigerators with water filters, as they make it so easy for everyone in the household to have safe and clean h2o.
GE is a leader in the industry, and they have come up with refrigerators with excellent filter systems. But as with all filter systems, these need to be maintained in order to keep working well.
If you’ve got yourself one of these appliances and are wondering how to replace the water filter in the GE refrigerator, you have come to the right place. Read on for everything you need to know to keep your appliance filter in tip-top shape!
What Is A Refrigerator Water Filter For?
A refrigerator water filter is a great device that helps you to purify the tap water in your home. It is a built-in feature that allows the incoming water from your tap to be filtered before it gets to the water dispenser in your refrigerator or its ice maker. This is why top appliance brands like GE have produced refrigerators that have water filters already.
This type of modern, high-technology refrigerator allows those in your household to always have clean and safe water within reach — without having to think too much about it or spend too much on a long-term basis.
Inside The Water Filter
The water filter in your GE refrigerator contains a carbon block inside it. This carbon block that is inside the filter serves to remove the sediments from your tap water. It also reduces impurities such as chlorine, asbestos as well as lead.
The carbon block in the water filter is very, very porous. This is why the block’s surface area effectively captures the microscopic substances in your tap water that can otherwise potentially harm you and those in your household.
Benefits Of Water Filters
The water filters built into refrigerators have many benefits. Here are some of them:
- The water filter makes water cleaner and much more safe for consumption
- It allows for more easily-accessible clean water
- It improves the rates and the smell of your drinking water and the ice that is dispensed from your refrigerator
- It is a hassle-free and less costly way to always have clean and safe water in your household
Water Filter Effectivity
One thing to keep in mind if you are looking to buy a new GE refrigerator with a water filter: the strength and effectiveness of a water filter are gauged in microns. Basically, the lower the micron rating of the water filter, the higher the effectiveness rate of the water filter in capturing smaller contaminants.
Because of this, when looking for a GE refrigerator, you should purchase one with a low micron rating if you want your water to be more efficiently filtered.
Types of GE Refrigerator Water Filters
The types of water filters that are installed in your GE refrigerator vary depending on the location. These water filter types include:
1. Grille
Grill water filters can be found at the base part of the refrigerator. They are slender filters that are installed right at the base of the appliance. There is usually a knob present that will cover them so that they will blend with the grille.
A lot of refrigerators have this type of water filter. Some of these even have a push button that serves to eject the water filter, while others need to be turned for the filter to be ejected.
2. Drop Down
Drop-down water filters are even more hidden than the grill type. Several people who have refrigerators with a drop-down filter do not even know that their appliance actually has that feature! They end up not using the water and ice dispensers built into their refrigerators simply because they do not know that those are there. Meanwhile, others who do use these features fail to change the water filter when they should.
The drop-down filter can usually be located in the food compartment of the refrigerator. A special compartment there houses the filter. You need to drop it down so that you have access when you want to switch to a new filter — hence the “drop-down” name.
3. Slide-Out
A slide-out water filter is quite similar to the grille water filter. For many of these filters, you just need to push a button in order for the filter to be released. On the other hand, some of these slide filters have to be turned for the water filter to be ejected.
Replacing The Water Filter In Your GE Refrigerator: A Basic Guide
Changing your water filter is actually quite simple. Check out our basic guide below so you can easily replace the filter in your GE refrigerator and make sure everything keeps running smoothly:
1. Find The Filter
The first step is to locate the water filter in your GE refrigerator. The various types listed above illustrate where they can be found. Check the manual to find out the type and location of your water filter.
After you do this, place a towel or a cloth below the filter to catch any drops of water that can fall when you take out the filter.
2. Remove The Filter
Hold the water filter and then gently make a counterclockwise turn (turn towards the left). As you do this, keep tugging it downwards from the filter head. At times, air may be trapped in the compartment of the filter, which can make it harder to pull out. Should this happen, just push in your water dispenser. Doing so should make the filter drop immediately.
3. Insert The Replacement Filter
Make sure that you have already purchased a replacement water filter before you start this whole process! Once you remove the old filter, the immediate next step is to remove the plastic cap found on the new filter and then discard the cap.
Fill the top of the new water filter with tap water. Insert it into the cartridge. There will usually be an arrow present on both the filter and the cartridge that will help as you insert it. If there is no arrow, then simply ensure that the filter is caring forward when you insert it.
4. Lock The New Filter In
This is a very important step because some forget that you shouldn’t just leave the filter right after you insert it. You have to make sure that the new water filter won’t fall off. To do this, what you need to do is turn the filter clockwise. It will slowly rise, and you will be able to tell once it is in.
5. Flush Out The New Water Filter
After you install your new water filter, do not immediately use it. You must first use about one or two gallons of water for flushing out. Likewise, discard the first couple of batches of ice that your ice maker will produce. This step will also help to purge air from your filter system.
When To Replace Your Water Filter In Your GE Refrigerator?
The recommendation is very straightforward: On average, you should change the water filter in your GE refrigerator every six months or half a year.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind, though, when navigating this general rule:
- If you are living in an area that has hard water, then you may have to replace your water filter earlier than that.
- If you do a lot of traveling and do not use your appliance for weeks, you may need to change your filter upon your return. Because you did not use your filter, it will trap more dirt and particles during that time. If in case you do not wish to change it after just a few weeks, then make sure to flush it thoroughly before you start to use it again.
What Happens if You Do Not Replace The Water Filter?
Some people are not very vigilant when it comes to replacing the water filter in their refrigerator. This may be because they do not understand what will happen if they do not change it out, so it may not seem like a huge deal. This is a mistake.
Replacing the water filter in your refrigerator is a very big deal. Here are a few issues that can come about if you do not change your GE water filter when you should:
The Odor And Taste of Your Water Will Change
As mentioned earlier, the water filter also positively affects the taste and odor of your water, though you may not be aware of that. Once your filter wears out, it is no longer effective in removing the chemicals, minerals, and microorganisms that are present in your water. You will soon begin to notice these changes.
Your Water Will Not Flow Well
A big indicator that your water filter is due for replacement is when the water no longer flows well from your dispenser. The reason it no longer flows well is that there are already solids and minerals clogging up your filter. So, if you notice that it is taking a bit longer to fill up your glass, your filter needs to be changed asap.
Your Ice Will be Cloudy
This particular one may not be immediately obvious to many people. But if you pay a little more attention to the ice that you get from your ice dispenser, you may find that the ice you get is no longer clear. Now, when you put that ice into your drink, it will introduce harmful microorganisms into it as the ice melts. That is not a good thing.
Your Water And Ice Will Become Health Risks
Microorganisms are the biggest harbinger of diseases. The water that comes from your water supply contains a lot of these microbes. They also may have chemicals and heavy metals. The water from your tap may lead to you becoming exposed to things such as chlorine, asbestos, lead, radium, chromium, pesticides, nitrites, nitrates, and others.
Water filters are tools that treat your water so that you are not exposed to all of these. Once your water filter is not switched out in time, it stops working properly, leading to health risks brought about by untreated water.
Replacing the water filter in your GE refrigerator is crucial in order for you to keep on drinking clean water. It is very necessary that you do this so that you and your family are protected from contamination and exposure to harmful microbes. Stay healthy and hydrated by having safe and clean water right within your reach with the simple task of mindfully maintaining your water filter!