Water Filter Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts

Learn how to troubleshoot your water filter repairs.

What Is Wrong With Your Water Filter?

Most residential under-the-counter or ice maker water filters are pretty simple. We discuss, here, a few of the most common problems you may have with your water filter. For other sorts of problems, contact your filter manufacturer.

The filter needs changing

• Replaceable cartridge unit
• Disposable filter unit

It leaks
The faucet drips
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The filter needs changing

Warning! Before you replace your water filter, be sure to turn off the water supply!

The procedure for changing the filter depends on the type of unit:

Replaceable cartridge unit
Disposable filter unit

Replaceable cartridge unit

To change a replaceable cartridge filter:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Press the pressure-release button (a little water may leak out).
3. Using the special tool provided by the filter manufacturer, turn the cartridge casing counterclockwise to remove it.
4. Remove the old cartridge and insert the new one in the casing.
5. Using the special tool, thread the casing back onto the top of the filter unit and tighten it (by hand only).

Disposable filter unit

To change the filter for a disposable unit:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Unfasten the disposable filter unit from the tubing and discard it.
3. Attach the new filter to the tubing. Note... If your filter is small--for an ice maker or humidifier--and you don't see an obvious way to release the tubing, it may have a quick-release system. If so, there's a tiny plastic ring around the tubing, 1/8 inch from the filter housing.
4. To release the tubing, hold the filter and pull the small ring toward the filter body--the tubing should now easily slide out of the filter. Next, push the tubing completely inside the new filter to reattach it.

It leaks

Most residential water filters connect the tubing to the filter with a compression fitting, which must be very tight to provide a complete seal. If you have a leaky compression fitting, one or more components may have been left out, or it may simply need more tightening. Refer to your owner's manual to find out how to fasten the tubing for your water filter.

The faucet drips

The faucet on the sink that is fed by the water filter has seals in it just like any other faucet. Turn off the water supply to the faucet before making repairs.

Still haven't found, what you are looking for here? We have more details on water filters for you to detect what's wrong with your home appliance.

Note: If your repair problem isn't listed, contact an Appliance Repair specialist or other qualified technicians.

Warning! To avoid personal injury or even death, always disconnect your appliance from its power source--that is, unplug it or break the connection at the circuit breaker or fuse box--before you do any troubleshooting or repair work on your appliance. Also, because some components may have sharp edges, use caution while working on your appliance.