Uncategorized

Refrigerator Repair.

A vast majority of modern refrigerators dispense ice and chilled filtered water for the convenience and enjoyment of their owners. This is a clever addition to an already incredibly useful device, and many people joyfully throw out their old ice trays in favor of quick and easy cool drinks. However, nothing stays in ‘brand new’ condition forever. There are a number of things that can go wrong with your ice machine, and whether or not you need repair services depends on what they are. A grinding noise and no production, any kind of distinct smell, or leaking are signs that you need to call a professional. However, if the only problem is that your ice and water have started to look dirty or taste off, your water filter is the most likely culprit and this is a problem you can fix at home. Here at SoBellas Home Services, we’ve worked with a lot of refrigerators and are happy to offer a few helpful pointers on how to replace your refrigerator water filter or avoid refrigerator repair.

Step 1) Buy the Right Filter can help you avoid refrigerator repair

Not all refrigerators are the same, so it’s only natural that there are several models of fridge water filter to choose from. Your first step is to acquire a filter that works with your refrigerator so you have something to install after removing the old, used up water filter. To do this, you have two options. You can either check the current filter or simply look up your refrigerator model online to find it’s filter specifications.

Step 2) Locate Your Water Filter

The water filter isn’t in the same place for all refrigerators. Most fridges hold the filter in the base grille at the foot of the refrigerator and it can be identified by handled knob set horizontally. You may have to remove the grille to find it. However, many newer models have the filter in the upper right hand corner of the inside of the fridge and some keep them in more unusual places. If you can’t find your filter in the base grille or the upper corner, check your users manual online for the true location.

Step 3) Unplug Your Refrigerator

When working with any appliance, the best way to avoid dangerous mistakes is to simply unplug the appliance and stop the flow of electricity. While it’s possible to replace a water filter without handling any live elements, always play it safe when working with any device that runs on a current.

Step 4) Remove the Old Filter

For Handled Knob Filters:

  • Twist the old filter a quarter or half-turn counter-clockwise
  • Pull straight out and set the old filter on a towel
  • Remove the knob from the end of the old filter
  • Attach the knob to the end of the new filter
  • Push the new filter into place
  • Twist a quarter or half-turn clockwise until it sets into place

For Push-Button Filters

  • Press the button to the right of the filter to release
  • Pull the old filter straight out and set it on a towel

If there is a reusable cap:

  • remove the cap from the old filter

    • apply the cap to the new filter

  • Push the new filter into place until it clicks.

Sometimes a water filter will get stuck because it wasn’t installed properly or something else went wrong along the way. If you can’t remove it with reasonable force, consider calling a professional for assistance. This might require SoBellas Home Services refrigerator repair to assist.

Step 5) Cleanup

Congratulations, you’ve just successfully installed your new refrigerator water filter. Now it’s time to tidy up. Start by closing up the water filter compartment and/or replacing the refrigerator base grille. Next, discard the old water filter and mop up any drips that may have occurred in the process and plug your fridge back into the wall.

Step 6) Clear the New Filter

If you’re familiar with other kinds of water filters, it won’t surprise you to learn that your final step is to run about two and a half gallons of water through the new filter to flush it out and prepare it for regular use. If you have a filter change indicator light, remember to reset it so you’ll know when it’s time to repeat this process.

With your task complete, cool water and clean ice should be dispensing happily from your refrigerator. You have just gotten one step closer to having a universal set of repair skills and your family can return to enjoying the deliciously chilled water. For more information about maintaining and repairing your refrigerator, contact us today! A little maintenance can help you avoid refrigerator repair.

company icon