If you have a GE fridge with a water dispenser or an ice maker, you probably know that it has a water filter that needs to be replaced periodically. The water filter helps to remove contaminants, chlorine, and sediment from the water supply, ensuring clean and fresh-tasting water and ice. But how do you change the water filter in a GE fridge and how often should you do it?
The process of changing the water filter in a GE fridge depends on the model and type of filter you have. Generally, you need to locate the old filter, remove it, and install a new one by turning it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
You may also need to reset the filter indicator light by pressing the button or holding it for a few seconds. You should change the water filter every six months or after every 200 gallons of dispensed water.
Types of Water Filters in GE Fridges
GE fridges use different types of water filters depending on the model and configuration. Some of the most common types are:
- MWF/MWFA/MWFP: These are cylindrical filters that are located in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment. They are compatible with most GE side-by-side and bottom-freezer fridges.
- XWF: These are rectangular filters that are located in the back, right-hand corner of the fresh food compartment. They are compatible with select GE French-door and side-by-side fridges.
- XWFE: These are rectangular filters that are located under the housing of the filter in the back, right-hand corner of the fresh food compartment. They are compatible with select GE French-door and side-by-side fridges.
- MSWF: These are cylindrical filters that are located in the upper left corner of the fresh food compartment. They are compatible with select GE side-by-side fridges.
- GSWF: These are cylindrical filters that are located in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment. They are compatible with select GE top-freezer and bottom-freezer fridges.
- RPWFE: These are rectangular filters that are located in the upper left corner of the fresh food compartment. They have an RFID chip that communicates with the fridge to ensure optimal performance. They are compatible with select GE French-door fridges.
How to Change MWF/MWFA/MWFP Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- Find the filter in the right corner on the upper side of the refrigerator’s interior.
- Lay a towel under the filter before removing it. This is meant to catch any water that may drip during its removal.
- Now, turn the filter to the left, counterclockwise, until it loosens. Pull it out gently from the filter head.
- Remove and discard the plastic cap from the new filter. Fill it with water from the tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align the arrow on your new filter with the arrow on your cartridge holder. Push it up into place and turn it to your right until it stops.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
How to Change XWF Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- To change the filter for a bottom-freezer refrigerator, start by placing a towel under the filter housing to catch dripping water during removal.
- Press the two tabs on either side of the cartridge housing cover to release it. Pull it down to reveal the old filter.
- Turn your old filter counterclockwise until it releases from its housing. Pull it out gently and discard it.
- Remove and discard any protective film or cap from your new filter. Fill it with water from your tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align your new filter with its housing and push it up into place. Turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
- Replace your cartridge housing cover by pushing it up until it snaps into place.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
How to Change XWFE Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- To change this type of filter for a bottom-freezer refrigerator, start by placing a towel under its housing to catch dripping water during removal.
- Press down on both tabs on either side of its housing cover to release them. Pull down on its cover to reveal your old filter.
- Turn your old filter counterclockwise until it releases from its housing. Pull it out gently and discard it.
- Remove and discard any protective film or cap from your new filter. Fill it with water from your tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align your new filter with its housing and push it up into place. Turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
- Replace your cartridge housing cover by pushing it up until it snaps into place.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
How to Change MSWF Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- Find the filter in the upper left corner of the fresh food compartment.
- Place a towel under the filter to catch any water that may drip during removal.
- Push the button next to the filter to release it. Pull it out gently from the filter head.
- Remove and discard the plastic cap from the new filter. Fill it with water from the tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align the arrow on your new filter with the arrow on your cartridge holder. Push it up into place until it snaps in.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
How to Change GSWF Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- Find the filter in the upper right corner of the fresh food compartment.
- Place a towel under the filter to catch any water that may drip during removal.
- Turn the filter to the left, counterclockwise, until it stops. Pull it out gently from the filter head.
- Remove and discard the plastic cap from the new filter. Fill it with water from the tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align the arrow on your new filter with the arrow on your cartridge holder. Push it up into place and turn it to your right until it stops.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
How to Change RPWFE Water Filter in a GE Fridge
To change this type of filter, follow these steps:
- Find the filter in the upper left corner of the fresh food compartment.
- Place a towel under the filter to catch any water that may drip during removal.
- Pull down on the tab on the bottom of the old filter to release it. Pull it out gently from the filter head.
- Remove and discard any protective film or cap from your new filter. Fill it with water from the tap to prevent air bubbles.
- Align your new filter with its housing and push it up into place until you hear a click.
- After replacing your filter, run about 1-2 gallons of water through your dispenser to flush out any air from your system.
- Reset your filter indicator light by pressing and holding the Water button for three seconds.
Conclusion
Changing the water filter in a GE fridge is not a difficult task, but it requires some attention and care. You need to locate the old filter, remove it, and install a new one by turning it in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. You may also need to reset the filter indicator light by pressing a button or holding it for a few seconds. You should change the water filter every six months or after every 200 gallons of dispensed water.
