FAQs
Having Troubleshooting with your Refrigerator water filter? Here are some helpful tips that may help solve your problem!
WHY IS THERE A '-2' AT THE END OF THE FILTER CODE?
Many of our customers are aware that refrigerator manufacturers do not make their own filters; they purchase them from fridge water filter manufacturers. This means that popular fridge brands such as Samsung and Fisher & Paykel actually purchase their branded filters from the same factories that make non-branded filters. Fridge Filters Australia has been providing quality replacement fridge water filters at the most competitive prices for over 15 years. We understand that, more and more, customers are looking for a quality replacement water filter, without wanting to pay for the brand name. Because of this, we made sure that we could offer our customers a more affordable alternative for each of our most popular filters. The ‘-2’ that appears at the end of filter codes notifies our customers that the filter is a quality alternative to the branded filter; the same filter, without the known brand name. Each of our ‘-2’ water filters have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that they comply with NSF guidelines. This means that when you purchase one of our ‘-2’ filters you can be assured that both the filter quality and durability are not compromised whatsoever.
HOW LONG SHOULD MY FILTER LAST?
Refrigerator manufacturers strongly recommend that fridge water filters are replaced every six months, or as soon as the ‘change filter’ light appears either on the front display panel or near the filter cartridge casing in your refrigerator. However, if you notice that the clarity or the taste of your water has changed, this is an indication that it is time for a new water filter. Replacing your water filter when this occurs ensures that your water remains fresh and that the ice and water mechanisms in your fridge are protected from any corrosion.
I'M HAVING DIFFICULTY REMOVING OR INSTALLING MY INTERNAL FILTER?:
When removing a filter, usually the problem is in pulling the existing fridge filter down and out of the housing. If this is causing an issue we recommend removing the top shelf from the refrigerator, as the sudden release of the fridge filter can cause damage to you and/or the shelf. Once the top shelf has been removed, try rocking the filter sideways while pulling down. Other than the above tip, there is no secret; sometimes a little extra force is all that's needed.
With installation, there are sometimes small tolerance differences between the filter and the locking mechanism. Push the filter up and turn. Once it starts to turn just a fraction, APPLY MORE FORCE AND KEEP ON TURNING until it locks into position.
A SMALL DRIP OR LEAK IS COMING FROM THE FILTER:
Remove the Fridge filter and inspect the filter receiver for any debris or anomalies. Inspect the filter cartridges' O-rings for debris and alignment, then re-install the filter.
MY WATER FLOW IS INTERMITTENT?:
It is possible that air may be present within the lines, causing an airlock. depress the dispenser lever for 1-2 minutes until the water flows freely.
WHY IS MY WATER TASTING DIFFERENT AFTER I CHANGED MY FILTER?:
The older the filter that is being replaced in your fridge, the more likely this will occur. If the water tastes different all that has happened is the water is being subjected to far better filtration than you've become accustomed to. Water filters for fridges cannot add anything to the taste of water, they are "filters" and hence only remove contaminants and chemicals from the main water supply.
MY FRIDGE FILTER DOESN'T LAST THE FULL 6 MONTHS, OR THE FLOW SLOWS TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL:
Generally, the water filters supplied by manufacturers are quite fine and provide excellent drinking water. However, in some cases, particularly in geographic areas with high sediment levels in the water, the filter will prematurely clog up. Typical situations would be: tank water where heavy rain can stir up sediment in the water tank, certain parts of Melbourne and Perth (due to low dam levels), and some more obscure events such as nearby road work or building sites where trucks shake up the residual sediments in the main water pipes. There is an inexpensive solution where we can supply an additional in-line sediment filter that is fitted on the supply line at the back of your refrigerator. This is a "sediment only" water filter that takes out larger particles and protects your standard filter from premature blockage. It's a DIY and only takes about 2-3 minutes to install for a handy person.
ARE USED FRIDGE FILTERS RECYCLABLE?
Unfortunately, fridge filters are not recyclable due to the chemicals and bacteria removed by the internal carbon block. You can dispose of your used filter by sealing it up in a bag to avoid any water leaking throughout your garbage and placing it into the bin. Using your fridge filter with a reusable bottle regularly, significantly reduces the environmental footprint when compared to bottled water. Not only do fridge filters reduce the amount of plastic bottle waste going to landfills, but they are also significantly cheaper, too! For example, if you were to purchase approximately 30 cartons of 24 bottles of water for the year, this would enable you to have roughly 2 x 500ml bottles of water per day for the household. This would work out at approximately $300 for the year, for only 1 litre a day! As a comparison, check out our Pure Plus Pro filter that lasts up to 12 months with a capacity of up to 10,000 litres.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A SEDIMENT ISSUE COMING FROM THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY?
If your fridge filter's flow rate drops before the scheduled 6 month time limit there's a good chance you have a sediment issue from the main water supply. This is fairly common in rural regions and areas with low dam levels. It can also happen for a number of short-term reasons, like roadworks, building sights in the area, and council maintenance of water pipes.
A quick and cost effective solution is a 5 minute DIY addition of a sediment only pre filter to the poly supply line at the back of the fridge. If you have any questions or would like to know more about sediment filters, you can use the chat module at the bottom left of your screen to send us a message. Alternatively, you can also email us or chat with us over the phone.
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT FRIDGE FILTERS?
All fridge manufacturers source filtration to perform a few key functions for the fridges:
1. Sediment Reduction - e.g. - Dirt, sand & rust - keep your ice maker running
2. Chemical Reduction - e.g. - Chlorine & Organic compounds - improve the taste
3. Cyst reduction - some are rated below 1 micron - but not all
4. Scale inhibition - most ice makers have a defrost element that run a defrost cycle. If this gets scaled up, it won't work and you will be up for big $$.