What Happens if You Don't Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filters?

Learn the 4 negative consequences of using an expired water filter.

What happens if you don’t change your refrigerator water filters? There’s no need to refill ice trays and run out of cold water. To ensure you always have cold, fresh water, and ice at your fingertips, the only thing you need to do is to change your refrigerator water filters.

Refrigerator water filters are limited in their ability to clean more than a certain amount of water before they wear out. However, it is almost impossible for fridge owners to keep track of how many gallons of water and ice have been consumed. Most manufacturers recommend that filters be replaced every six months. These are the 4 most unpleasant consequences of failing to replace your filters in time.

Taste and Odor changes

Your water filter will lose its ability to filter out chemicals, minerals, or microbes as it wears out. You may notice a change in the taste or odor of your water from the refrigerator.

Cloudy Ice

When water freezes, it tends to become cloudy or opaque if it has a higher mineral content. This may not be obvious if you use the crushed ice feature of your fridge, but it will when you use cubes.

Slow Flow

Filter media can become more porous and less effective at allowing water through. This will lead to slower water flow and a greater likelihood of minerals and solids building up. If it takes longer than usual to fill a glass with water from your refrigerator, it could be a sign that your filter is worn.

Safety and Health Concerns

Most importantly, if your water filter is worn out, it means you no longer receive adequate protection against chemicals, heavy metals, and microbes. You could be exposed to:

Asbestos

Arsenic

Barium

Excessive chlorine

Cadmium

Chromium

Cysts (microbes).

Fluoride Excessive

Lead

Radium

Pesticides

Nitrates & Nitrites

Be skeptical about assuming that your water is safe and clean without filtering. According to California’s Water Resources Control Board data, the average monthly fluoride concentration in some areas of Los Angeles County was 0.96 mg/L. This is much higher than the recommended 0.7 mg/L by the Health Department. You don’t have to rely on city waterworks for your water treatment. Instead, you can easily and inexpensively get additional protection from your refrigerator water filter.

Fixify can help you find replacement water filters for any brand or model of refrigerator. This includes GE, Whirlpool and Amana models, KitchenAid, Maytag and Frigidaire. We can also install your refrigerator water filters. Contact us today to arrange your service.

If you have a broken or damaged Refrigerator call Fixify for Refrigerator repair in you area. We cover multiple locations in Suffolk county such as Central Islip, West Islip, Brentwood, Huntington Station, and more.