FAQs
Having trouble with your refrigerator water filter? Here are some helpful tips that may solve your problem.
WHAT DOES THE "-2" MEAN AT THE END OF SOME OF THE FRIDGE FILTER CODES?
Discount Fridge Filters has been providing quality replacement filters at the most competitive prices for over 15 years now. Our customers are savvy enough to know that refrigerator manufacturers don't make their own filters, they buy them from filter manufacturers. They want a quality option without paying for the brand name. We will never compromise in quality, so we made sure we could offer such an option for all our popular filters: hence the range of "-2" filters. The "-2" fridge filters conform to NSF guidelines and is made with only NSF/ANSI compliant materials. As a quality replacement filter, the cartridge itself undergoes a series of rigorous airflow tests to ensure its durability and to make sure our customers get the best quality AND the best price!
HOW LONG SHOULD MY FILTER LAST?
Refrigerator manufacturers strongly recommend that fridge water filters be replaced every 6 months or when the "change filter" light comes on. However, if you notice the clarity or taste of your water changing, that's the best indication that it's time for a new filter! This ensures that your water remains fresh and your refrigerator's ice & water mechanisms are protected from corrosion.
DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING OR INSTALLING INTERNAL FILTERS. For removal, usually, the problem is in pulling the fridge filter down and out of the housing. Remove the top shelf from the refrigerator, as the sudden release of the fridge filter can cause damage to you and the shelf. Try rocking the filter sideways while pulling down. Other than that, 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 FROM THE FILTER. Take out the fridge filter and re-fit with a sharp twist to lock into position.
WATER FLOW IS INTERMITTENT. There is still air in the lines. Depress the dispenser lever for 1-2 minutes until the water flows freely.
THE WATER TASTES DIFFERENT. The older the filter being replaced in your fridge, the more likely this will occur. All that has happened is the water is being subjected to far better filtration that 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.
THE 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! Our Pure Plus Pro filter lasts up to 10,000 litres or 12 months and is only $89.95!