What Does In and Out Mean When Changing a Refrigerator Water Filter?

Refrigerator Water Filter

• If your refrigerator has a door-mounted water dispenser, it has a water filter. Some refrigerators also have a filter at the ice maker water supply line. Water filters remove chlorine and minerals, and some are especially designed to remove unpleasant tastes and smells as well. While most modern refrigerators have a slot for a filter built into the back near the water supply line, you can also install a filter directly onto the supply line.

In and Out

• It matters which way you insert your refrigerator's water filter when you're swapping them out. These filters are designed so that water flows through them in one direction. Some manufacturers label one side of the filter “In” and the other “Out” to indicate which end water should flow in and where water should exit. This is not true for all manufacturers; consult the installation guide for the filter and the manual for your refrigerator before installing a new filter.

Signs

• If you replace your refrigerator’s water filter and the water it dispenses does not taste good, it could be a sign that the filter was put in backward. It will not work properly and won’t remove all of the minerals or taste as it should. A sloppily installed filter could result in slight water leakage from the back of the refrigerator. If the water in your fridge tastes bad and it has been a while since you changed the filter, it could be time to put in a new one. Problems with an improperly installed filter usually show up right away.

Considerations

• If you only have an ice maker on your refrigerator rather than a combination ice and water dispenser, you can run into the same problem when changing the filter. If you put it in backward, the ice could start to taste or smell funny. Filtering water through your refrigerator is cheaper than buying bottled water and creates less waste. Change the filter at least every six months or more often, if the filter manufacturer’s guidelines suggest doing so, to keep the water in your home tasting its best.