Will a Refrigerator Work Without a Filter?

Operating Without a Filter

• Whether or not the refrigerator will function without a filter depends upon the kind of the refrigerator. If the refrigerator does not have a bypass plug and the filter housing can be closed with the filter cap, a filter is not needed. If the refrigerator has a bypass plug, the bypass plug must be inserted for the water and ice to work without a filter. Check your refrigerator user manual for specific information about your refrigerator filter and whether or not the water and ice dispenser will work without a filter. However, note that the refrigerator and freezer will operate whether or not there is a filter installed.

Bypass Plug

• Refrigerators that use a water filter often allow you to operate the refrigerator without a filter through the use of a built-in bypass plug. Most refrigerators with a bypass plug have the water filter in the refrigerator compartment. Most units come with a filter installed. Turn the current filter counterclockwise until the filter slides out. Insert the included filter bypass plug into the filter housing, and turn it clockwise to secure. The water and ice will dispense without filtration.

Non-Bypass Plug

• Other refrigerator models allow the water system to operate without a filter or bypass plug. These models usually have the filter located in the base grille. Remove the current filter, most refrigerators come with a water filter included, and pull the cap off the end of the filter. Place the cap on the filter on the filter opening in the base grille and turn clockwise to tighten. Water and ice will dispense normally but will not be filtered.

About Water Filters

• The water and ice dispenser on most refrigerators work best with a filter installed, as the filter removes minerals, debris and other impurities from the water before turning the water into ice or dispensing the water. When left unfiltered, these components are not removed from the water and the taste and quality of the water may be affected. If you are unsure of the quality or microbiological content of the water, a filter is recommended, regardless of whether the refrigerator will dispense water and ice without a filter.