LG Refrigerator Water Tastes Funny (Problems & Solutions)

If the water dispensed by your LG fridge tastes funny, then chances are that the unit hasn’t been maintained well.

Now, we don’t mean to blame you, but many people who own a water dispenser-equipped LG fridge don’t know how to keep the water consumable. That’s why we have prepared this guide to help you detect and fix the issues that may interfere with the taste of the water.

Moreover, they are applicable to any model (like a french door, side-by-side, or top freezer). So, dive in to know more!

6 Maintenance Tips To Keep The Water Clean

1. Eliminate Any Bad Smell

Any foul odor inside the fridge can make its way into your LG fridge water dispenser, making the water taste bad. Not only that, but it can also reach the ice maker to spoil the smell and flavor of the ice cubes. 

This problem usually occurs when you store foods with a strong smell (like cheese, garlic cloves, canned sardines, etc.) in open containers. Hence, it’s always recommended to store everything in properly sealed or air-tight containers to prevent both ice and water from the unwanted transfer of food smell.

After you have put everything in sealed containers, keep some baking soda on one of the shelves. This will help absorb any remaining smell, but don’t keep it uncovered, as the circulation of cold air in the fridge can make the powder mix with the water and alter its taste. Instead, you can store some in a container with the lid slightly open.

2. Clean The Water Line

Another thing you can do is flush the water supply line of your LG refrigerator to improve the taste of the water. Dispense a few gallons of water from the dispenser, let it fill again, and drink the water to see if the taste has improved. 

However, a lingering bad taste doesn’t always mean that there’s something wrong with the line. For instance, you may get a rubber, chemical, or plastic taste if you’ve recently replaced the line, which will take some time to subside. 

You can perform a simple DIY check to see if the water line is responsible for the bad taste. Turn off the power supply of the fridge, disconnect the line and run water directly through it (and not the dispenser). If the water tastes fine, then there may be an issue with the water filter, which takes us to our next fix.

3. Change The Water Filter

A blinking water filter indicator on the panel will tell you if it’s time to change the filter, so always keep an eye on it. But sometimes, it may be necessary to change it before the indicator goes off, especially if the water line has successfully passed the DIY check mentioned above.

If you’ve been using the same filter for more than three or four months, we’d suggest replacing it at the earliest. And depending on the quality of the water source and the frequency of dispensing water and ice, you may have to replace it even sooner. 

You can also consider installing a water purifying system to help the filter eliminate impurities and contaminants more effectively, especially in case of hard water supply. Aside from that, if you live near a construction site or the air in your home is generally filled with more dust than usual, then it may cause the filter to wear out faster.

A pro tip: always go for compatible LG filters, as low-quality filters can also affect the taste of water and ice. And ensure that the filter is properly installed; otherwise, you may end up dispensing unfiltered water. 

Moreover, incorrect installations can damage the housing, the filter head, or the filter itself, thereby rendering the function completely useless.

What To Do If The Water Tastes Bad Even After Changing Filter?

Just like the water line, the filter may not always be responsible for foul-tasting water, which is why the problem may persist even after replacing it. 

In such an event, remove the filter and use the bypass plug as a replacement. Now, dispense a glass of water to check the taste. If the taste doesn’t improve, then you’re dealing with an issue at the source (the tap water). 

We’d suggest calling a plumber to get the water supply of your home inspected and take the necessary measures to resolve the problem.

4. Dispense The Water Frequently

Leftover or “stale” water will taste like mildew, as stagnant water can harbor the formation of mold. And consuming this water can cause an upset stomach or vomiting. Hence, it’s important to empty the dispenser every few days and allow it to get fresh water supply. 

Moreover, consider emptying the water tank completely at least once a week to keep it clean and fresh. 

One thing to note here is that if the above-mentioned steps improve the taste of the water but not the ice, then it may be due to the water softener in your home or the main water softener. The chemical properties of the softener change when the water freezes, making the refrigerator ice taste weird. 

5. Changing The Valve

The valve that directs the flow of water from your tap to the fridge may get dirty or corroded with prolonged use. This can contaminate the water entering the water tank or reservoir of the fridge, thereby affecting the water taste.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye on the valve and get it replaced when required. You can easily install a new one using a wrench and Teflon tape, but we’d suggest calling a professional if you aren’t sure about your DIY plumbing skills.

6. Cleaning The Water Dispenser

Many people ignore the importance of a clean water dispenser, which may well be one of the leading causes of foul-tasting water. The good news here is that you don’t need to call a professional to clean it as long as you follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1

Turn off the main power supply of the fridge and shut off the water valve that supplies the fridge with water from the tap. Next, remove the water line to get better access to the dispenser.

Step 2

Take some clean, filtered water in a container and add white vinegar to it while ensuring that the amount of vinegar doesn’t exceed that of the water. Grab a funnel to pour half of this solution into the dispenser. 

This may take some time since the channeling tube running into the dispenser is very thin.

Step 3

Keep this mixture in the dispenser for at least 5 minutes before dispensing it by pressing down the dispensing lever. Don’t let go of the lever until all the solution has poured out.

Step 4

Take an old (but clean) soft bristle toothbrush, dip it in the remaining solution, and gently scrub the dispenser nozzle to get rid of any debris accumulation. Similarly, clean the exterior to remove any grime, and use an absorbent or paper towel to wipe everything clean. Ensure that there’s no leftover mixture or dirt on the dispenser body or nozzle.

We’d also suggest cleaning the drip tray by holding it under warm running water, as the constant exposure to water makes it prone to sludge or grime formation.

Step 5

As the last step, clean the funnel (or use a new one) to pour fresh water into the dispenser and dispense this water completely. Repeat this step a few times to ensure there’s no leftover vinegar solution in the dispenser or the nozzle.

What To Do If The Water Has A Rich Chlorine Taste?

The water in most treatment plants (or the main water reservoir) in your area is generally treated with safe amounts of chlorine to remove harmful chemicals and contaminants. This is crucial for ensuring that the water supply doesn’t cause harmful diseases like cholera.

However, a properly working water filter will remove the chlorine taste so that the water doesn’t taste bad. But if you’re tasting chlorine in the water, it’s a definite case of a malfunctioning or worn-out filter, meaning it should be replaced without any delay. 

What To Do If The Water Has A Metallic Taste?

The metallic taste of water is generally a result of minerals like manganese, iron, or lead deposits in the water, but the right type of filter can successfully remove it. 

For instance, some people prefer installing a normal or catalytic carbon filter to eliminate the strong metal taste of water. And if there’s too much mineral deposition in the water supply, you may want to get an additional filtration system for the main water supply. This will help reduce the strain on the fridge filter.

No matter the filter you choose for your fridge, ensure that it isn’t expired and is compatible with the model. 

What To Do If The Water Tastes Salty?

The water in your home may have high concentrations of chloride ions, which are usually released from industrial waste or farming drainage systems. Aside from that, the presence of magnesium or sodium sulfates can make the water taste salty. 

If the water being dispensed from your fridge has a salty taste, then the filter may no longer be effective in removing these minerals. Disconnect the filter and directly dispense the water from the water line. If it doesn’t taste salty, replace the filter.

But if the water tastes salty even after removing the filter, then the main water supply needs attention. Moreover, the above-mentioned minerals can cause diseases like diarrhea, which is why it’s important to remove them and make the water safe for consumption.

In such a case, contact the Environmental Protection Agency so that the authorities can test the water in your area and implement proper treatment procedures.

What To Do If The Water Tastes Like Plastic?

As we have mentioned before, plastic-tasting water can be a result of newly installed water lines. So, we’d suggest flushing the new line a couple of times as a precautionary measure. At the same time, empty the tank or reservoir once or twice for better results.

Another thing that can make the water taste like plastic is an incorrectly fitted water filter. So, once you place the filter in the housing, gently twist it to the right and wait for a “click” sound. Some filters may also release a gush of air when properly installed.

Looking for a new LG? Check out our LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator Review, LG Instaview Door Review and our Best LG Fridge Under $3000 review

What To Do If The Ice Tastes Bad?

There may be certain issues that affect only the taste of ice, and you wouldn’t want to leave them unresolved either. So, here are a few things you can do to make the ice cubes taste normal.

1. Replace The Ice Bin Or Tray

Although ice trays and bins are durable, we’d advise against using the same ones for too long, especially if they are made from rubber or silicon. This is because the mineral deposition from water can form a layer on the inside in the long run, which will invariably affect the taste of the ice cubes. 

Since ice trays are pretty affordable, you can replace them once or twice annually to prevent this problem.

2. Replace The Ice Maker Filter

Some models of LG refrigerators may be equipped with an additional filter in the ice maker, which should be changed once every six months to keep the ice fresh.  

Final Words

That’s all we have for today.

But before we say goodbye, we have a few tips to help you keep your refrigerator water clean at all times. Firstly, clean the fridge inside out regularly and throw out any expired food items. 

Secondly, get the unit serviced by qualified technicians once every six months. This is also a good way to get the filters and water lines checked by professionals and get them replaced if needed.

See you next time!