8 GE Refrigerator Water Filter Problems Fixed!
Having recently replaced the filter in your GE refrigerator, you might expect everything to function smoothly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and you may encounter various issues with your GE refrigerator water filter.
Some common problems you might face with water filter replacements include a slow or non-dispensing water dispenser, a leaking or non-functional filter, unpleasant-tasting water, or ice that looks unappetizing. Additionally, you may encounter installation difficulties such as a stuck or popping filter or the filter light failing to reset.
The good news is that you can resolve these water filter problems without the need for professional assistance. In this article, I will guide you through the process, starting with identifying the root cause of the installation or replacement problem.
Furthermore, I will provide you with tips on correctly installing the GE refrigerator water filter and where to find the appropriate genuine filters.
Let’s delve into the details and find solutions to these water filter issues!
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix |
| Filter Replacement Problems | ||
| 1. Slow or Non-Dispensing Dispenser | Trapped air or a clogged water filter | Flush out trapped air and replace a clogged water filter |
| 2. Leaky Water Filter | Wrong filter type, damaged filter, clogged filter, or | Use the right filter type and replace a damaged water filter |
| wrong filter installation | ||
| 3. Dispenser Not Working After Filter Replacement | Fake or damaged filter or wrong filter installation | Get a genuine GE water filter, replace a damaged filter, and reinstall it correctly |
| 4. Bad Water Taste | Not flushing the water line | Flush out the water line and dispose of the first few glasses of dispensed water |
| 5. Gross Ice | Clogged filter | Replace the clogged filter |
| Filter Installation Problems | ||
| 6. Stuck Filter | Wrong installation | Gently and carefully remove the stuck filter and replace it |
| 7. Filter Keeps Popping Out | Wrong installation, filter damage, or high water pressure | Replace a damaged filter and reinstall a wrongly installed one. Lower water pressure to 40-100 psi |
| 8. Filter Light Won’t Reset | Wrong installation, filter type, or reset technique | Reinstall the water filter, ensure it’s the correct type, and reset the filter light |
Problems with GE Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement
After replacing the water filter in your GE refrigerator, you may encounter various issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Slow or No Water Dispensing
If your water dispenser is slow or not dispensing water immediately after filter replacement, the issue could be trapped air in the water lines. To fix this:
- Press and hold the refrigerator’s dispenser cradle for about 5 minutes to flush out the trapped air.
- This will allow the water dispenser to dispense water smoothly.
If the water dispenser slows down or stops working several months after filter replacement, it may indicate a clogged filter. Replace the filter in such cases.
Leaky Water Filter
A common reason for water leakage in GE refrigerators is a faulty water filter. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
- Ensure you have the correct filter type that matches your existing filter.
- If the filter is damaged, replace it.
- If the filter is clogged, replace it after six months or when the filter light indicator turns red/orange.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to install the replacement filter properly.
Water Dispenser Not Working After Filter Replacement
If your water dispenser doesn’t work immediately after replacing the water filter, the following issues could be the cause:
- Fake filters: Use genuine GE water filters purchased from the company’s website.
- Damaged filter: Be careful during installation to avoid damaging the filter.
- Incorrect filter installation: Ensure proper installation by following the instructions.
Bad Water Taste
If the water tastes unpleasant after replacing the refrigerator’s water filter, it could be due to not flushing the water line after filter installation. To fix this:
- Flush the water lines immediately after replacing the water filter.
- Dispose of the first few glasses of water to eliminate any potential bad taste.
Gross Ice
If the ice from your refrigerator’s ice dispenser looks or tastes unpleasant after replacing the water filter, it is likely due to a clogged filter. Replace the filter, especially if it has been six months since the last replacement.
GE Refrigerator Water Filter Installation Problems During the installation of the GE refrigerator water filter, you may encounter the following problems:
Stuck Water Filter
If the water filter is difficult to remove during the removal process, follow these steps:
- Place a towel or cloth underneath to catch any water droplets.
- Gently grasp the water filter and turn it counterclockwise (leftwards).
- Try pulling it while turning, keeping it stable to minimize water spillage.
- If the water filter doesn’t come out, push the dispenser to release any pressure holding it.
- Replace the stuck filter if it appears faulty.
To install a new water filter:
- Remove the plastic cap from the replacement filter.
- Fill the replacement filter with tap water from the top and insert it into the cartridge holder.
- Rotate the new filter clockwise (rightwards) until it stops turning.
- Press the dispenser to purge any trapped air.
- Flush out 1-2 gallons of water before using it.
Water Filter Keeps Popping Out
Possible causes for a newly installed water filter popping out are:
- Incorrect filter installation.
- A damaged filter.
- High water pressure (above 120 psi).
To fix this, replace the damaged filter if necessary. If the installation was incorrect, remove the filter and reinstall it properly. Adjust high water pressure to a range of 40-100 psi.
Refrigerator Water Filter Light Won’t Reset
In most GE refrigerators, the water filter light turns orange to indicate that the filter should be changed soon, and red when immediate replacement is required. After replacing the filter, you would expect the orange or red light to turn off and be replaced with a green light or no light at all.
However, there are a few reasons why the filter light may not reset:
- Wrong filter installation technique.
- Wrong filter type.
- Failure to reset the filter or incorrect reset technique.
To fix these issues:
- Double-check that you have the correct water filter type and compare it with the pressure one.
- Ensure that the filter is installed correctly. If not, remove the filter and reinstall it properly.
- Perform a GE refrigerator water filter reset after installation. Press and hold the “Reset Water Filter” button for a few seconds until the red/orange indicator light turns green or goes off.
GE Refrigerator Water Filter RPWFE Problems
When dealing with the RPWFE water filter, you may encounter the following issues during installation or replacement:
- Slow or inconsistent water dispensing or no water dispensing at all.
- Water filter leaking.
- The filter popping out.
- GE refrigerator water filter getting stuck.
FAQ
Why is my GE refrigerator water filter not working?
There are several possible reasons why your GE refrigerator water filter is not working:
- The filter may be expired (older than six months).
- It could be clogged, damaged, fake, the wrong type, or incorrectly installed.
- Low water pressure (below 20 psi) or high water pressure (above 120 psi) can also affect filter performance.
How often should I change my GE refrigerator water filter?
GE generally recommends changing the refrigerator water filter every six months or when the filter light turns orange/red, depending on which comes first.
Closing Thoughts
If you encounter issues after installing or replacing your GE refrigerator water filter, the filter itself may be the problem. It could be fake, damaged, clogged, incorrectly fitted, or the wrong type. In most cases, replacing the filter will solve the problem.
However, don’t forget to address other potential issues, such as flushing the water line or resetting the filter as needed.
