6 Signs You Need to Change Your Refrigerator Water Filter

The hot Georgia sun, while beautiful, also makes you really thirsty after spending a day outside in it. Nothing refreshes better than some ice-cold, clean drinking water. Today's refrigerators have awesome built-in, automatic water dispensers that can keep your water cool and on demand. The key to that clean and fresh taste is the refrigerator water filter. You may have noticed your water tasting funny, looking cloudy, or smelling nasty, which means it could be time to replace your filter.

Our local Atlanta appliance repair experts from Mr. Appliance of Greater Atlanta are here with a quick guide as to the six signs you need to change your refrigerator water filter. Keep reading if you're not sure whether or not you need to replace your filter.

What Does a Water Filter Do, Exactly?

You might be wondering what role your refrigerator water filter plays in keeping your water clean and fresh. You also might be wondering how it does that. Well, the goal of your filter is to remove contaminants like chlorine, mercury, pesticides, and any chemicals that may have made it into the water supply. It does that job well; most filters remove 99 percent of those pesticides and pharmaceuticals. There are some U.S. companies, like NSF International, that test these filters and provide certifications, ensuring they meet public health and safety standards.

The way the filter makes your water safer is by using different filters in combination to provide you with clean, filtered water. The first pre-filter traps larger debris to keep your dispenser water flowing smoothly. Second, a carbon filter captures impurities like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other nasty chemicals that produce unpleasant odors and tastes. That is why when it is time to replace your refrigerator water filter, you shouldn't wait.

Sign #1: Indicator Light Is On

In 2025, many modern refrigerator models will have telltale signs that you need professional water filter replacement. Chief among those is the indicator light. This little light is part of a system in your fridge that tells you when your fridge needs a new filter to clean your drinking water properly. In most cases, this light will come on automatically after a timer has been tripped, but modern systems often monitor the condition of your filter and tell you when it is time for a replacement.

Sign #2 Slow Dispensing of Water

When you are thirsty, you want your water quickly, not to sit and wait while the dispenser slowly fills your cup. You might as well just use your tap at that point. If your water is pouring slower than usual, it could be a sign of a clogged refrigerator water filter. You may need to replace the refrigerator filter; if the issue is something else entirely, you can count on our professionals to diagnose the problem and provide a reliable remedy.

Sign #3: Bad Taste or Odor

Your water filter is there to reduce the amount of contaminants and impurities in your water; when it stops working, your water quality will decline significantly. The water from your fridge dispenser will develop a strange taste and odor that could signify it is time to replace your refrigerator water filter. Our professionals can check if your water is safe with fridge water testing. Atlanta residents can ensure their families are drinking safe water by replacing filters.

Sign #4 Cloudy Water

When your filter fails to clean water properly, you might notice that it starts becoming cloudy. If you start noticing that your water not only has a strange smell but is also murky or cloudy, it could be time for some fridge water testing. You should replace the refrigerator water filter if you start noticing your refrigerator's water is a strange color or cloudy. This could signify that your water is contaminated with harmful substances, iron, or sediment.

Sign #5: Low Ice Production

Another sign you might need to replace your refrigerator water filter is that your ice maker is not producing much ice. It could also look like your ice cubes are smaller than usual. Sometimes this is due to a clogged fridge water filter, which limits the flow of water into the ice maker. This can be remedied with professional repair or water filter replacement services.

Sign #6: It Been Six Months

The golden number for water filter replacement is every 6 months. If you haven't noticed any change in the taste and smell of your drinking water, you might think you are okay not to replace your refrigerator water filter, but if you are unsure, you can always request some professional fridge water testing. Atlanta residents should trust the manufacturer's recommendations and replace their water filter every six months with a genuine replacement filter to ensure clean drinking water. When your filter wears down, it doesn't clean out the impurities in your water system like it should.

Count On Mr. Appliance For Reliable Fridge Water Testing! Atlanta Homeowners, Call Today

It is hard to deny that a refrigerator without a water filter does not provide much protection from harmful, contaminated water. While there are water filter subscription programs, they still require you to find the right filter for your needs, and you have to install them yourself. When your fridge's water filter needs replacing, you can count on the professionals at Mr. Appliance of Greater Atlanta for a reliable replacement or fridge water testing. Atlanta residents may be wondering if their water is safe to drink; we can help with our comprehensive fridge water testing. Atlanta homeowners can feel confident knowing the minerality and pH levels of their water.

Sometimes, the issues might not be with your water filter and could be linked to an issue with your refrigerator. Our appliance repair team is here to help with reliable refrigerator repair services. We can test, diagnose, and repair your unit, improving the efficiency, functionality, and longevity of your kitchen appliance.

Our team provides appliance repair services for a wide range of appliances throughout Atlanta and the surrounding areas of Buckhead, Fair Oaks, Norcross, Scottdale, Sandy Springs, Tucker, and Vinings. Call us today to schedule your services for fridge water testing, refrigerator water filter replacement, and appliance repair services.