You see the blinking filter light on your refrigerator. You wonder if you really need to replace it. All the water from your tap is already treated and is considered safe to drink. This is a question that a lot of people ask. The honest answer is that refrigerator water filters are not always necessary. Whether or not you need one depends on the water source you have what you like the taste of and how convenience you want. Lets look at the situation without all the stuff.
Are Refrigerator Water Filters Necessary for Clean Drinking Water?
For people who live in cities with good water treatment a fridge filter is not necessary for safety. The water from your tap is already treated to be safe to drink. The filter mainly makes the water taste better by removing chlorine and sediment. In areas with water quality a lot of people think tap water is just fine.
Can I Use My Refrigerator Without the Water Filter?
Yes you can. Most refrigerators will still give you water. Make ice even if you take out the filter or put in a bypass plug. The refrigerator will still work. However you will not have the taste and smell that the filter gives you. A lot of people do this for a while when they run out of filters and they do not notice any big safety problems.
Situations Where a Refrigerator Water Filter Might Not Be Necessary
There are some situations where you do not need a filter:
- Your tap water already tastes good. Does not have a lot of chlorine
- You live in an area with good water quality
- You do not use the water dispenser or ice maker much
- You like the taste of your local water
In these situations the filter might seem like something extra that you do not need.
How to Use a Refrigerator Without a Filter
If you decide not to use a filter you can usually put in a bypass plug that came with your refrigerator or buy one that fits your model. This lets the water go through without being filtered. After you put in the bypass run a few glasses of water through the dispenser to get rid of any air. Some people just take out the filter. Accept that the water might not taste as good or come out as fast for a little while.
Why You Should Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter
Even if a filter is not necessary for safety replacing it on time keeps the water tasting and stops buildup inside the lines. An old filter can start putting things back into the water and might make the dispenser slower. Replacing the filter regularly is one of the ways to keep your refrigerator working well and to stop small problems from becoming big ones.
Common Signs Your Filter Needs Replacing
You do not have to wait for the light to tell you it is time to replace the filter. Look for these signs:
- The water starts tasting like chlorine
- The ice cubes look cloudy. Do not taste good
- The water comes out of the dispenser slowly
- It has been than six months since you last replaced the filter
If you see any of these things it is probably time to get a new filter.
How to Replace a Refrigerator Water Filter
Replacing the filter is usually quick and easy. Find the housing, twist or push out the filter take the caps off the new one put it in until it clicks and run a few glasses of water through the dispenser. If your model has a filter light reset it. The whole thing usually takes than five minutes.
Conclusion
Refrigerator water filters are not always necessary for drinking water especially if your tap water is already good. They are most useful when you want the water to taste better. You want it to be convenient. If your water source is good and you do not mind the way it tastes you can use your refrigerator without a filter or with a bypass plug. For a lot of people having a fresh filter makes a difference in the taste, convenience and peace of mind.
For more on safety see Are Refrigerator Water Filters Safe.
If you are thinking about not using a filter all check Can You Drink Water Without a Refrigerator Filter.
For all the information take a look, at Refrigerator Water Filters: The Complete Guide.