Does your refrigerator have an in-built water filter? No. Don’t worry! If your refrigerator has an ice maker, you can install an inline water filter to enjoy fresh-tasting ice. An inline water filter refrigerator diminishes the rust, chlorine, odors, and contaminants from the water.
So in this post, we’ll see how you can install inline water filter easily…
What Is An Inline Water Filter?
An inline water filter is installed as a part of the specific water supply. It is usually added to the water supply of the cold water tap in the kitchen.
In an inline water filter, water flows through a ceramic candle accommodated within the kitchen before reaching the tap.
How To Install Inline Water Filter For An Ice Maker
Water filters upgrade the taste of drinking water and ice from the ice maker by filtering the contaminants from most municipal sources.
Inline water filters are installed at the existing water tubing on the back of the ice maker. These filters are available in kits, including all the connection fittings. Primarily, you can install the inline water filter for the ice maker yourself.Â
Let’s have a look at how you can do so.
Tools Required
The tools required to install an inline water filter for an ice maker are:
- Inline water filter
- Pipe strap
- Bucket (approx. 5 gallons)
- Tube cutter
- Hand towel
- Sandpaper
- Working gloves
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Wrench
- Slip joint pliers
- 1-¼ inch screws
Steps To Install Inline Water Filter
Follow the steps given below to install an inline water filter for the ice maker:
1. Organize The Installation
The organization of the installation process makes the task easier. This procedure will make the installation of the inline water filter smooth.
2. Select The Appropriate Filter
First and foremost, select the filter that you want to install for an ice maker. Basic inline water filters have activated carbon. These filters improve the taste and reduce rust, dirt, bacteria, and contaminants. It is appropriate for revamping the taste and cleaning the impurities from the water.
Alternatively, you can choose the premium inline water filter for healthier filtration. The premium ones are highly efficient in removing cysts, lead, residues, and other harmful impurities.
Before purchasing the inline water filter, make sure that it is NSF certified. Choose the filter that suits best your needs and preferences.
3. Inspect The Size Of The Water Supply Tube
Pull your refrigerator forward so that the water supply tube is exposed. Measure the diameter of the tube. The standard water supply tubing is of ¼-inch or ⅜-inch size, while the inline water supply tubing has the size of 1/4 -inch.
To connect a water tube to the fitting, press the water tube into the fitting and tweak it a little to secure it. If there is any difference in the size of the water supply tubing, use adaptors to fasten the water tubing into the fitting. You can purchase the adaptors from your nearest hardware store.
4. Plan The Location Of The Filter
Decide on the location of the inline water filter. Purchase the mounting supplies if it is not included with the already-purchased water filter.
If you mount the water filter on the back wall of the refrigerator, it will prevent any damage when you move the fridge in and out.
5. Assemble The Supplies
Gather all the supplies you need to install the inline water filter for an ice maker. If you don’t have all the supplies, you can purchase them from your nearest hardware store.
Install The Filter
Now comes the fascinating part of installing the filters. Here is the process that you can follow to install the inline water filter for the ice maker:
- Pull the refrigerator forward and unplug the power cord from the electrical socket. Approach the connection and ¼-inch waterline at the back of the ice maker.
- Turn off the water supply faucet. Ideally, this can either be the cold-water supply valve at the back wall of the ice maker or under the sink.
- Unfasten the fitting at the back of the ice maker using a wrench. Put the bucket underneath it and pull the waterline off the connection. Unload any residual water into the bucket.
- Slit the ¼-inch waterline 12 inches from the end. If the tubing is of copper, position the jaws of the 6-inch tube cutter onto the waterline and secure the handle in installments as you spin the tube cutter around the tubing. Remove a part of the tubing equal to the length of the filter. Twist the sharp trimming blade on the cutter on either side of the persisting tubing to separate the cliff made while cutting. But if the tubing is of plastic, slice the waterline with a utility knife or PVC cutters.
- Locate one of the given nuts into each end of the waterline. Glide one of the given compression washers on both ends of the line.
- Place the water filter in such a manner that the arrow indicating the flow direction points up. Screw the nuts at the short end of the tubing onto the laced nozzle at the higher end of the filter. Tighten the nuts with the wrench. Similarly, screw the other end and tighten all the nuts.
- After installing the inline water filter, open the water supply valve slowly to fill the lines and filter. Examine each connection of the inline water filter and ice maker for any leaks or moisture. Tighten all the nuts, if required.
Conclusion
Water supply from your municipal centers may have a bad taste or odor. If you don’t have a built-in water filter in the refrigerator or ice maker, you can install the inline water filter to remove the harmful impurities from your ice maker water line.
You can get it installed by a professional, or you can do it all by yourself. The procedure mentioned above will guide you on the installation of the inline water filters for ice makers.
Once the filter is installed, you will get ice-free from harmful contaminants and improved taste.
Advantages of Inline Water Filter
Inline water filters are an effective and prudent way to filter drinking water. There are several benefits of an inline water filter. Some of them are as follows:
- Some inline water filters have numerous applications. Besides ice makers, you can install these filters in boats, caravans, motor homes, water coolers, drink machines, and various other appliances.
- These filters are the most economical choice of water filters.
- Inline water filters have a smooth replacement process. They generally have quick-connect fittings or push fittings.
- These filters are highly durable, i.e., they last for about 6-12 months.
- It does not have special water filter requirements.
- These filters do not take much surface space in the kitchen. You can conceal it anywhere in the house.
- They are efficient in removing 99.9% of impurities, including dirt, cysts, heavy metals, chlorine, and bacterial pathogens.
Disadvantages of Inline Water Filter
Besides several advantages, the inline water filters also incur disadvantages:
- Similar to filter cartridges, inline water filters are replaced after the service period is over. Since it is cheaper and highly durable, the replacement cost of these filters is not much.
- You must have some plumbing knowledge before installing the inline water filter.
FAQs
Why should I use a filter in my ice maker?
A filter does not affect the production of ice in the ice maker. But if you want the ice maker to deliver the best possible ice, you can install a filter in your ice maker. It will improve the quality of the water, removing contaminants or impurities from the water. It impacts the overall taste, aroma, and look of the water, making it safe to drink. Moreover, you don’t have to clean the appliance regularly. It thereby reduces the maintenance and repair costs of the filter. It also assists in the production of better ice from the ice makers.
Do all refrigerators with ice makers have filters?
Modern refrigerators provide access to clean and fresh water all the time. Nowadays, most refrigerators have ice makers or water dispensers installed in them. It indicates that they also have water filters in them. It is okay if you don’t have a water filter in your refrigerator or ice maker. It works fine even without an inline water filter. The only disadvantage is that the water will skip the filtration process and go to the ice maker directly.
How long does an inline water filter last?
The average life of an inline water filter ranges from 6 to 18 months. It is recommended to purchase a filter with long service life. It will save the cost of filter replacement. It is also suggested to inspect the quality of the water throughout the life of the filter. If you notice any change in the water quality, you can replace it even when your filter has not reached its service life.
How often should you change inline water filters?
You should change an inline water filter every six months. You should never leave the water filter in an ice maker for more than a year. The efficiency of the water filter diminishes with the passing of time and the time for which it is used. Therefore, it should be replaced when the taste of your water changes or if the water is running cloudy.
How long does it take to make ice after replacing the filter?
After replacing the filter, it takes around six to twelve hours for the ice maker to produce ice. You should discard off the first three batches, i.e., approximately 30 cubes, to ensure that all the ice cubes you use are made up of fresh and clean water.
