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Product Help | KitchenAid

Removing a Stuck Water Filter

How to Remove a Stuck Water Filter?

If you have difficulties removing your water filter, follow the tips below. These tips are for removing difficult or stuck water filters. Please follow the instructions for removing your water filter, found in your Owner's Manual, first. 

Filters Located in the Base Grill

For bottom mount refrigerator, the water filters are located near the bottom-front of the appliance in the grille area.              For side by side refrigerators, water filters are located near the bottom-front of the appliance in the grille area.              For top mount refrigerators, water filters are located near the bottom-front of the appliance in the grille area.

Many refrigerator water filters are located near the bottom-front of the appliance in the grille area. These grille-mounted filters generally come out and install very easily. If you feel it is stuck, it may be because you haven’t turned it the right way or are not pushing the button all the way in.  

Quarter Turn Filter 

  1. To remove the filter, turn the water filter a quarter turn to the left. Normally, the cap will be aligned vertically. 
  2. Pull the water filter straight out.
  3. Remove the cap (on some models).
    • Reminder:  Make sure to place the cap on the new filter.

CLICK HERE to watch a video on how to replace the water filter.

If the Water Filter is Stuck

  1. Place a piece of cloth over the water filter cap (this will help protect the cap from becoming damaged).
  2. Using standard pliers, lock onto the water filter cap and turn the cap a quarter turn.
    • Unplug the refrigerator and remove the bottom grill; follow the instructions in your Installation Instructions. Removing the bottom grill could provide you easier access to the filter cap and allow you to grasp the cap more easily. 
    • NOTE: Applying too much pressure or force to the water filter could cause it to break or cause internal damage to the water system. 
  3. Pull the water filter straight out.

Push Button Filter

  1. Locate the button on the base grill.
  2. Push the button all the way in till the water filter has disengaged from the filter assembly.
  3. Remove the water filter.

CLICK HERE to watch a video on how to replace the water filter.

If the Water Filter is Stuck

  • Press and hold the button while the water filter is ejected.
  • Push on the filter and then push on the button. The filter should disengage from the filter assembly.
  • Unplug the refrigerator and remove the bottom grill; follow the instructions in your Installation Instructions. By removing the bottom grill, you should have better access to the stuck filter.
    • Firmly press the button, and look to see if the filter has moved.  If the filter has moved, firmly push the filter back in and then firmly push the button again. This will help make it easier in the future.

Reminder: Don't forget to remove the filter cap at the end of the filter.  
 

Filter Located Inside the Refrigerator

For bottom mount refrigerator, water filters are located inside the top-front of the refrigerator.             For side by side refrigerators, water filters are located inside the top-front of the refrigerator.            For top mount refrigerators, water filters are located inside the top-front of the refrigerator.

Door Opens and Pops Out 

  1. Open the Water Filter Compartment Door, push up, and the door will open in a downward direction.
  2. Once the door is completely open, pull the filter completely out.

CLICK HERE to watch a video on how to replace the water filter.

If the Water Filter is Stuck:

  • Try closing and re-opening the Water Filter Compartment Door.
  • Ensure the door is fully opened.
  • Turn off the water to the Refrigerator and purge some of the water from the water line using the water dispenser.  Dispense several cups of water; this will release some of the water pressure in the water line.  After purging the water line, try removing the water filter. 

Push the Button or Pull Tab

  1. Open the Water Filter Compartment Door.  
  2. Turn the filter counterclockwise, to the left, and pull it straight out.

CLICK HERE to watch a video on how to replace the water filter.

If the Water Filter is Stuck:

  • Ensure the compartment door is open completely. Depending on how the shelves are arranged, you may need to remove the shelf that is located just below the water filter compartment.
  • Turn the filter counterclockwise, to the left, and pull it straight out.
Do more with fresh, filtered water

Our convenient water filters reduce contaminants to provide refreshing hydration and limitless inspiration—right from your refrigerator. To purchase an EveryDropTM water filter, visit your local retailer or visit EveryDrop online.

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