What to Do if the Water Filter is Damaged or Dripping

Inspecting the Filter and Identifying Common Causes

Begin with a visual check. Remove the filter according to your model’s instructions. Inspect the filter housing, filter head, and sealing surfaces for hairline cracks, warping, or mineral buildup. Examine the O-ring for flattening, cuts, brittleness, or if it is missing. Wipe away debris from sealing areas with a soft, damp cloth. 

Frequent leak sources include a worn or missing O-ring, a filter that is not fully seated or is cross-threaded, a cracked housing or head, and clogged or kinked water lines that can increase pressure at the seal. Non-OEM or incompatible filters may not fit correctly and can cause drips and a leaking water filter housing.

If the water filter is cracked, damaged or missing the O-ring, replace the filter. 

Check the Installation

If the water filter was just installed, it may not be seated correctly.  Remove the filter and reinstall the filter straight, aligning marks or tabs as your model specifies. Tighten by hand until snug; over-tightening can distort seals and lead to a water filter leaking again.

Just installed? Flush the system

The flushing process typically requires running water through the filter for a designated time to expel initial carbon dust produced during manufacturing and remove trapped air from the system. This step activates the filter, ensuring that the water flowing from your refrigerator is free from unwanted particles and tastes great. If the water filter is not flushed after replacement, the air in the water system may cause dripping at the dispenser, small/hollow ice cubes, or a cloudy appearance in the water quality.