Whirlpool® approved refrigerator water filters are certified by NSF International to reduce a range of impurities and contaminants. To determine what type of contaminants a filter is certified to reduce, look for NSF Standard numbers.

Taste and odor: If you want to improve the taste and odor of your water, look for a filter certified to NSF Standard 42. A filter that meets this standard is certified to reduce aesthetic impurities such as chlorine.

Health-effects: For concerns about health, look for NSF Standard 53. This standard deals with health-related contaminants as regulated by the U.S. EPA and Health Canada. A few of the contaminants filtered include asbestos, mercury, and lead.

Emerging (or new) contaminants: NSF 401 covers filtration of emerging contaminants which include pharmaceuticals or chemicals not yet regulated by the EPA or Health Canada. These filters have been verified to reduce one or more of 15 emerging contaminants.

While some filters may qualify for one or two of these standards, select Whirlpool® approved filters are certified for all three. Check your filter's safety and performance data sheet for detailed information on which contaminants your filter is certified to reduce.

The United States provides some of the safest tap water in the world. Community water systems are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, conditions can vary based on your local water source, plumbing systems, and other environmental factors which can result in the presence of contaminants in your water.

Filters can reduce a range of impurities and other contaminants to ensure quality or improve the odor and taste of tap water. Some people may choose to filter their tap water due to concerns about possible contaminants or simply because they prefer the taste. For information about possible contaminants in your local water, check the annual water quality report provided by your water utility. This report can help you decide what kind of filtration system is best for you and your family. Read this article from the CDC for more information on water quality reports.

If you are concerned about lead in your water, look for a filter that is certified to NSF Standard 53. This indicates a filtration system designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, including lead. Select Whirlpool® approved water filters are NSF certified to reduce 99% of lead† and other heavy metals from tap water. In addition, they are also certified to reduce asbestos and a range of industrial chemicals.

NSF International is an independent organization that certifies filters against three contaminant categories: look and taste, health concerns, and emerging (or new) contaminants. While some filters may qualify for one or two of the categories, select Whirlpool® approved filters are certified for all three.

†Certified by NSF International to remove 99% of lead at pH level 6.5. Reduction may vary based on your water's pH level. Contaminants reduced by this water filter are not necessarily in all users’ water.

Replacing your filter is quick and easy. First, look for the number printed on your filter or find the water filter recommended for your Whirlpool® refrigerator based on its model number.

Next, locate the placement of your filter inside your refrigerator. Then, simply remove the old filter and insert the new one, making sure it is securely locked in place. Proper placement for your specific filter model is important. Be sure to follow these easy step-by-step filter replacement instructions with quick how-to videos.

Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

We recommend that you replace your filter for your Whirlpool refrigerator when the indicator light turns on, every 6 months, or as needed. Small ice cubes, low ice production, and/or longer dispensing times may be an indication that your water filter is clogged or was installed incorrectly.

If you're unable to replace a clogged water filter right away, remove the filter so the water system is in bypass mode.†† This will allow the water system to bypass the filter and continue operating without reducing your water flow. Install a new filter as soon as possible to resume filtering your water.

NOTE: A few drops of water immediately after dispensing is normal. You may want to hold your glass under the dispenser for a few seconds after releasing the dispenser button.

††If you are using EDR4RXD1, you will need to utilize a bypass cap. This type of refrigerator must have a cap or filter installed in order for the refrigerator to produce water out of the dispenser.