How to get your water filter unstuck

Hand Changing Refrigerator Water Filter

Owning a h2o filter of near any kind ways occasional maintenance, like replacing worn-out tubing and, most oftentimes, irresolute the h2o filter or cartridge. Normally, switching out an old filter for a new i is a quick and piece of cake job.

However, from fourth dimension to time this typically unproblematic job can be frustrating and fourth dimension-consuming because the filter itself becomes stuck and we're not able to get it out.

In this article, nosotros offer up some useful tips that will help yous deal with a water filter that'south stuck in place, whether you have a simple cartridge filter organization (e.g. carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems) or a filtration system in your fridge.

Of course, in whatever and all cases, ever consult the owner's manual that came with your water filtration system commencement. But if the instructions at that place just don't seem to work, then consult our list below.

Removing a Stuck Cartridge Filter

Water filter cartridges can become stuck and difficult to remove for a variety of reasons, only the most common by far is that the initial awarding is too tight. Water filter cartridges have O-rings (or an equivalent) to create a watertight seal, and physically tightening the connection more than a little won't make the seal any better.

Still, with filters and other mechanical products, many nevertheless think 'the tighter, the better.' While this might make intuitive sense, unfortunately, it can create an annoying problem – a stuck filter that simply won't budge. Here are some strategies to help:

Using Your Hands

The starting time stride is to endeavour to dislodge the filter with your hands.  You might have already tried this (duh!), but it'due south worth making sure you're using the correct technique.

Get equally solid of a grip on the unit of measurement's base of operations (what the filter is fastened to) as yous tin, and a good strong grip on the filter itself.  Think, 'righty tighty, lefty loosey.'  So if the filter is attached to the rest of the system from the bottom, turning information technology counterclockwise to loosen information technology.  Just if the filter is screwed into the unit from the top, turn it clockwise to get it unstuck.

This might sound overly simplistic, but it'southward a given that we humans sometimes make small-scale silly mistakes, like rotating the screwdriver in the wrong direction.  It's the same thinking here.  The outset pace is to make certain the simplest solutions really don't work.

Using a Plastic Wrench

Oft, manufacturers volition include a minor, plastic wrench with your water filtration unit, specifically meant for the chore of replacing the water filter.

To utilize it, conform the wrench to tightly fit the dimensions of the cartridge and effort to turn it in the same directions noted above.

Needle Olfactory organ Pliers

Sometimes, the filter tin can get wholly or partly unscrewed just yet even so stays stuck to the unit of measurement. This is where using a pair of needle-nose pliers can come up in handy.

You can utilise the pliers every bit a 'miniature crowbar,' so to speak, to dislodge the cartridge. Wedge the pliers in the small space between the base of the unit and the cartridge. Once in position, gently and slowly apply some pressure on the cartridge until it pops out.

Take care not to employ so much force per unit area that it cracks or breaks the cartridge.

Heating Up The Connection

A terminal strategy is to use heat to loosen the connexion betwixt the cartridge and the residual of the system. Yous can use a hot towel compress, or a hairdryer, whichever is more than convenient for your particular state of affairs.

On the first try, only apply heat for 20-30 seconds, as also much heat can permanently change the shape of the connection bespeak, creating an even bigger problem.

After applying some heat, endeavor again to unscrew the stubborn cartridge from the residue of the system. If you employ a compress, be sure to wipe abroad whatever h2o so y'all can get a good grip. Use any of the techniques outlined above to assist.

Removing a Stuck Fridge Water Filter

Unfortunately, sometimes water filters that are embedded in your fridge can likewise get stuck. There are two typical locations of h2o filters in a fridge, either at the base of the fridge or in the door. Nosotros'll become over what to do if your filter gets stuck for both cases.

Base Filter Stuck

In many fridges, the water filter is located at the base of the refrigerator, near or underneath the bottom front end grille.

If this is the example for your refrigerator, and y'all're attempting to change, remove or fix the filter but can't seem to remove it, follow these simple steps.

Some refrigerator water filters are called 'quarter plough' filters because you accept to turn the cap in order to remove them.  If this sounds like your filter, first, brand sure the fridge is turned off and you've removed the bottom grille.  You should be able to observe instructions on how to remove the grille in the possessor's manual.  Alternatively, endeavour contacting the manufacturer's client service department.

Once you can access the filter, place a pocket-sized cloth over the cap to ensure you don't damage it, and then employ a pair of pliers to grab the front of the filter cap.  Taking care to exist gentle and not utilise too much force, turn the filter cap a quarter plough to the left (remember, lefty loosey).  In most models, this volition marshal the cap vertically with the rest of the unit of measurement.

From hither, we should exist able to pull the entire filter straight out, and then we can replace it with a new ane by putting the cap on the new filter and simply reversing the process.

The other type of base filter is called a push button-button filter considering removing it requires you to push a nearby release button.  The first step here is also to remove the grille and unplug the refrigerator.

If the release button isn't working, endeavour pushing and belongings the push button and so pushing on the filter.  Alternatively, try pushing on the filter at the aforementioned time you lot push the button, to help information technology along.

Sometimes, the filter may be halfway out just seems to accept gotten stuck along the way.  In such a example, push the filter back into the assembly, and and then firmly push button the release button once more.  This will make filter changes easier in the future and allow the mechanism to fully engage and disengage the filter.

Removing a Stuck Refrigerator Water Filter

Door Filter Stuck

If you're finding that the water filter on your fridge door is stuck in place, start by closing and reopening the door where the filter is located.

One time the door is completely open, turn off the fridge and relieve some water pressure from the h2o line by using the water dispenser.  Just use a glass or another receptacle to pour some h2o.  At present, try removing the filter once more.

Lastly, y'all tin can remove the shelf that is beneath the filter compartment.  Later on you've removed the shelf, try rotating the filter to the left (counterclockwise) and so gently pulling on it to remove it.

Stuck H2o Filters

Whether you're dealing with a stubborn filter in a refrigerator or a stand up-solitary cartridge organization, nosotros hope that the strategies and tips outlined in this commodity will assist you with your stuck water filter. Happy filter changing!