Your LG fridge does a lot more than keep food cold. That water filter inside is quietly working to give you clean-tasting water and ice every day. If you’re wondering how well refrigerator water filters work, the answer is remarkably well when properly maintained.
But like anything with a filter, it needs regular replacement to keep doing its job.
LG produces three common water filter types: LT500P, LT600P, and LT700P. Each is located in a different position inside the fridge. Always use genuine LG filters, check the O-rings before installation, and flush 2 to 2.5 gallons of water through the system after replacement.
From the very first man-made refrigeration in 1784, produced by the simple evaporation of ethyl ether into a partial vacuum, the technology of refrigeration has come a long way. From its design and features to all sorts of functionality, the mighty refrigerator has truly cemented itself as a necessity in all homes.
Different variants of refrigerators from different brands are available in the market. The global competition for the best refrigeration technology is as close as ever.
But one of the most trusted brands that have successfully penetrated the global market, particularly the US market, is LG from South Korea. Here is a 10-step guide on how to replace an LG refrigerator water filter.
What Is a Fridge Water Filter?
Ever wonder what the science is behind your fridge’s water filter and how it can be beneficial to you and your family? Using the powerful combination of sediment and carbon filtration, the refrigerator water filter is designed to remove bad taste and odor of water.
Most of the filters available on the market are created to remove three major contaminants.
Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. If lead is a concern in your area, check out the best water filters for lead. This is especially dangerous to be ingested by children.
High exposure to lead from water can cause cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and reproductive issues.
Chlorine is used to eliminate bad taste and odor of the water. A dedicated chlorine water filter can also help. But with high ingestion, it can increase the risk of cancer.
A US Council of Environmental Quality report suggested there’s a 93% higher risk of cancer for people who drink chlorinated water than for those whose water doesn’t contain chlorine.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are by-products of burning fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, or natural gas. Long-term exposure to these harmful chemicals may result in irritations, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and even cancer.
Simply said, your filters allow you to consume the cleanest and safest water you can get. To learn more, read our guide on what filtered water is and why it matters. With your powerful water filter, you can be assured you’re protected from nasty and harmful chemicals.
Just like your entire refrigeration unit, your water filter is equally important and something you should always take note of.
How Does The Water Filter Of Your Fridge Work?
Want to know how your water filter does its job? It’s years of research and development and numerous technological trials and advancement that make it possible.
The water filter takes its water supply from your household’s plumbing system and passes it through a series of filtration methods that all happen inside your fridge. Understanding water filter cartridge types can help you appreciate the technology involved.
The first water filter usually gets rid of big particles like sand, soil, dirt, and silt. The second filter is tasked to remove chlorine from the water thanks to a mixture of zinc and copper.
The last process of filtration eliminates all other microscopic contaminants, which results in improving the water’s taste and odor.
What Are The Advantages Of Having a Fridge With Water Filter?
Out of all the vast collections of refrigerator types available in the market, you chose to buy one with a water filter. Whatever your reason is, there are more advantages to realize than you might think.
1. It makes your water taste better
This is surely one of the most obvious reasons why it’s a plus to have a water filter in your fridge. You can also explore a countertop water filter as a supplement. It makes your water and ice taste better.
The reason behind it’s the ability of your filter to remove fluoride and chlorine from your water. If fluoride removal is important to you, see our guide on refrigerator water filters that remove fluoride, which results in improving its taste and getting rid of unwanted smell. With water that tastes great, you’re now more encouraged to drink more.
2. It saves you from health risks
Tap water can contain harmful chemicals such as fluoride, arsenic, lead, copper, chromium, and mercury. These chemicals can get into your tap water from industrial processes and plumbing systems.
By having your water filter in your fridge at home, you’re spared from all the risks while enjoying tasty cold water.
3. It’s efficient and saves you money
Your water filter can filtrate hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water before it needs replacement. While buying a refrigerator with water filtration can cost you a hefty price at the onset, it will save you a lot in the long run.
You save money from buying distilled bottled water and ultimately, it saves you from medical bills.
4. It saves room in your fridge
With a fridge that has a water filter, you don’t need to store big pitchers or ice trays. This is especially helpful for bigger families where storage space inside the fridge is always at a premium.
5. You save the environment
Because you’ve the easiest access to cold and clean drinking water, you’re not left with the option of buying bottled waters. You’re not just doing yourself some favor but you’re also contributing to lessening waste and helping the Earth.
Having your fridge’s water filter can do a lot of good for you, from saving you some money to being eco-friendly and helping save the environment at large.
Why Do You Need To Replace Your Fridge Water Filter?
Like any other things at your home, you need to check and replace your water filter when needed. Change is inevitable, so as much as you want to just get water from your fridge’s dispenser forever, you need to do some work and replace your trusted filter.
Ultimately, water filters need to be replaced for sanitary purposes. Learn more about the dangers of not changing your refrigerator water filter. Since they act as the purifier of the water and ice you dispense from your refrigerator, it’s essential that you make sure they’re always clean and properly functioning.
When left untouched and not cleaned, it may lead to you and your loved ones ingesting harmful chemicals, which might eventually lead to contracting diseases. Water is one of the basic utilities we consume every day, so it’s only right we make sure we drink clean and potable water.
With that said, it’s dangerous to leave the water filters of our refrigerators unchecked. There are risks associated with drinking water filtered by an expired filter, including exposure to microorganisms such as coliform and salmonella that can affect your health.
Your fridge’s water filter is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus due to water and moisture. Bacteria like E. coli can thrive in these conditions, so check our article on whether water filters remove E. coli. According to an article from The New York Times published in 2009, about 19.5 million illnesses occur each year in the United States due to bacteria, parasites, and viruses in drinking water.
Tips To Know When Your Water Filter Needs Replacement
Like any other things at home, your fridge’s water filter has its lifespan and soon needs to be replaced. Most importantly, your health is at risk when you leave your filters unreplaced.
Here are some easy indications that your filter needs to be replaced:
- When you see the “Replace Water Filter” message on the LCD of your control panel
- When you notice that your fridge’s water dispenser output decreases
- When the ice cubes being dispensed are smaller than usual
- When your water filter has been used for six months already, which is an LG-approved recommendation
When you see any of these signs, it’s time to start your replacement action. Don’t panic because in the next parts of this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding your replacement filter and how to properly do it.
Things To Take Note When Looking For Replacement
Before purchasing a new water filter, having a checklist is a must. This will make sure you purchase the right filter for your fridge to avoid having issues in the future.
Buy the water filter compatible with your LG model
From the filter itself to the replacement cartridges, it’s vital to identify your fridge’s model first before heading to the store. There’s a wide array of filters and cartridges LG offers depending on your needs. You can also consider a universal inline refrigerator water filter as an alternative.
You can find your fridge’s model number on the identification label inside the refrigerator compartment or on the back of the unit.
Avoid using a non-LG brand water filter
Buying new parts from the brand of your appliance makes sense. It protects your warranty coverage. If you’re curious whether you can skip the filter entirely, read our article on whether you can use your refrigerator without the water filter.
Ultimately, this protects you from the risk of buying substandard water filters. Your water filter acts as the purifier of the water you and your family consume, so make sure you only get the best for everyone.
Let’s Get To Work And Replace Your Filter
One quick thing to be mindful of before getting started is identifying the placement of your water filter. The type of your fridge’s water filter will determine the steps that you’ll follow to successfully replace it.
LG produces three common water filters and here is where to find them inside your fridge. If you own a different brand, check out our guides for GE refrigerators, Frigidaire refrigerators, or KitchenAid fridges.
LG 5231JA2002A Water Filter LT500P
This filter is placed inside at the upper right rear corner. Follow these steps:
Find Your Filter
You'll see it behind the light cover above the top shelf on the right side.
Remove The Top Shelf
Remove the top shelf to give you more room to work. You can remove the shelf by either tilting up the front of the shelf and lifting it, or pulling the shelf straight out.
Remove The Light Cover
Press the release clip on the bottom of the cover to remove the light cover.
Remove The Old Filter
Turn your filter counterclockwise to remove it.
Prepare The New Filter
Carefully remove the packaging and sanitary end cap of your new filter. Make sure the black O-rings are both on and not damaged. You may also want to check the water filter O-ring for wear.
Align The Start Arrow
Find the "Start" arrow at the top of the instruction label on the backside of the filter and align the arrow on the fridge filter head.
Rotate Clockwise
Rotate the filter clockwise until the "Stop" arrow on the front of the filter label is aligned with the arrow on the fridge filter head.
Verify Full Installation
Make sure the filter is fully installed in the filter head in a full quarter turn. This is important to activate the internal valve inside the refrigerator, unless it may result in slow water flow or a chattering noise from the valve during use. If you experience persistent flow issues, see our guide on how to get a water filter unstuck.
Reinstall And Flush
Reinstall your light cover and top shelf and dispense about two gallons of water to make sure air and water are completely flushed from the system.
Reset The Filter Light
Reset your "Change Filter" light if your fridge has one.
LG 5231JA2006 Water Filter LT600P
This filter is located horizontally at the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment. Follow these steps:
Locate And Remove The Old Filter
Locate your existing filter and turn it counterclockwise until you hear a clicking sound.
Prepare The New Filter
Carefully remove the packaging and sanitary end cap of your new filter. Make sure the black O-rings are both on and not damaged.
Insert The New Filter
Insert your new filter into the fridge's filter receptacle.
Push Into Housing
With the handle in the vertical position, push the new filter into the housing until it stops. Twist the handle slightly left to right while pushing in.
Activate The Valve
Rotate the filter clockwise in a quarter turn to activate the valve inside the fridge.
Flush The System
Run about two and a half gallons of water from the dispenser to clear the system and prevent sputtering. This is important to get rid of trapped air and contaminants in the system.
Dispense In Intervals
It's recommended to release the dispenser pad for cycles of 30 seconds on and 60 seconds off rather than dispensing continuously.
Reset The Filter Light
Reset your "Change Filter" light if your fridge has one.
LG ADQ36006101 Water Filter LT700P
You can see this filter placed at the ceiling in a flip-down tray. Follow these steps:
Open The Filter Cover
Locate your filter and push the button to open the filter cover.
Remove The Old Filter
Pull the cartridge down and pull out your old filter. If you find your filter is hard to remove, turn off the water supply and relieve pressure at the refrigerator door dispenser before installing your new filter.
Prepare The New Filter
Carefully remove the packaging and sanitary end cap of your new filter. Make sure the black O-rings are both on and not damaged.
Install The New Filter
Insert the new filter into the manifold hole until it stops.
Close The Cover
Push the back cover up until you hear a clicking sound.
Flush The System
Run about two and a half gallons of water from the dispenser to clear the system and prevent sputtering.
Dispense In Intervals
Dispense water in intervals of 30 seconds on and 60 seconds off.
Reset The Filter Light
Reset your "Change Filter" light if your fridge has one.
Frequently Asked Questions
LG says every 6 months, and that's a good baseline. But keep an eye out for signs it needs changing sooner: slower water flow, smaller ice cubes, or water that doesn't taste right. Most LG models will flash an indicator light when it's time.
Third-party options exist, but LG recommends sticking with genuine filters. Off-brand ones might not fit right, could void your warranty, and there's no guarantee they'll remove contaminants as effectively. It's one area where going with the real deal is worth it.
Nope, that's the beauty of it. LG designed these to be completely tool-free. Just twist the old one out and twist the new one in. Seriously, it takes a few minutes tops.
Totally normal. That's just air trapped in the system after the swap. Run 2 to 2.5 gallons through the dispenser in 30-second intervals and it'll clear right up. Some carbon particles may come through at first too, which is harmless.
Final Thoughts
And that's it. Honestly, the hardest part is probably remembering to do it every 6 months.
Once you've swapped your first LG water filter, you'll realize it's one of the easiest maintenance tasks on any appliance in your house. No tools, no plumber, and no special skills needed.
Your reward? Clean, great-tasting water and ice from your fridge. It's a five-minute job that makes a real difference in what your family drinks every day.
