How convenient is it when you can just go to the door of your refrigerator, press a button, and have filtered drinking water automatically dispensed to you? Installed water filters are commonplace in modern homes, but if you have an old-fashioned refrigerator, you might find yourself wondering whether it’s worth the trouble of replacing this appliance and installing a water filter in your home.
Installing a water filter in your fridge can offer several benefits, both in terms of the quality of water you consume and the overall convenience to your household. Water from a water filter often tastes better and is healthier for you, and you might be surprised by how easy it is to install a filtration system.
Water filters can effectively remove impurities and contaminants that may affect the taste and odor of your tap water. This is especially important for people who are sensitive to chlorine or other chemicals commonly found in municipal water supplies.
Water filters can reduce or eliminate various contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, pesticides, and other impurities. This helps ensure that the water you drink and use for ice is cleaner and safer.
By removing harmful contaminants, a water filter contributes to providing healthier drinking water. This is particularly beneficial for households with children, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.
Because of these reasons, you also might be more inclined to drink more water when you have an automatic filter—and hydration is always a good thing! Having a water filter in your fridge means you have access to clean and filtered water without the need for additional filtration devices.
Then there are the financial and economic benefits to consider. You might be surprised to learn that even though an automatic filter has a little bit of upfront cost, it’s going to save you money in the long run if this water replaces the bottled water you regularly buy. Replacing bottled water with filtered water reduces plastic waste and the energy associated with bottling and transporting water.
Installing a water filtration system sounds like an expensive and difficult procedure, but this is a surprisingly simple project. Installing a water filtration system in your fridge typically involves connecting the filter to the water supply line that feeds the refrigerator's water dispenser and ice maker.
The process will start with finding the water supply valve, usually located behind or beneath the refrigerator. It may be connected to your home's cold water supply line. Before starting the installation, it’s necessary to turn off the main water supply to your home, which will ensure there is no water flowing through the pipes during installation.
If your refrigerator uses an external water filter, you’ll assemble the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may involve inserting the filter or securing it in a designated compartment.
Next, identify the water line connection point on your refrigerator, typically located at the back of the fridge, near the bottom. If your refrigerator has a built-in filter housing, you will insert the filter into the housing and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The last step will be to use a compression fitting or the appropriate connector provided with the filter kit to connect the water line from the filter to the water supply valve. Then you’ll tighten the connections using an adjustable wrench or pliers, and you should be good to go!
Once the connections are secure, turn on the main water supply to your home. Check for any leaks around the filter, water line connections, and the water supply valve. If you notice leaks, tighten the connections or make necessary adjustments.
Remember that you’ll need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for how often to replace the water filter. Most filters need replacement every six months, but this can vary.
Although water filtration is a great option for most homeowners, it does have a few notable downsides. Replacement filters can add ongoing costs to your household budget. The frequency of filter replacement depends on factors such as water usage and the specific filter type, and once you know these details, you can factor in the cost of replacement filters when considering the overall expense of having a water filter in your fridge. Neglecting to change the filter on time can reduce the effectiveness of the filtration system and may lead to the growth of bacteria in the filter. Bacteria growth can compromise the water quality and pose health risks.
