How To Change A Samsung Water Filter

I take dabbled in home improvement projects and like giving advice to others on what not to do.

The Dreaded Expressionless Water Filter

Ah, the dreaded "dead filter" icon—a glaring red symbol disfiguring the elegant face of your Samsung fridge. You lot could ignore it; information technology won't hurt the refrigerator. Simply who knows what could be pond around inside that kludged filter?

Too, the thing is like a chipped tooth; you just tin't ignore it. If you are like me, you lot might feel a footling intimidated by the prospect of irresolute the filter. Fear not. I'll evidence you how.

These directions are for the Samsung RS265TDRS specifically. So, if you have another model, the details may differ a flake. However, some things, like the advisability of shutting off the water to the unit showtime, are universal.

How to Supplant a Samsung Refrigerator H2o Filter

Have a replacement filter handy.
Shut off the water source to your refrigerator, most probable under your kitchen sink.
Locate the filter compartment in the lesser right-hand department of the door's interior.
Remove the vegetable bin if necessary for access.
To remove quondam filter, grasp the ridge on the outward surface. It should be vertical or locked.
Turn one-quarter turn counter-clockwise and pull out.
Insert new filter and turn i-quarter turn clockwise to lock in place.
Run water dispenser for at least 30 seconds to purge air and impurities.
Reset the filter light by belongings down the h2o selector switch for 3 seconds.

Have a Replacement Filter Handy

Outset, the replacement filter. Y'all may observe 1 as nearby as your local home-improvement store. But you won't detect the best bargain there. It may take a few days to get the replacements in your hot niggling easily if you follow my selection, merely ordering online saved me about 40%. I think that the absolute all-time prices are at specialty sites, but I went with Amazon.com, which was piece of cake to deal with and very about as cheap. I saved more past buying a 3-pack.

Yous demand to know the part number. Information technology'due south in your manual, just if your fridge is the RS265TDRS, and then yous demand filter DA29-00020B.

The filter location inside the refrigerator.

Y'all are looking at the bottom of the right-hand (refrigerator) department of the unit, with the door open. The vegetable bin at the very lesser has been removed and you are looking at the summit of the filter facing you on the lower right. That'due south where they hide the thing.

Find your water shut-off valve and shut the water off.

Shut Off the Water Source to Your Refrigerator

Remember to close off the h2o. That blurry, blobby thing in the heart of the photo above is a shut-off valve. Expect for yours. This 1 is under my kitchen sink, and that's a pop location. But look for probable candidates, plow them off, and bank check whether the water dispenser is still doing its thing. If not, you are clear for take-off.

If worse comes to worst, you can e'er turn the water off at the meter. This is easy but may require a special tool.

Removing the old filter and installing the new one is easy. — Removing the old filter and installing the new i is easy.

Locate the Filter

Removing the filter is—as the kids say—crazy simple. Merely grasp the ridge on the outward surface. It should be vertical, which is the 'locked' position. Plough ane-quarter turn counter-clockwise (so the top moves to the left), and pull information technology out.

Scroll to Continue

Run the Water Before Use

Once you lot've installed the new filter (and replaced the vegetable bin), there'due south just one major pace. Run the h2o dispenser for 30 seconds or more (the official video beneath says v minutes) to purge whatsoever air or impurities that may take gotten into the system. In my case, quite a lot of air got in there, spraying me with water when I first ran the dispenser. Better you than your dinner guest!

This commodity is accurate and truthful to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes just and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Maro Plathe on June 11, 2020:

What if I left the cap on and now stuck in there?

Pete in San Diego on May 24, 2020:

I have a filter that I can't budge, it won't turn or come out, tried several times with force. whatsoever tips, its on the lower right side as indicated in your diagram. model RS25J500DSR/AA How can you let me know, I don't always visit this page or maybe find it again for an answer. pls email copy coastalsdr@gmail.com thanks Pete

ANgela on Feb 26, 2020:

Thanks for your quick response!

Nosotros've had the refrigerator awhile and usually change out the filter when the water starts to gustation funny. We have replaced the water ice machine motor at one time a few years agone because it stopped making water ice.

Other than that, I'll look into testing the h2o.

Doc Snow (author) from Camden, S Carolina on Feb 24, 2020:

Hi, Angela--yes, the calorie-free is supposed to stay on. But information technology should turn blue when the filter is replaced and the lines purged, from the red color indicating the need for a filter change.

I don't know why y'all haven't seen the indicator turn scarlet. Have you lot had the fridge long? (I'm guessing 'yeah' since y'all say that it'southward the same model--and that model is no longer annihilation close to new.) And do y'all change the filter regardless?

Perhaps your water supply is unusually clean, or maybe the sensor/control system that should turn on the indicator isn't working properly in some respect. Do yous accept whatsoever other reason for concern about the h2o quality, or the performance of the frig? If so, there are quite a few options for having the water tested that y'all could pursue.

ANgela on Feb 23, 2020:

I noticed in your success photo, the filter light was still on? Is information technology supposed to still stay on? I have the same model refrigerator only my filter low-cal has never turned scarlet...(?)

Medico Snowfall (writer) from Camden, Southward Carolina on October xv, 2018:

Perchance you don't, if it's never acquired y'all problems. To be honest, I never checked the necessity of that step, assuming that not doing so created the danger of leakage. But maybe at that place's a bank check valve built in to the fixture that renders that unnecessary.

Only I'thousand curious; if you've already done this many times, what prompted y'all to read an article on how to information technology?

Cil on Oct 12, 2018:

Why must I close off the water source to the dispenser? I've changed information technology many times and never knew to do that.

Medico Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on February 01, 2018:

Well, that's a new one on me, Doris. If information technology is truly 'hot'--not just warmish--then you may have a really serious problem, and I'd find a repair shop, fast.

However, if it'due south but sort of warmish I would:

i) Make sure that the frig hadn't been accidentally been reset in a mode that turned off refrigeration. (For instance, there is a 'exhibit style' that does that; it may also exist possible that the temperature was reset too high.) Consult your manual on settings; if you don't have a newspaper copy, y'all should be able to download it from the Samsung website. (There's a label on the frig giving the model number; use that to make sure you have the right transmission.)

2) If all the settings seem to be right, I'd let some time for the water in the reservoir to cool, and and then recheck. Say, a half hour?

I don't believe there's any split refrigeration for the h2o; I think it works off the main coils that absurd the refrigerator itself. If that's right, then after a half hr, yous'll probably notice that the principal function of the frig isn't cooling, either. (That is, you'll detect it'due south warming up.) If yous can't identify a problem with settings, as in step one, then yous'll likely accept to call a repair shop.

Doris Templeton on Feb 01, 2018:

Later on changing the filter h2o is hot. What practise I do?

Medico Snowfall (author) from Camden, South Carolina on January 03, 2018:

Cheers for asking, Ritzsplit!

The short respond is, I tin't tell for sure. Offset question: is the cartridge now leaking h2o? If not, that's clearly hopeful. If it is, so manifestly information technology's now bad and needs to be replaced.

Second thing: either fashion, turn off the water, and meet if you lot can remove the filter--past which I mean 'remove it in ane piece.' If you can, that's another good sign.

If it comes out, only in ii pieces, then yous need a new filter, of grade, simply at least y'all know where yous are. And hopefully, yous'll have no trouble with the reinstall.

On the other hand, if information technology doesn't want to come out--I'm imagining a scenario hither where the exterior function of the filter just spins--then you have the option of attempting to remove the bits separately, DIY style, or calling a repair shop. I hesitate to recommend the first option, as there'south considerable potential downside.

Third thing: if the filter does come out in one piece, give information technology a good inspection to see if you can spot whatsoever damage. Look carefully, and think difficult nigh what you see. If you have some other filter handy, you may want to compare the two. (Unless you're a lot nerdier about this than I am, you don't have a clear idea of what the business organisation terminate of the filter is *supposed* to expect like.)

Then if there'south 1) no leakage, 2) the filter comes out OK, 3) looks all right under inspection, and 4) goes back in OK (and locks in place as it is supposed to practice), so I'd say you've dodged the bullet on this little incident.

Adept luck, and happy troubleshooting!

Ritzspit on January 03, 2018:

When changing the water filter I turned it clockwise past mistake have I done whatsoever harm

jimenez on September 22, 2017:

thanks

Doctor Snow (author) from Camden, Due south Carolina on September 09, 2017:

Lol--thanks, Lou! I would certainly capeesh the update.

Lou on September 06, 2017:

Thanks for the reply. He notwithstanding hasn't tried anything considering he'south waiting for "Dad" to come down and take intendance of information technology! I thought the same, some type of narrow tweezers or long nose vice grips. Maybe a stiff wire aptitude in to a minnie hook on the end. I'll report the results when I exercise it. Thanks again. Lou

Doctor Snow (writer) from Camden, South Carolina on August 22, 2017:

Hi, Al. My guess would be that the filter isn't seated correctly. I'd try removing then reinstalling it. You should be able to experience it click into place. If you're sure it's installed correctly and is fully seated in place, and there'south still no period, reinstall the old filter to run across if that restores the flow. If it does, then yous have good reason to believe that at that place'due south a trouble with the new filter itself. Ane last caveat: permit time for any air in the filter and tubing to be expelled. Exist patient testing that--it's worth a few extra minutes to exist sure that the new filter actually *is* the problem!

But it's also possible that something else has coincidentally gone incorrect at the aforementioned time--it does happen sometimes, and when it does information technology can exist pretty crazy-making. A couple of previous commenters have had related issues; you may want to scroll down a bit, see if their difficulties audio similar yours, and maybe effort my suggestions to them. (As of this writing, the first one is time-lined '2 years agone.' It's not that far.)

Al Phillips on August 20, 2017:

I inverse the filter, turned the water back on, reset the filter but no water. Question, Why no h2o?

Doctor Snowfall (author) from Camden, South Carolina on August 07, 2017:

...and I can encounter that yesterday's response occurred with a connectivity problem, too, every bit conspicuously my sign-in didn't 'accept'. Oh, well, joys of living in the country!

Md Snow on August 06, 2017:

Hullo, Lou, lamentable about the delay in responding--connectivity issues. Especially sorry because I don't take also much to offering on this question. As mentioned below, we've moved and no longer own this frig. I'd try gripping tools, like vise grips, peculiarly needle nose ones.

Lou on July thirty, 2017:

Son's water filter height remained in the cylinder when he turned counter clock-wise and removed. What can you apply to get that slice out of the cylinder. The new filter already has this piece. Thanks. Lou

Dr. Snow (author) from Camden, Due south Carolina on March 05, 2017:

Quite maybe, Kevin. I no longer ain the model--we moved in December--just this is something manufacturers do seem to practice. I'm sure they will still need to support existing models, though, so I wouldn't be likewise worried.

Kevin on March 04, 2017:

Has Samsung changed this filter? I had no issues getting these filters in for five years but now I cannot get the new i in. I noticed that the middle connection is larger now with an O-ring. The last one I removed did not have this.

Doc Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on March 03, 2017:

Bob, that'south a good question, and thank you for asking it. The brusque answer, unfortunately, is "I don't know."

My starting time concern would exist decreased water menstruation through the filter. I don't think yous'd burn out any pumps, since the h2o pressure from the feed line is what feeds the arrangement, but could decreased flow lead to any issues 'downstream' in the arrangement? I doubt information technology, merely can't exist sure.

Secondly, is it possible that a kludged filter could become a hosting spot for bacteria or other nasties? Again, I don't really know.

Any pros out there with more concrete knowledge to accost Bob's question?

Bob on February 26, 2017:

What is the outcome if I don't replace the h2o filter? Tap water in my municipality is odorless and ever tastes fresh.

Md Snowfall (author) from Camden, S Carolina on December 16, 2016:

Rose, did you catch that terminal petty bespeak?

"Annotation that your filter icon will yet be cerise after you have finished, as shown in the photo above. To reset it, press and agree the water selector switch for 3 seconds."

If that doesn't practice it, either the filter installed must be bad (unlikely but possible, I suppose), or at that place is a problem with the sensor, in which case yous need a repairman.

Rose on Dec xv, 2016:

My ruddy low-cal not going off

CoachJenReid on November 16, 2016:

Thank y'all. Super helpful! Appreciate the mail service!

Doc Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on November 06, 2016:

Thank you for writing, gg, and sorry you're having troubles. I accept heard of this earlier. The cure is basically force, according to the manufacturer. A previous commenter complained of a filter that was 'also slippery' to pull out, and I suggested trying vice grips, padded with a towel or rag--only I never heard back whether that worked or non.

One thing in your annotate gave me a bit of pause, though; you lot wrote "I can't pull the water filter out of the door." The problem beingness, that with this model the filter isn't in the door--as shown in photograph #3, it'south in the bottom correct of the main compartment, where the bottom crisper drawer fits around information technology. Perchance you didn't hateful literally 'the door of the fridge,' merely the phrasing raised a doubt in my mind every bit to whether we are talking nearly the aforementioned model or not. If not, of course, there is no telling whether any of the rest of the stuff in this Hub (like the bit about the one-quarter counterclockwise turn) applies or non. So you may want to double-bank check the model number to brand sure about that.

Pitiful for the delay in replying to your annotate--I've been on the road for several days, and didn't see the discover. Adept luck!

GG on November 06, 2016:

I can't pull the h2o filter out of the door. Nosotros turned off the water supply, we turned the filter a quarter plow counterclockwise, and tried to pull it out, but information technology will not budge. Nosotros've tried many, many times. I tell y'all, I'chiliad disgusted with this fridge. We have an ongoing issue with the ice maker. It regularly crushes the ice into powdery chips instead of the cube option my wife and I ready it for. (We're a cube family; no crushed ice for us.) At to the lowest degree 90% of the time I have to have out the unabridged ice compartment from the freezer and take out the cubes by manus. Anyway, has anyone else establish the water filter impossible to remove? The thing will not budge at all.

Md Snow (writer) from Camden, South Carolina on October 01, 2016:

It's the the h2o flow--there's a flow sensor in the dispenser section.

Ross on October 01, 2016:

Hello dose any i know if the indicator low-cal is activated past h2o flow or time Thank you

Doc Snowfall (author) from Camden, S Carolina on September 02, 2016:

Anna, sounds like you are the one who should be giving the communication hither. What do you practice to rinse the filter? And does the filter icon stay blueish?

Anna on September 02, 2016:

My original water filter (Samsung DA-00020B) is working fine since 20 months now, no scent in water, I just take it out & rince it every three months. Nobody who drinks the water from my refrigerator believes information technology or taste whatever odour in water, but It's working great, whatsoever communication would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Dr. Snow (writer) from Camden, S Carolina on May 01, 2016:

Hi, Roxanne. I haven't had this experience. But I'd try wiping the filter off to encounter if I can remove whatever is making it slippery, then retry.

Make certain you are clear on the direction to turn the filter: 1/4 turn counterclockwise (top moving left--"lefty, loosie" equally they say.)

If the wipe-down doesn't practise information technology, I'd utilize a gripper such as sideslip-lock pliers or vice grips to improve my 'grab' on the filter. Probably best to pad the jaws with a dish towel or rag to aid go along the filter from bang-up, which volition just make it even tougher to leave.

The tool should assist, both with the quarter turn to unlock, and then with the straight pull to remove.

Skillful luck!

Roxanne on May 01, 2016:

the old filter is too slippery to pull out. ???

Physician Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on March 06, 2015:

Not much idea, I'1000 afraid. But logically, there has to be a blockage. And if, as yous imply, information technology appeared correct subsequently you made the change, and so chances are that it is something to exercise with the installation of the filter.

(Actually, there is another possibility, also, which is that for some reason the valve operating the h2o dispenser isn't working.)

But I'm not sure where either of those ii ideas takes us in terms of troubleshooting. That's where in depth knowledge of the routing of the h2o through the unit, and of the various characteristics of the unit and its controls would be useful.

Things to effort:

--Recheck the filter one more fourth dimension. Sounds like there's not much chance that you missed something, merely I'd recheck anyhow.

--If that's OK, you could disconnect the feed at the back of the unit to make sure that water is at least reaching that point. That would isolate the trouble to the fridge itself.

--Annihilation look iffy on the control panel? You could try resetting it. I incertitude that'due south information technology, either, since I don't think information technology controls the water dispensing machinery, only I don't know that for a fact.

--Closely inspect the area where the filter seats. (Y'all'll probably need a powerful light to practise information technology.) Is in that location anything that looks broken, or any sign of an obstruction?

Later that, I'yard pretty much out of ideas--other than calling a service pro.

John on March 06, 2015:

Thanks for the article an I like the joking in it. Always helps to take humor. I changed mine out as I have done once before and now no water comes out. I changed the filter dorsum to the i that came out and even so no water. Yes the h2o is on to the refrigerator also. Any other idea what may exist incorrect?

Physician Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on February 23, 2015:

Hmm. Have you lot tried putting the old filter back in identify? If the water starts working again, you will know that there is something incorrect either with the new filter, or with its installation.

And--did y'all think to turn the shut-off valve back on later on you finished replacing the filter? (I know, I know!--but it's something I know I could forget.)

Brandon on February 22, 2015:

Replaced simply now water dose not work.

Physician Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on June 17, 2014:

Glad it helped, Ben. Thanks!

Ben on June 15, 2014:

Practiced article, helped me change mine out quickly and hands. Thanks for taking the fourth dimension to post this.

Doc Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on Apr 10, 2014:

Noted.

you are on April 10, 2014:

soooooooooooooooo long winded

Medico Snow (author) from Camden, South Carolina on July 21, 2012:

So--what practice yous think? Got a better slant on this task? A correction maybe? Too jokey, perhaps?

Let me know--and cheers for checking out this Hub!