8 GE Refrigerator Water Filter Problems Fixed!

You expect your GE refrigerator to work just fine after replacing its filter. Sometimes, however, things don’t turn that way. Instead, you’ve to deal with different GE refrigerator water filter problems. 

You may have to deal with water filter replacement problems such as a slow or non-dispensing water dispenser, leaky or non-working filter, bad water taste, or gross ice. You could also deal with installation issues such as a stuck or popping filter or the filter light failing to reset.

Interestingly, you can fix these water filter problems without an expert’s help, and I’ll show you how. It starts with identifying the reason behind the filter installation or replacement problem.

On that note, I’ll share tips on appropriately installing the GE refrigerator water filter and where to get the correct and genuine type. 

Let’s jump into it!

In a rush? Here’s a quick guide to fixing typical GE refrigerator water filter replacement and installation problems.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for GE Refrigerator Water Filter Problems

GE Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement Problems

Several issues could arise after replacing a GE refrigerator water filter either immediately or a few minutes later. Such issues include: 

1. Slow Water Dispenser or No Water at All

The above issues may happen immediately or months after changing the water filter. So, it’s important to note the time as that will dictate the relevant fix.

Here are the tips:

• If the refrigerator water dispenser is slow or won’t dispense immediately after filter replacement, the cause is likely to be trapped air
• If the refrigerator water dispenser slows or fails to dispense several months after filter replacement, the reason is likely to be a clogged filter

Let’s discuss the two issues to see how you can fix them.

Trapped Air 

Sometimes air gets shut in the water lines when replacing the water filter. Once that happens, the dispenser cannot dispense; if it does, it does it slowly. 

That’s why GE recommends flushing out the trapped air from the water lines immediately after fitting a new water filter. 

Fix 

You can easily flush out trapped air by pressing the refrigerator’s dispenser cradle for about 5 minutes. That’ll eject any trapped air and enable the water dispenser to dispense enough water smoothly.

Clogged Water Filter

There is a reason why GE recommends replacing the refrigerator’s water filter after six months. By then, the filter is likely to be densely clogged and ineffective. 

So, if it has been that long since changing the water filter, it’s about time you do so.

Fix 

Replace the water filter if it has been six months or once the filter light indicator turns red/orange. Generally, the filter light indicator, which I’ll explain later, is the easiest way to know you have a clogged filter, especially when the indicator light turns red. 

2. Leaky Water Filter

While there are different reasons why GE refrigerators would leak, the commonest is a leaky water filter. So, the question is, why does the GE water filter leak after a replacement?

Well, several reasons could explain it, and they include:

• Wrong filter type – GE refrigerator water filters come in different types, such as MWF, XWFE, MSWF, RPWFE, and GSWF filters, and you need to fit the option that matches your existing filter. If not, the filter may leak or fail. 
• Damaged filter – Sometimes, the water filter may crack or break during installation. Once that happens, it may start leaking. 
• Clogged filter – A congested filter could also be the source of water leakage. You should replace it after six months or when you notice the filter light indicator. 
• Wrong filter installation – The water filter could also leak if the installation technique is all wrong. Remember, this could be the reason you have a damaged filter. 

Fix 

Ensure you have the right GE water filter. And if the filter is broken or dirt-congested, replace it. While at it, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to install the replacement filter properly. 

Also, follow the instructions to reinstall a filter that was wrongly installed. 

3. Your GE Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter

If the water dispenser doesn’t work immediately after replacing the water filter, the issues could be:

• Fake filter – Not every water filter advertised as a ‘GE filter’ is genuine. Some are fake, and so the likelihood of them failing is high. That’s why GE recommends buying replacement filters from them. 
• Damaged filter – If you damaged the water filter during installation, it won’t work. So, you’ve to be careful when fitting it so as not to damage it.
• Wrong filter installation – The water filter will also not work if the installation is incorrect. 

Fix 

Ensure you buy genuine GE water filters. You can get them from the company website. If the filter is damaged, replace it. Remove it and reinstall it if the installation is wrong.  But if it’s damaged, replace it.  

4. Bad Water Taste

The last thing you want after replacing a refrigerator’s water filter is to drink nasty-tasting water. The chances are that the water is tasting that way because of not flushing the water line after filter installation. 

Flushing the water line doesn’t just help enable the dispenser to dispense but also removes clogs that could be in the water line. 

Fix 

Consider flushing out the water lines immediately after replacing the water filter. It may also help to dispose of the first few glasses to eliminate any potential bad taste. 

5. Gross Ice

It’s not just the water dispenser that may dispense bad-tasting water. The ice dispenser may also dispense odd-tasting or cloudy ice. So, if the ice is looking or tasting gross after replacing the water filter, it’s highly likely that the filter has an issue. 

In most cases, it’s clogged. That again brings out the 6-months timeline. If it has been six months, and your ice looks or tastes gross, you have a clogged filter. 

Fix 

Replace the water filter, especially if it has been six months.

GE Refrigerator Water Filter Installation Problems

The GE refrigerator water filter may experience some problems during installation that you can fix. These problems include:

6. GE Refrigerator Water Filter Stuck

The GE refrigerator water filter may be difficult to remove during the removal process. That makes it hard to fit a replacement. In most cases, the reason is an incorrect installation. 

If you didn’t fit the filter correctly, it might be hard to remove it.

Fix 

If the filter is stuck, you have to remove it. Here’s how to do it:

• Lay a towel or cloth underneath to catch any water droplets that may fall
• Grasp the water filter gently and turn it counterclockwise (leftwards)
• Try pulling it as you turn it but keep it stable to reduce water spillage
• If the water filter doesn’t come out, push the dispenser to release any pressure which could be holding it

Now, once you successfully remove the stick filter, go ahead and replace it, as it’s likely to be faulty.

Here’s how to install a new GE water filter:

• Remove the plastic cap from the water filter replacement
• Fill up the replacement water filter (from the top) with tap water and insert it into the cartridge holder
• Ensure the filter faces forward just in case there’s no arrow to align it against it
• Rotate the new filter clockwise (rightwards) until it doesn’t turn anymore
• Once the filter is in place, press the dispenser to purge out potentially trapped air
• Also, flush out about 1-2 water gallons before drinking the water

7. Water Filter Keeps Popping Out

Several reasons could explain why a newly installed GE water filter won’t stop popping out. They include:

• An incorrect filter installation
• A damaged water filter
• High water pressure (above 120psi)

Fix 

Replace the GE water filter if it’s damaged. If the installation was wrong, remove the filter and reinstall it correctly. You can also replace it if it looks faulty. (Phentermine) And if the water pressure is above 120psi, adjust it accordingly. It should average 40 – 100 psi.

8. Refrigerator Water Filter Light Won’t Reset

Most GE refrigerators’ water filter lights turn orange to indicate that you should change the filter soon and red to show you should do it immediately.

So, you expect the orange or red indicator light to go off after a filter replacement and probably be replaced with a green light (or just no light).

That should happen after resetting the water filter light. However, due to any of these reasons, the filter light won’t reset:

• Wrong filter installation technique
• Wrong filter type
• Failure to or incorrect filter rest technique

Fix 

Recheck the water filter to ensure it’s the right type. Compare it with the pressure one. Ensure the installation is correct. If not, remove the filter and reinstall it. 

Lastly, perform a GE refrigerator water filter reset after installation. It involves pressing the ‘Reset water Filter’ button and holding it for a few seconds until the red/orange indicator light turns green or goes off. 

GE Refrigerator Water Filter RPWFE Problems

When it comes to the RPWFE water filter, issues that may arise during installation or replacement include:

• Water dispenser dispensing slowly or inconsistently or not dispensing at all
• Water filter leaking 
• The filter popping out

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My GE Refrigerator Water Filter Water Not Working?

Several issues could explain why your GE refrigerator water filter is not working. They include:

• The water filter is expired (older than six months)
• The filter could be clogged, damaged, fake, wrong type, or incorrectly installed
• Low water pressure (under 20psi
• High water pressure (over 120 psi)

2. But How Often Should You Change A GE Refrigerator Water Filter?

GE generally recommends changing the refrigerator water filter after six months or when the filter light turns orange/red, depending on what comes first.

Closing Thought On GE Refrigerator Water Filter Problems:

The next time you encounter issues after installing or replacing your GE refrigerator water filter, the filter could be the problem. It could be fake, damaged, clogged, incorrectly fitted, or the wrong type. In most cases, you’ll need to replace it.

However, don’t forget the other issues, such as failing to flush the water line or resetting the filter.