When And How To Change A Water Filter

Here Are 3 Reasons Why You Need To Change Your Water Filter, 

And Here's How You Do It

Do you have crusty ice cubes? Have you noticed a decreased flow from your refrigerator water dispenser?

If so, it is time to change your refrigerator water filter. 

If your refrigerator dispenses water, chances are it uses a water filter, which provides cleaner, fresher water by reducing impurities.

Here is a story from the website Business Connect explaining everything you need to know about water filtration. 

So how do you know when it’s time to change your refrigerator water filter?

Key Number: 6.

This is the number of months a filter lasts before it needs replaced. 

Most manufactures recommend replacing your water filter every six months, but the time frame may change based on your amount of use, taste and odor.

And if it’s been a long time since you’ve replaced the filter, the inside of it may be clogged. 

A helpful tip: Most refrigerators will have a status indicator light in your fridge. You may also notice a decreased flow of water. Also see if your ice maker stops making ice cubes (plural) and instead makes one dirty singular cube.

                           This photo is from a funny blog where the writer says she will never change her water filter.

                              See her ice cubes stuck together.This is what happen when you do no change your filter.

But the most effective way to determine if your refrigerator water filter needs replaced is taste.

Take a drink of water and explore your palate for an unpleasant taste or odor. 

When it gets to the point that you start to notice a change in taste and or odor, that means the type of contaminants reduced by a properly functioning filter will appear more. This may happen at three months, six months or longer. When occurs, it’s time to make a change.

And when that time comes, remember that McCombs Supply Co. Inc., offers a wide selection of refrigerator water filters and we can help you match the correct filter for your appliance. Call us at 1-800-732-0499 or (717) 299-3866, or email at supplystuf@gmail.com 

Hours: Mon, Tues, & Thurs-7:30am-5:30.p.m. ET

Wed & Fri -7:30am-5 p.m. ET

We provide fast, reliable shipping.

Need a filter?

There are several choices for filters, including the genuine Frigidaire WF2CB, which carries the NSF tested and certified approval. 

But the most bang for your buck comes from the EcoAqua EFF-6029A, which is compatible with Frigidaire, Electrolux  and Kenmore.

What's the biggest difference between these filters? The price. 

Take for instance the genuine EWF01 Electrolux refrigerator water filter, which also fits Kenmore FC300, it sells for $46.30 on the McCombs website and prices at Lowes (listed online) at $49.98. 

Compare this with the EFF-6018A Electrolux refrigerator water filter, which is a compatible filter for Frigidaire Electrolux EWF01, EWF2CBPA and also fits Kenmore FC300. It sells for $10.95, a drastic price difference.

What gives?

Why is the one filter so much more money? What's the difference?

The EWF01 and other Frigidaire/Electrolux genuine parts have a NSF certification.

Products that earn NSF certification are said to be “NSF certified” or “NSF listed” and display the applicable NSF certification mark to show that they have been tested by one of today’s most respected independent product testing organizations.

Having your filter tested for impurities is beneficial, but most local communities test for water quality and filter out impurities in public drinking water. 

Noting this, consumers may prefer the after market water filter like the EFF-6018A because it is a quality and safe product at a substantial savings over the genuine water filter pricing. 

Both are good, quality products; one just costs less.

At considerably less money - spend $10.95 (after market product) or more than $40 (genuine part) - the savings to the wallet is significant. 

Most customers say they do not notice a difference. 

"I actually thought it was was the same one I replaced," Mike Proch, of Lancaster,  Pennsylvania, said.
"I didn't notice any difference with the water taste or odor. I'm satisfied. It's a good filter."

                 EFF-6018A    

Why is the after market so much cheaper? For one, the manufacturer of a product like EcoAqua (eff-600A) didn't spend money for an NSA certification claiming what impurities its takes out. 

The second reason for the lower price is very simple. McCombs got a good deal. 

McCombs sells the after market product at a lower price because the manufacturer changed the packaging design and wanted to sell the old packaging and was willing to move the product at a good rate. 

McCombs Supply sales both after market and genuine water filters.

Here is a price comparison 

The EWF01 Electrolux single is $46.30, while the EFF-6018A EcoAqua is $10.95.

           EWFO1               EFF-6018A

The Electrolux EWF01-2pack is $85.65, while the EcoAqua EFF-6018 2 pack is $20.   

 EWF01-2Pack                   EFF-6018 2 pack

The Frigitaire WF2CB single sells for 34.97, while the EcoAqua EFF-6029A sells for $10.95.

            WF2CB     EFF-6029A

Note:

The EFF-6029A 3 pack is selling at a new, lower price of $28.50. 

All filters will ship for the price of $5 with no minimum or maximum cost for an order.

How to know what is the correct filter for your refrigerator

1. Remove the filter from the fridge (don't worry, the water will shut off automatically).
2. The fridge has a tag where the water filter is installed that gives the model and part number.
3. Find the part number printed on the filter.

Both the after market (like the EFF-6029a) and the genuine (like the WF2CB) fit Frigidaire appliances. The 6029 is a generic replacement that can be used for OEM Frigidaire WF2CB. The 6018 is a generic replacement that can be used for OEM Electrolux EWF01. 

The 6029 part number is used for older line appliances manufactured by Frigidaire. Typically, the 6018 is used on newer appliances.

Replace your water filter yourself

Step 1

Locate your refrigerator's water filter. On most models, the filter is on the refrigerator grille at the base of the fridge. The water filter might also be on the back upper-right corner of your refrigerator. According to Lowes.com, you'll see either a knob or a button that will release the filter. Some models twist off.

Step 2

Remove the old water filter from your refrigerator. For quarter-turn cap models, Lowes.com says to unscrew the water filter by turning the filter knob counterclockwise. You may need to use a wrench to unscrew the filter. When the cap is in a vertical position, pull on it to remove the filter. Slide the filter cap off the filter cartridge and put it in a safe place. You'll reuse the cap on your new water filter.

If you have a push-button filter cap, push the button next to the cap while pulling on the water filter to remove it. To release the cap, turn it counterclockwise until it detaches from the filter. Set the cap aside in a safe place until you're ready to reuse it.

When you remove the filter from your refrigerator, it might drip water. To prevent spills, hold the filter in an upright position. Lay the old filter on a towel to absorb any water that drips out.

Step 3

Remove the new refrigerator water filter from its packaging and replace the cartridge cap. According to Lowe's, If you have a quarter-turn filter cap, simply slide it onto the new filter. If you have a push-button cap, align the cap and filter, and twist the cap until it clicks into place.

Step 4

Replace the filter and cap. For a quarter-turn cap, make sure the cap is in the vertical position. Slide it into the filter hole. Don't over-tighten the water filter. Turn the cap clockwise until it clicks into place. Lowe's site states that for a push-button cap, align the filter cap and insert it into the hole. Once you insert the filter properly, the eject button will pop up.

Step 5

Run two or more gallons of water through your new filter to remove any traces of carbon. This takes less than five minutes and helps prevent your water dispenser from sputtering. It also clears the system of any impurities left over from manufacturing.

Step 6

Place a small piece of masking tape on the outside of the water filter labeled with the date you replaced the filter. This lets you know when to replace it again, according to the Lowes.com. Omit this step if your refrigerator has an indicator light or if your new filter comes with a self-adhesive label on the filter.

Step 7

Lowe's says to reset the indicator light, if applicable. Your refrigerator owner's manual should tell you how to reset the light.

Consumer Reports. org video on how to install a water filter

About Us

McCombs Supply Company, Inc.

In business since 1953, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. is a three generation family-owned business that specializes in fast, reliable shipping. 

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McCombs Supply Co., Inc. offers replacement repair parts for dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, range-ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, HVAC, commercial refrigeration, commercial cooking, and more. Some of our manufacturers we distribute for include – Backer-Chromolox, Broan-Nutone, Exact Replacement Parts (ERP), EZ Flo, Fasco, Jason Manufacturing, ICM, JW Harris, Packard, Robertshaw, Sealed Unit Parts Company (SUPCO) and White Rodgers. We supply contractors, service technicians, housing developments, institutions, and do-it-yourselfers.

Today, we have nearly one million SKUs in our system. We are constantly upgrading our cutting-edge technology to serve our customers better.

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McCombs Supply Co., Inc. (717) 299-3866 or 800-732-0499