The Impact Of A Clogged Water Filter On Your Maytag Refrigerator’s Performance

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In-built water filter systems have become an essential part of modern refrigerators such as Maytag. So, you need not buy separate drinking water filters for your home and rely on your refrigerator to serve freshly filtered cold water. 

Maytag refrigerator’s water filter might get clogged over time due to trapped contaminants. It may be noticeable when you observe slow water flow while dispensing water, or the water quality becomes aesthetically poor. To rectify the issue, simply locate the filter, check the pipelines and filter condition. Replace the filter if necessary. 

Understanding The Water Filter In Your Maytag Refrigerator

Maytag’s refrigerator filter is installed to remove harmful impurities from the water fed into the fridge. The contaminants get trapped in the filter, and clean water is produced. Thus, you must change the filter timely to ensure safe water quality and maximum efficiency. A clogged water filter affects your health and also damages the Maytag refrigerator. 

Recognizing Signs Of A Clogged Water Filter

For timely replacement of your refrigerator water filter, you should not miss the following signs: 

  • Foul Taste or Odor

If you observe bad taste and odor in the water dispensed from your Maytag refrigerator, immediately investigate its root cause. It is a sign of harmful chemicals in your water, indicating your water filter is not working properly. 

  • Cloudy or Discoloured Water

Firstly, do not consume this water. A tinted water color is a sure sign of a faulty water filter. The presence of turbidity or cloudiness indicates the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria. Whereas discoloration may be due to high levels of heavy metals and salts in the water. Open and check your water filter system carefully. Clean or change the water filter if required. 

  • Warning Indicator Lights

Maytag refrigerators come with a smart display showing different functions through LED lights. This display also showcases filter life and lights the warning signal when replacement is required. Do not miss this warning, and change your filter when notified. After replacement, press the filter button to reset the timer and gallon measurement settings. 

  • Decreased Water Flow or Pressure

If the water flow rate or pressure suddenly decreases, be alarmed about the water filter’s health. Only a clogged filter or water line could cause reduced flow or pressure if the tap water pressure is still fine. Unclog the refrigerator water line or change the filter for easy and fast water flow. 

Impacts Of A Clogged Water Filter On Your Maytag Refrigerator`s Performance

Water filter is an internal component of the Maytag refrigerator, so its condition impacts the overall health of your refrigerator. Let’s see how: 

  • Consume Harmful Bacteria

Like other filtration systems, in-built refrigerator water filters also offer high contaminant reduction efficiency of up to 99%. They can remove water impurities such as harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Over time, as the filter gets clogged with all the trapped impurities, it becomes a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. If not replaced on time, these bacteria can enter your drinking water and cause health problems. 

  • Reduced Water Flow

A water filter should be efficient and fast at the same time. No one likes waiting long for a glass of water. However, clogged water filters may reduce water flow and pressure, leading to slow dispensing. In this case, do not blame the refrigerator, but rather check the water filter. The restricted flow can make other refrigerator components work harder and consume more energy, increasing wear and tear and electricity bills. 

  • Poor Ice Quality

The refrigerator water line is connected to tap water, which flows through the internal water filter before reaching the water dispenser or ice maker. Ice’s appearance, taste, and odor can also indicate your filter’s health. If the ice appears discolored, tastes bitter, or smells bad, immediately look for the cause and change the water filter if needed. 

  • Bad Water Taste and Smell

The presence of unwanted particulate matter, such as contaminants, harmful minerals, and sediments, in your drinking water is a sign of poor water filter health, which needs attention. 

  • Damage To Your Maytag Refrigerator

Refrigerators are a significant investment, and their poor performance can cause worry. Thus, its proper maintenance is essential to ensure a longer life. If an internal component, such as the water filter, is damaged or clogged, it ultimately deteriorates the overall condition of the refrigerator. It puts pressure on other components, making them work harder and wear out sooner. You may observe leaks and cracks in the long run. 

  • Increased Energy Consumption

As we know, reduced water flow puts pressure on other refrigerator components. They work harder, suffer wear and tear, and increase internal temperature, making the compressor work harder to maintain proper temperature. Thus, the overall energy needs of the refrigerator boost up, increasing your electricity bills. It can greatly impact your packet if you have a large family or older fridge. 

Step-By-Step Instructions For Dealing With A Clogged Water Filter

If you discover that your Maytag refrigerator water filter is clogged and causing trouble, follow this guide to overcoming the problem: 

  • Check for a Kinked Water Line: A reason for poor water flow or ice quality could be obstructed water lines. Clean and straighten the line if needed. 
  • Reset the Water Filter Indicator: It is necessary to reset your filter life settings after every replacement. Otherwise, you may still receive a warning notification to change the filter even when the filter is new and clean. Press the filter button for 3-5 seconds to reset. 
  • Clean the Water Filter: Purchasing a new filter is not always the only option. Sometimes you can flush the filter with warm water or use a soft-bristled brush gently to unclog the membranes and remove the trapped impurities. Place the cleaned filter back in place to enjoy good water quality again. 

If the above guide does not work and the only choice left is a replacement, follow these steps to change the Maytag refrigerator water filter:

  1. Locate the Water Filter: Different Maytag refrigerator models might have water filters installed at different locations. Go through the user manual and follow the instructions to locate your water filter. 
  2. Turn Off the Water Supply: Turn off the water valve behind the refrigerator before removing the water filter to avoid spillage. 
  3. Remove the Old Water Filter: Depending on the model, you may need to twist the filter anticlockwise or pull the lever to remove the filter from its place. 
  4. Install the New Water Filter: Unwrap the new filter and remove the protective casing or caps (if any). Align and insert the new filter into its place correctly on the refrigerator. 
  5. Turn On the Water Supply: Turn on the water valve behind the refrigerator to restore the water flow. 
  6. Flush the Water System: As the new filter may contain some manufacturing or packaging dirt and debris, flushing is vital to clean the filter. Pass at least 2 gallons of water through the dispenser and discard it before you start using the filter. 

Preventative Measures To Avoid A Clogged Water Filter

  • Regularly replace your water filter: Average filter life is about six months. So, remember to make the replacement twice a year to prevent clogging and ensure the best water quality. 
  • Check your water source: Well water is usually more contaminated than city water. High levels of impurities might be too challenging for your refrigerator water filter to handle alone. Consider installing a whole-house water filtration system to prolong the life of your refrigerator filter. 
  • Check for leaks: Internal leaks can cause filter blockage and damage. Check the water line regularly and repair damage when required. 
  • Avoid freezing your water filter: Do not refrigerate your new replacement filter, as it can damage and clog the membranes. Store them in a cool and dry place. 
  • Use only authorized filters: Always buy trusted and tested OEM or aftermarket filters compatible with your Maytag refrigerator

FAQs

Can a clogged water filter affect the taste or smell of my water?

Yes. Clogging takes place due to accumulated impurities in the filter. When water passes through such a filter, it brings along these impurities, which may change the taste and smell of your water. 

Can a clogged water filter cause my Maytag refrigerator to stop cooling?

Unlikely. While a clogged filter puts pressure on other refrigerator components to work harder, it cannot directly affect the cooling system. The compressor may have to work hard to maintain a lower temperature inside the fridge, but it does not stop cooling. 

Conclusion

We hope you now understand why a clean water filter is necessary to ensure the Maytag refrigerator’s proper functioning and long life. Don’t be ignorant of the clear signs, as it will ultimately affect your health and pocket. Check and replace your filter timely to reduce maintenance costs and electricity bills. 

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