How to Replace & Install a Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Filter

After 3+ years after moving into my house, I had yet to replace the Refrigerator/ Ice Water Filter. Although, I knew I was supposed to change it out every 6 to 12 months (and by this time it was really in need of being replaced), it's something I never got around to doing. Well, sometimes when you put things off for too long they catch up to you one way or the other. And indeed it did this past week while in my basement, I noticed some paper I had lying on the floor just below the Water Filter was all wet. I looked up at the water filter and noticed a small black hole, but didn't notice any water dripping. I stuck my hand near the hole, and sure enough, water was lightly spraying out of the hole undetected until it hit the paper on the floor. 

So after three years of putting off the task of replacing the water filter, it was now time to install a new unit before the leak became even bigger.  I decided to put tape over the leak, and then put a bucket below the leak so the water leaking from the hole would dip into the bucket and not all over the floor. Since it was close to midnight when I discovered the leak (and it was not leaking too bad), I just decided to order a new Omnifilter R200-A and have it shipped in two days. Once the new filter arrived, it was time to replace the old one and install the new Omnifilter.

Here's How to Replace & Install a Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Filter:

1. Turn off the cold water supply to the filter.
2. Put a tarp or garbage bag over any items underneath the water filter you don't want to get wet, then put a heavy duty garbage bag or bucket underneath the water filter.
3. Remove the tubing from one end of the unit.Start with the hose that goes to your ice machine. Let all the water drain out into a bucket before removing the copper end. NOTE: I unscrewed the collet fitting from the Omnifilter water filter, then removed the collet fittings from the 1/4" copper pipe. To remove the collet fitting from the copper piper, just push in the collet ring and pull the tube to remove. (Some fittings may be tighter than others, but just pull and work the fitting until it's off the pipe). NOTE: to remove the new R200 filter that just has the push-in fittings, I simply pulled the filter so there's a slight gap between the white plastic fitting and the blue filter, then used a flat head screw driver (or fingernail) to push the end of the fitting towards the filter (and off the copper tubing). Just keep working the fitting off, as it may take a number pulls and pushes to get it off the copper tubing.
4. Install the new filter...  Insert the supply side tubing (1/4" copper or plasitc tube) into the end of the filter on the supply side. Push firmly until the tubing bottoms out.
5. Turn the water supply on VERY SLOWLY.  Hold the filter over a bucket and flush until water runs clear. (I turned the water on too fast and black sludgy water shot out about three feet, so just be carefully when doing this). Now TURN THE WATER OFF.
6. Repeat step 4 on the refrigerator side of the filter. Make sure the tubing is firmly pushed to the bottom of the fitting.
7. Turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks.
8. If your filter comes with a "time to change your water filter cartridge" sticker, write the date (6 months or 12 months) from now on it, then place it on your new water filter so you know when you need to replace the filter.
9. Run cooking or drinking water for 10 seconds prior to collecting water for use.

Notice: Install the unit with the directional arrow in line with the water flow.

I'd recommend checking for leaks the next day as well, just to be sure that the water filter connection doesn't begin leaking a day after being in use.