How to replace a Whirlpool refrigerator water filter housing

Is your refrigerator leaking or not dispensing water properly? A cracked or faulty water filter housing could be the culprit. Dive into our step-by-step guide, complete with a detailed how-to video, and get your fridge back in action in no time!

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

The water filter housing assembly is responsible for holding the water filter which provides clean and filtered water dispensed from your refrigerator. Over time, the housing assembly may develop cracks or leaks.

By following these instructions and having the necessary tools on hand, you can save time and money by performing the repair yourself. Typically, this repair should take around 30 to 60 minutes to complete so let’s get started!

Watch here: How To: Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter Housing Assembly W10862461

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Flathead screwdriver
• 5/16″ nut driver

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

1. Open both doors of the refrigerator to have better access to the filter area.
2. Remove the toe grill by gripping it at the bottom and pulling it straight out.
3. Locate the two 5/16 inch screws that secure the filter housing and use a 5/16 inch nut driver to remove them.
4. Slowly pull out the water filter housing assembly, exposing the two water lines.
5. Place a towel underneath the assembly to catch any water that may spill out.
6. Identify the locking collars, one red and one white, and remove them using a flat blade screwdriver. 
7. Set them aside as they will be used with the new water filter housing assembly.
8. Use the flat blade screwdriver to disconnect the water lines by gently prying them out.
9. Press in the locking collars and remove the tubing one at a time.
10. Remove the towel and set it aside.
11. Prepare the new water filter housing assembly by mounting the red locking ring on the larger tube and the white locking ring on the smaller tube.
12. Insert the thin hose into the bottom connector of the assembly so that it is fully inserted.
13. Repeat the same process with the top connector, inserting the hose fully.
14. Place the new water filter housing assembly back under the refrigerator. Make sure that the foam support is in place.
15. Align the holes at the bottom of the assembly and secure it with the two 5/16 inch screws using a nut driver.
16. Reinstall the toe grill by aligning the pins on the sides with the brackets at the bottom and pressing it in.
17. Insert the filter into the housing, aligning the arrows on the filter with the direction indicated on the housing.
18. Push the filter in until it is fully seated. Close both refrigerator doors.
19. Plug in the refrigerator and open the water supply to check for any leaks.

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the water filter housing assembly in your Whirlpool refrigerator.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the water filter housing on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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