Introduction: How to Bypass a Refrigerator Water Filter in Under 10 Min.
I searched the internet forever trying to figure out a bypass solution and all I could find was bypass plugs. So here is a way to bypass if your leaking at the filter location or without the 30+ dollar plug.
Step 1: What You Need
- 1/4 inch water line (got mine at a second hand shop for a few dollars)
- Any type of razor blade
- Beveler or sandpaper (optional)
- About 10 min tops
Step 2: First You Will Need to Locate the Hoses Running to and From Your Filter Location.
Most filters are on the inside of the fridge side with two lines running down the back and out the bottom, then over to the gate valve where there are 5 connections. The first sticks out of the back for you to hook your house water line to. The second is right behind the first it goes to the filter since the water and ice are filtered. The third is in the back of the unit where the water comes from the filter which is then distributed to one of the two in the middle for water or ice.
Step 3: Now That You Have Located the Correct Lines Shut Off the Water and Disconnect Them.
After shutting off your water press the white rings that are sticking out of the blue to release the hoses. As far as them hoses go you can do what you want with them mine are still intact in case I want to filter again.
Step 4: Preparing Your (bypass)
You will only need about 6 to 9 inches of hose make sure you cut the ends close to even as possible. Now either with the razor blade beveler or sand paper bevel the ends (gives it a snugger fit). Now press the white ring on the receiving end in the back and push the line in till you hear or feel a small click and its in (almost done).
Step 5: Finishing Up
Now trim the other end to fit snuggly as before and press the white ring on the sending side closes to you. Now push the hose till (click). Now all that's left is clean up the little bits of scrap tubing and enjoy your new bypass.
16 Comments
2 years ago
The lines to the filter on our Frigidaire FFSS2615TP are 5/16" tubing, but it looks exactly like your picture though.
5 years ago
why does the ice maker no longer make ice? i have a frigidaire gallery.. any one out there in happyland have any answers? i did the bypass just the way it was shower.
Reply 5 years ago
You can go to see new update
Reply 3 years ago
What update? Ice maker stopped for me as well
3 years ago on Step 5
Very good project but you don't need to buy anything.
I followed all the instructions but instead of buying the 1/4 water pipe, I just cut the one in the back about 10 " long and plugging it to the front. anyway you are not gonna use that water line (FROM FILTER) anymore.
Steps (The words: "From filter" and "To filter" comes from the pictures provided before)
1. Disconnect the front plug (To filter)
2.Cut back plug (From Filter) line about 10"
3. Plug the cut it en to the front plug
4. Leave the unplugged and the cut one on the fridge floor (There will be not in use)
Easier and free.
8 years ago on Introduction
As an HVAC&R worker, I don't understand why anyone would want to do this? I've changed lots of these filters and the stuff that they filter is Gag worthy, why would you want to drink the crud they filter out?. Some city's have very bad water, and if you're on a well? forget about it.
Reply 5 years ago
My refrigerator is on a line from my reverse osmosis water system. The filter is superfluous: adds no additional removal, and restricts the water flow to the icemaker and cold water dispenser in the door. - Nuff Said
Reply 6 years ago
I put a brita filter on the input line that is cheaper than my Frigidaire filter inside the fridge, so using this would insure that I don't have a bad filter in it.
Reply 6 years ago
I don't know much about what you do, but I have worked in the well drilling business for about fifteen years. I have found the best, clearest and purest water in most of them. I do understand that there are areas where a filter is needed, but if that is the case then you would set it up at the well to clean all the water for the house. These filters work much better than that filter in the frig.
Reply 7 years ago
You use your own ro system with superior filtration, and not be stuck buying expensive yet crappy filters
5 years ago
I found an very easy way to bypass it. My filter is is WF2CB. I just need one 5/16 quick connector. I got it for about $5 from Amazon. First, I loose the screw (1/4) near the filter and remove the plastic cover. Then we can see 2 tubes, one goes in, another comes out. These 2 tubes are going to connect the filter, so we can bypass the filter with 5/16 connector. We just need to disconnect them using flat screw driver and replace with 5/16 connector. Put the cover back, that is it. Everything running good, and the ice maker works as normal. First picture just shows the 5/16 connector. Second picture shows the screw hole and the cover. any questions ask me.
5 years ago on Step 5
Clever but simple hack. Was going to buy a bypass plug, but they are discontinued, so I stumbled upon this. I have a cartridge filter system that filters the water line going to the fridge, so I have no need for the overpriced fridge filter. Can't beat the internet...
5 years ago
Our tap water is pretty good and we have 2 free-standing hot & cold water dispensers, so we only use our refrigerators ice maker. I got tired of spending nearly 40 bucks for a water filter that should be changed twice (or more) per year. I decided to buy a filter bypass cartridge for my Frigidaire. It cost $18 (ebay) and only took a few seconds to install.
6 years ago
I have a very similar fridge and completed the hack with no problems but ice maker is not getting water anymore??
8 years ago on Introduction
I love simple hacks like this. Sometimes you just need to get things working asap!
Reply 8 years ago
yes none of the stores around my house carry that filter so I just bypassed it to keep my ice