Can I use My Refrigerator Without The Water Filter?

It is always important and safe to use a water filter in or around your home. This act would save you from tons of contaminants, leaving your water safe for drinking.

Nonetheless, it is possible to not have a water filter if your water is filtered one way or the other.

Perhaps you have guarded your house with a water filter. Or maybe you intend not to use a water filter in your refrigerator for some reason. So you ask can I use my refrigerator without the water filter.

While we might be tempted to give you a quick answer which is yes, It is only possible if there is an alternative for the water filter.

Certainly, you intend to feed your curious mind, so read on!

Contents

Why is a water filter necessary for a refrigerator?

refrigerator dispensing warm water

Your refrigerator like every other appliance that allows for the passage of water needs a water filter. This is because it is quite a distance having your water travel from the tube to the glass or pot. And during this process, the water will carry along so many contaminants.

So this is where the water filter comes in. since the water is susceptible to picking up bugs and bacteria, you must play safe to reduce any risk or harm.

Your water filter is responsible for removing nasty stuff including; barium, mercury, chromium, turbidity, fluoride, and others.

Your water filter would leave your water tasting good as it clears odors too. You cannot just have your refrigerator skip the filtration process.

Now to the unending question…

Read: Is it safe to put a toaster oven on top of a microwave?

How do water filters keep contaminants off your glass?

The water filter is designed with an activated carbon filter. Any water that passes through the tube would have to pass through the carbon filter.

The carbon filters serve as a magnet for contaminants; it traps toxins and any other pollutants from the water.

This keeps the water clean for some time! Yes, you see the carbon in the water over time will have the contaminants clog.

This makes the water filter unable to work efficiently and this could leave your water unfiltered. You may want to know the few places you can find water filters.

Read: Kitchen Sink Faucet Hole Placement

Can I use my refrigerator without the water filter?

Refrigerator working without a filter will depend on its specific.

Yes, you can use your refrigerator without the water filter. However, there must be a bypass plug installed in the fridge. It is this plug that replaces the water filter in the water filter housing.

Some refrigerator models would require an extra part called a bypass plug, for the water t skip the filtration process.

The filter bypass is a small cap that helps to remove particles that find their way into the water.

To use the bypass plug- if you intend to use a bypass plug instead of a water filter then turn your filter counterclockwise until the filter slides out. You can then insert the filter bypass plug into the filter housing, twisting it clockwise to secure.

If you do this you have no reason to worry as your refrigerator would work perfectly well without filtration, since you have the bypass plug installed.

Read: Are Instant Pot Lids Dishwashers Safe?

Would your refrigerator work without a bypass plug or water filter?

Some refrigerators are designed with a bypass plug or water filter in them. So, it wouldn’t work if you try to use your fridge without them.

Remember the importance of having a water filter or bypass plug installed in your refrigerator you cannot afford to take chances.

So if you have a water filter installed bravo! But you must learn when to change it. There are signs the water filter would show indicating it needs replacement. Let’s see them!

Read: How hot can a microwave get?

Signs your water filter needs replacement

  • Look out for a change in color of the water, if you see floaters in your water, do not drink it.
  • Slow water flow; clogged water filter won’t have easy water passage.
  • Check your water dispenser, if at all it is not working like it should be then you probably need a replacement.
  • A change in taste and odor
  • Poorly functioning ice maker.

When you see these signs you shouldn’t hesitate to replace them.

Read: Is Glass Cutting Board Bad For Knives?[Yes! Here’s Why]

Conclusion: Can I use My Refrigerator Without The Water Filter?

Here in this guide, you have learned how a water filter is necessary, you have learned whether you can use your refrigerator without the water filter.

You even know what you can use in place of your water filter which is the filter bypass.

You are free to refer back to this guide to get all these things at your fingertips.

Have a nice time using your refrigerator with or without the water filter!

Read: What temperature is simmer on an electric skillet?