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Shut Off and Drain the Water Line — Shut Off Water Supply

Beginner30 mins

Part of project

Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement · Step 2 of 7

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In this video

Locate the water supply shutoff valve for your refrigerator's water line. This may be behind the fridge or in the basement, as shown in the video. Turn the valve to the 'off' position. Place a bucket underneath the connection point. Use pliers to carefully loosen the compression nut where the line connects to the valve to allow any trapped water in the line to drain out. Once drained, retighten the nut.

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FAQs

What specific tools will I need to replace my refrigerator's water filter?

You will primarily need the new GE Universal Long Life Refrigerator Water Filter GXRTLL. An adjustable wrench might be helpful for stubborn housings, and a pitcher, such as the Winco 64 fl. oz. model, is essential for flushing the system after installation.

What safety precautions should I take before starting this water filter replacement project?

Always shut off the water supply to your refrigerator before removing the old filter to prevent leaks and potential water damage. Have towels ready to catch any spills during the process, and ensure the refrigerator is stable if you need to move it slightly.

How long does this project typically take, and how difficult is it for a beginner?

This is a beginner-level project that generally takes about 30 minutes. The most time-consuming part is often flushing the new filter thoroughly. The main cost will be the new replacement filter itself.

What are common issues encountered during replacement, and how can they be resolved?

Common issues include leaks, the filter not seating properly, or air sputtering from the dispenser after installation. If leaking, ensure the filter is fully twisted or pushed in. Air or cloudy water will clear after flushing several gallons through the dispenser.

Transcript
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Everyone's water supply line location can be different. In my case, it's in the basement. In your case, it might be behind the refrigerator. Either way, locate it and turn it off. Next up, have a bucket ready because we'll be undoing this nut so that we can drain all the water inside the supply line so that our job is made a little bit easier while we work on this. Otherwise, you'll be risking taking a shower in refrigerator water. And once drained, just put everything back and tighten them nut again. This step also makes sure that your valve is in working condition.

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