Symptoms
- Water tastes stale, plastic-like, or metallic
- Water has a faint musty or off smell
- Taste is worse after the fridge hasn't been used for a while
- Ice made from the dispenser also tastes or smells off
Likely causes
- CommonOverdue or expired water filterFilters lose effectiveness over time and can even start contributing to taste issues once saturated.
- CommonStagnant water sitting in the line after infrequent useWater sitting unused in the tubing for days can develop a flat or off taste.
- CommonNew filter needing an initial flushCarbon dust from a brand new filter can affect the first several cups of water.
- PossibleHousehold water supply itself has a taste issueIf tap water also tastes off, the fridge filter isn't the cause.
What to do
- Check the filter replacement date and swap it out if it's overdue, typically every 6 months.
- After installing a new filter, run several cups of water through and discard them to flush out carbon dust.
- If the fridge hasn't dispensed water in a while, run a few cups through and discard them to clear out any stagnant water.
- Taste your regular tap water separately to rule out a general household water taste issue unrelated to the fridge.
- Clean the dispenser nozzle and drip tray, since buildup there can occasionally affect taste or smell.
- Check that the water filter is a genuine or compatible replacement, since poor-quality filters can affect taste.
- If taste issues continue with a fresh filter and flushed line, consider having the water line and inlet valve inspected.
Tools and parts
Refrigerator water filterSearch: “refrigerator replacement water filter”
When to call a pro
If a fresh filter and flushed line don't resolve the taste issue and tap water tastes fine, a technician can inspect the water line and inlet valve for contamination sources.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.