Retrofitting an inline filter to a side-by-side fridge

The new side-by-side fridge makes ice cubes and cold water at the push of a button – supplied through a thin tube from the water connection. An inline filter can be fitted into exactly this line. It sounds like plumbing, but with push-fit connectors it takes about 20 minutes.

What you need

an inline filter, for example the 10" inline mineral filter or the 12" version
two connectors with 1/4" thread × 1/4" tube – straight or as a 90° elbow, depending on the space you have
PTFE tape for the threads and a tube cutter or sharp utility knife
possibly some 1/4" PE tubing if the line becomes too short

Before ordering: measure the outside diameter of the fridge line. It is usually 1/4" (6.35 mm). Our guide to tube sizes shows how to measure correctly.

Step-by-step installation

Pull the fridge out, close the water supply at the shut-off valve and release the remaining pressure through the water dispenser.
Choose a place for the filter where you can reach it later – for example next to the fridge or in the adjacent cupboard.
Screw the connectors into both ends of the filter using PTFE tape.
Cut the line straight at the chosen point.
Push the tube from the water connection into the filter inlet and the tube to the fridge into the outlet. The arrow on the housing shows the flow direction.
Fit the locking clips, turn the water on slowly and check all joints for drips.
Before the first drink, run a few litres through the water dispenser.

The most common mistakes

Filter fitted the wrong way round. Always follow the arrow.
Filter hidden behind the fridge. For the next change the fridge has to come out again – plan a place you can reach.
Kinked tube. When pushing the fridge back, lay the line in a wide curve.
No follow-up check. Check the joints for moisture again the next day.

When to change the filter is listed in our overview of all filters. How to fit and release push-fit connectors is explained in this guide.

In short: water off, cut the line, fit the filter with two connectors, follow the arrow, flush a few litres. And mount the filter where you can reach it again.