A leaking whole house or under the sink filter can cause irreparable damage. Especially if the whole house filter is located indoors. Leaking under the sink water filter may end up flooding your house. But before you call your plumber, take out your rusty toolbox, and let’s fix it.
You can fix a leaking water filter by replacing or cleaning some components. First, you need to locate the source of the leak. If it is at the top, it might be a faulty O-ring or pressure build-up. You should also inspect the housing for cracks and replace them if needed. Water filter leaks may also be due to faulty installation.
The first step of fixing a leak is identifying the origin. We shall first explore why and how to fix a leaking whole-house water filter. We will also explore how to fix under-the-sink filters as well as fridge filters.
Whole-house filters, also known as point-of-entry filters, are an excellent choice for ensuring all your taps have clean and safe drinking water. You can easily locate the source of the leak by inspecting the whole system.
1. Remove the Filter Housing
Most, if not all, filter leaks originate from the inside. Follow these steps to fix the issue without flooding your house with water.
- Shut off the main water valve
- If your filtration system has a pressure release button, press it to release pressure from the housing.
- Turn on the water tap in your home to drain the water in the pipes.
- Using the wrench provided with the system, unscrew the housing.
Have you successfully removed the sump? Let’s move on
2. Inspect the filter cartridge.
Check to see if the filter cartridge is in good condition. Over time, your filter cartridge will get clogged up especially if your water has a lot of sediments.
When this happens the water has nowhere else to go so pressure builds up inside the housing. This may cause water to leak. You can remedy this by replacing the filter cartridge. If left untreated, the filter housing may crack.
3. Inspect the O-rings
The rubber O-rings provide a seal at the point of contact between the canister and the housing cap. The rings are usually lubricated with food-grade silicone grease for a tight seal.
Check to see if the rings are properly installed or dirty. Sediments from the water can also interfere with the seal which will, in turn, lead to leaking. Clean up the O-rings and don’t forget to lubricate with silicone grease. Replace them if broken.
4. Inspect the filter housing
Pressure from the inside or the outside can crack the filter housing. This may cause your water filter to leak. Inspect the housing for any cracks however small both on the inside and the outside. You can use a torchlight. Remember to check if the threads are still intact. If they are worn out, you can use a plumber’s tape.
5. Re-installation
After inspecting and confirming that all filter components are in good condition, you can re-install the housing and check for leaks. It is worth noting that if you over-tighten or under-tighten the housing, you may experience leakages. If the threads are worn out replace the housing or use plumber’s tape when screwing the housing back.
Turn the water back on. You can contact the filter’s customer service department or a plumber if the filter is still leaking.
Fixing a Leaking Under Sink Water Filter
Is your under sink water filtration system leaking? Here are some possible reasons
- Faulty O-ring
- Loose Valve
- Incompatible adapter
- Loose housing
- Faulty installation
If you notice leaks coming from a loose connection, you can use a plumber’s tape to tighten the connection with a wrench. In case the leak continues, replace the adapters and fittings. The leaks might also be due to over-tightened housing. Overtightening the housing can crack the housing or damage the O-rings. You should change the housing and O-rings if damaged.
You should check the filter cartridge. When clogged up, water pressure builds up in the housing causing it to leak. Always replace the cartridge when it has outlived its service period. Lastly, inspect the tank for damage. In such a case, you can buy a new tank.
Why is my Samsung Fridge water filter leaking?
Your filter may be leaking because of faulty installation. Additionally, if the fridge is not leveled, you may experience leakages. Always use the right filters when replacing. Here is a more detailed guide on how to locate and replace your fridge filter
Inspecting the water filter
- Turn off the water supply to the fridge
- Locate the filter depending on the model you have
- Remove the water filter and inspect the O-rings on top. Replace if damaged or worn out. Remember to lubricate the rubber rings with food-grade silicone grease before re-installing the filter.
- Make sure the lock indicator on the filter is aligned with the indicator on the cover.
- Turn the water on and check for leaks
Why is my Frigidaire water filter leaking?
Here are some common causes and how you can fix them;
- Frozen Defrost Drain. When the defrost drain freezes, water will fill up the drain trough and start leaking. To remedy this, thaw the ice and flush the drain with hot water.
- Cracked filter housing. In such a case you should replace the housing.
- Faulty water filter installation. Make sure that the filter is fitted properly.
- Water Inlet Valve. The inlet valve supplies water to the dispenser and ice-maker. Check to see if it is loose or cracked.
Final Thoughts
You can fix leaking filters at home without paying a plumber. You can avoid most leaks by replacing filter components. Cracked filter housings, damaged O-rings, and clogged filter cartridges are some common causes of leakages. All these are components you can replace without specialized training. However, always turn off the main water supply and depressurize your plumbing system before you unscrew the filter housing to avoid a mess.