Welcome to our layman’s guide to installing alkaline water filters for refrigerators. The reason you’re here right now is there are no generic or OEM alkaline water filters available for refrigerators quite yet.
Don’t worry, there are two simple solutions that’ll get you fresh alkaline water on tap in no time at all. Plus, you’ll have the added advantage of alkaline ice, which I must admit is something that I love dearly.
There are two methods for installing an alkaline water filter for your fridge, and we’re going to cover both of them.
Update: Wamery now offers an alkaline refrigerator water filter for most Samsung models. If you do not own a Samsung fridge, continue on to learn how to dispense alkaline water from any type of fridge.
Method #1 – Install an Inline Alkaline Mineral Cartridge
With the first method, you’ll continue using your current refrigerator filter. This method works by boosting the pH of your water before it enters your fridge.
This method is the easier of the two methods. The first step is to ensure your refrigerator has a 1/4″ incoming water line. If your refrigerator dispenses water and ice, then it definitely has an incoming water line.
Before you learn how to install a universal inline refrigerator water filter, I want to show you what you’ll use to boost the pH of your water. Below are two reliable alkaline inline mineral cartridges:
iSpring FA15
LiquaGen
These mineral cartridges install the same way as an inline water filter and are typically used in reverse osmosis filtration systems. You may prefer the LiquaGen filter because it comes with the necessary clips and connectors.
Once you decide on a mineral filter, the next step is to learn how to install a universal inline refrigerator water filter. The gentleman in the video below shows you exactly how it’s done.
How to Install a Universal Inline Refrigerator Water Filter
The difference is you’ll be installing an alkaline mineral filter cartridge instead of the inline refrigerator water filter he uses in the video. Once you install the mineral filter, you continue to use your existing refrigerator water filter.
The mineral filter will boost the pH of your water before it reaches your existing refrigerator water filter.
You may be wondering: Will your existing refrigerator filter lower the pH of your new alkaline water? No. Most refrigerator filters are activated carbon filters, and any pH reduction should be minimal.If you prefer water with a higher alkaline pH, method #2 is the better option.
Method #2 – Install an Inline Series w/ a Fridge Bypass Cap
The main difference between methods #1 and #2 is you’ll use an inline carbon filter outside of your fridge instead of using your existing fridge filter. The advantage of this system is it allows you to install your mineral filter after your carbon filter.
In method #1, the inline mineral filter must come before your standard refrigerator filter. In order to make this system work, you’ll install a dummy cap or filter bypass plug to make your fridge think there’s a filter installed. This is a necessary step because, without it, your fridge will cut the water flow to your dispenser and ice maker.
Below is an example of a GE refrigerator filter bypass cap:
The gentleman in the video below shows you how simple it is to install a filter bypass plug:
Instead of buying a mineral filter only, you’ll also choose an inline carbon filter. Below is the 5-year EcoPure filter the gentleman in the first video had:
How to Install an Inline Water Filter Series
To make the two-filter system work, you follow the same steps as in the first video, except you’ll install the two filters (carbon and mineral cartridge) as a series. You may require a separate mount as well as additional fittings and tubing to connect the EcoPure filter to the iSpring or LiquaGen mineral filter.
- Install the filters in the right direction (pay attention to the water flow arrows on the filters)
- Install the mineral filter after the EcoPure filter
- Flush both filters with a couple of gallons of water to remove air and activate the mineral filter (the same way the gentleman flushes the filter in the first video above)
Bonus Tips
- If you don’t feel confident installing the system yourself, it’s best to hire a plumber or ask a friend with experience to help you. The last thing you want is a leaky fitting and a flood inside your kitchen.
- Allow the system to run for at least a couple of hours before pushing your refrigerator back into place. This way, you give yourself extra time to ensure there are no leaks at the fittings or anywhere else behind your fridge.
- Check inside your fridge for leaks and to make sure everything is running smoothly around your existing filter, especially if you choose to install a bypass filter.
- Don’t skimp on the fittings or forget to inspect them after the install. The proper fittings are the key to installing a leak-free system.
- The reason I chose the two mineral filters above is they provide a wider range of alkaline minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The iSpring cartridge is food-grade and independently tested to meet NSF/ANSI quality Standards. The LiquaGen filter is made in the USA.
- Filter Life: LiquaGen 1,500 gallons or 1.5 years, iSpring 1,500 gallons or 6 months
- Lastly, don’t forget to flush the system with a couple of gallons of water before you drink.
Bottom Line
Yes, there are currently no available alkaline water filters for refrigerators, however, both of the methods I shared with you work quite well and are compatible with most major appliance brands including GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, and more.
As a reminder, consider hiring a plumber or recruiting a knowledgeable friend if you’re unsure whether you can do it yourself. Once you have the system properly installed, it’ll run for at least six months before you replace the mineral cartridge, depending on which cartridge you choose.
I prefer the LiquaGen filter because it’s made in the USA and has a rated life of 1.5 years or 1,500 gallons.
