What happens if I keep using an expired water filter in my refrigerator?

Continuing to use an expired water filter for a couple of weeks won’t have any significant effect on water quality or safety. Refrigerator water filters have the capacity to effectively filter water slightly beyond their rated capacity. Reasonable leeway in safe and effective filtering is expected for fridge water filters.

Don’t keep using a refrigerator water filter more than a few weeks past its expiration. Several weeks after its expiration, a refrigerator water filter can begin losing its ability to safely and effectively reduce water contaminants.

Eventually, the filter can get clogged and reduce water flow through the refrigerator.

Why do I need to change my fridge water filter on time?

According to the NSF (National Science Foundation), “water filters need to be changed regularly in order to reduce lead and the other contaminants for which they are certified.”

Here’s why:

• Refrigerator water filters use activated carbon and/or charcoal to mechanically trap large sediment particles and contaminants in the pores of the filter. When using the filter long after its expiration, the poor of the filter become so clogged with contaminants that water doesn’t flow through the filter effectively. Contaminants in the mechanical filtering media of the filter can eventually leach out into the refrigerator’s water system as water flows through the expired filter.

• Many refrigerator water filters also use a membrane or a blend of filter media to help reduce smaller sized contaminants and impurities. Impurities stick to the surface of membranes or other filter media. When you continue to use a refrigerator water long past its expiration, the surface of membranes or other filter media becomes filled up—therefore, no more impurities can be absorbed. Harmful impurities can eventually leach out of the filled membranes or filter media.

Water flowing through an expired water filter can eventually become more harmful than the unfiltered tap water supply going into your home.

Stay safe by replacing the water filter in your refrigerator when its capacity expires.

What types of harmful chemicals and contaminants can be released by an expired water filter?

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), “drinking water can expose people to a variety of harmful pollutants and pathogens.” Refrigerator water filters reduce or remove these chemicals and pollutants during normal lifespan of the filter.

Using an expired refrigerator water filter can expose you to these harmful chemicals and contaminants:

• Lead—Harmful lead exposure can cause neurological, behavioral and health problems in children and adults.

• Heavy metals—Heavy metals include arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium and many more. Consuming high levels of heavy metals in water increases the risk of acute and chronic toxicity, liver disease, kidney failure, intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer.

• Flouride--Excessive consumption of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, a condition characterized by pain and tenderness of bones and joints. Excess consumption of fluoride during formative period of tooth enamel may cause dental fluorosis, tooth discoloration and/or pitting of teeth.

• Microorganisms—Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Consuming microorganisms in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and infections.

• Nitrate and Nitrite--Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted into nitrites. High levels of nitrate and nitrite are most serious for infants. High levels of nitrate/nitrite in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome". These substances reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen. This acute condition can occur rapidly over a period of days. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Infants below six months who drink water with high levels of nitrate can become seriously ill and die.

• Organic chemicals--Consuming high levels of organic chemicals in drinking water can cause kidney damage, liver disease, circulatory system problems, nervous system disorders, and reproductive system failures.

To keep the ice and water coming from your refrigerator’s dispenser safe, replace the water filter when it expires. Sears PartsDirect offers a water filter subscription plan that makes it easy for you to keep your refrigerator water filter fresh. The next time you buy a filter, just click the button that sets you up on a 6 or 12 month subscription plan. You get free shipping and enjoy the peace of mind that the ice and water coming from your refrigerator is safe.

How do I find the right replacement water filter for my refrigerator?

Use our handy water filter finder to look up the type of replacement filter that your refrigerator uses.

If you can’t find the replacement water filter that you need using that tool, use the model number to look up the replacement part. Follow these steps to find the part number for your replacement water filter:

1. Key the model number of your refrigerator into the search box at the top of the webpage.

2. Click on the water filter in the parts displayed for your model.

3. If you don’t see your refrigerator’s water filter displayed at the top of the parts list, key the word filter into the part name search bar and select the water filter from the search results.

If you need help finding the right replacement water filter for your refrigerator, use the Chat feature on our website or call a customer service representative at 888-873-3829.

Replacing your refrigerator’s water filter on time is essential to your family’s health. Don’t risk health hazards by continuing to use a refrigerator’s water filter well beyond its expiration. Count on Sears PartsDirect to have the parts and advice that you need to help keep your family safe.