Refrigerator ice and water service: filter change, flush, ice bin and dispenser cleaning

Whirlpool and GE both recommend changing the refrigerator water filter about every six months (GE also gives about 170-200 gallons, model dependent), sooner if flow drops or in new construction. After a change, flush water through the dispenser to purge air and carbon fines (Whirlpool says about four gallons), reset the indicator, then discard old ice and hand-wash the bin.

Cross-checked ~30 min easyBrands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire

Before you start

Match the filter to the exact model; GE notes its filters are not interchangeable across styles
Unplug the refrigerator, or turn the ice maker off, before reaching into the ice mechanism
Hand-wash plastic ice parts; GE says not to put them in a dishwasher

Diagnostic steps

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