The Puresource 3 filter works with a Frigidaire refrigerator to give clean, great tasting water and ice. It improves the water taste and reduces contaminants like lead, mercury, toxaphene, alachlor, chlorobenzene etc. The Frigidaire Puresource 3 filter is designed for use in select side by side refrigerators with filtration systems located in the back, top right. To help users make optimal use of the Puresource 3 filter and get better results, here is a guide on how to set up the unit, as well as to troubleshoot some of the common issues.
How to Install a Puresource 3 Water Filter
It is easy to install the Puresource 3. Push and release your old Puresource 3 filter, then push your new filter into place. Follow these steps below to replace your Puresource 3 water filter:
It is not necessary to turn the water supply off to change the filter. Be ready to wipe up any small amounts of water released during the filter change.
- Turn Off the ice maker.
- Remove the filter by pushing on the end/face of the filter.
- Slide the old water filter cartridge straight out of the housing and discard it.
- Remove the new filter cartridge from the package. Using the alignment guide, slide it gently into the filter housing until it stops against the snap-in connector at the back of the housing.
- Push firmly until the cartridge snaps into place. You should hear a click as the cartridge engages the snap-in connector.
- Press a drinking glass against the water dispenser while checking for any leaks at the filter housing. Any spurts and sputters that occur as the system purges air out of the dispenser system are normal.
- After filling one glass of water, continue flushing the system for about 4 minutes.
- Turn the ice maker ON.
- Press and hold the Water Filter button on the Ice and Water Dispenser control panel for 3 seconds. When the display changes from red to green, the status has been reset.
How Often Should You Replace Your Frigidaire Puresource 3 Water Filter?
It is recommended you replace your water filter every 6 months to ensure the highest possible water quality. Over time, your water filter will collect filtered-out particles and contaminants that will naturally make it less effective. Water filter status on the user interface prompts you to replace the filter after a standard amount of water (200 gallons/757 liters for PureSource 3) has flowed through the system.
If you have not used your refrigerator for a period of time (during moving for example), change the filter before reinstalling the refrigerator.
How to Remove a Puresource 3 Water Filter
- Turn ice maker Off.
- Locate your water filter in the upper right corner of your fridge or in the base grille.
- Remove the filter by pushing on the end/face of the filter.
- Slide the water filter cartridge straight out of the housing and discard it.
- Remove the new filter cartridge from the package. Using the alignment guide, slide it gently into the filter housing until it stops against the snap-in connector at the back of the housing.
- Push firmly until the cartridge snaps into place. You should hear a click as the cartridge engages the snap-in connector.
- Press a drinking glass against the water dispenser while checking for any leaks at the filter housing. Any spurts and sputters that occur as the system purges air out of the dispenser system are normal.
- After filling one glass of water, continue flushing the system for about 4 minutes.
- Turn the ice maker ON.
- Press and hold the Water Filter button on the Ice and Water Dispenser control panel for 3 seconds. When the display changes from red to green, the status has been reset.
Frigidaire Puresource 3 Water Filter Leaking: Causes and Fixes
If your Puresource 3 water filter is leaking, this is often a sign that the water filter is clogged. It is recommended you replace Puresource 3 filter every 6 months or after 200 gallons, whichever comes first.
If after replacing the filter the leaking doesn’t stop, it may be the filter housing. To fix the issue, follow these steps:
- Shut off the water supply going to the leaking water filter.
- Depressurize the filter by turning on the water faucet after the system until water stops.
- Shut off the water after filter if possible.
- Unscrew the leaking filter housing.
- Check and clean housing and O ring that seals the filter housing.
- Lubricate O ring with silicone-based lubricant and place it back in its channel.
- Turn the water back and check for leaks.
If there is still a leak, replace the O ring adding a tiny bit of silicone-based lubricant to it, and tighten the screw snugly but do not over tighten. Replace the filter and sump to the housing and slowly turn the water back on. Then, check for leaks again. If the leak continues, there may be a crack in the housing and it may need to be replaced.
Puresource 3 Water Filter Not Working After Replacement
There are several reasons that can cause your water filter not to work after replacement:
- If your old water filter worked and water flowed from the dispenser normally, but after installing a new water filter the water from the dispenser is only a trickle, try reinstalling the old filter to see if the new filter is the problem.
- You may have bought a cheap aftermarket water filter. If you are using a non-approved water filter, try using an original Puresource 3 filter.
- Check to make sure nothing is blocking the water filter. Check to be sure the new water filter is clean and free of small debris before installing.
- The new water filter you installed may not be fully inserted (seated) into the filter housing. Remove the filter completely and re-install, making sure it is tight. Using the alignment guide, slide the Puresource 3 filter gently into the filter housing until it stops against the snap-in connector at the back of the housing. Push firmly until the cartridge snaps into place. You should hear a click as the cartridge engages the snap-in connector.
- There may be a seal/gasket on your refrigerator water filter housing causing the issue. When removing the old filter, the gasket/seal may have moved. If so, pull off the gasket/seal and reinstall it. Then install the new filter. Make sure the seal or rubber gasket is properly seated and is correctly aligned with the filter housing and filter.
- You may have air trapped in the lines. This can happen when a new filter is installed. The air creates a gap or pressure issue and the water does not flow out of the dispenser
Why is My Puresource 3 Water Filter So Slow?
If your Puresource 3 water filter is slow, it could be because of the following reasons:
- Ice and water filter cartridge may be clogged. A clogged water filter can restrict the flow of water to the dispenser and prevent the dispenser from working properly. The water filter should be replaced every six months or 200 gallons, whichever comes first, to maintain proper water flow and ensure water quality.
- Air bubbles trapped in the filter can also cause a water filter to be slow.
- Filter housing blockage. Replacing a water filter can cause debris to become lodged inside the filter housing area. To prevent blockages, simply clean the filter housing thoroughly every time you replace your water filter. Remember to take particular care to wipe inside any slots.
- Old filter that needs to be replaced. Delaying the replacement of your Puresource 3 filter will cause the filtration rate to become increasingly slow. This is because the available pore spaces of your filter become filled with contaminants with time, making it harder for water to flow through the filter.
- Low water pressure can reduce the filtration rate of the filter as the filter uses tap water pressure to push water trough. To prevent slow filtration, ensure the tap is opened sufficiently to provide a steady stream of water.
How to Remove a Stuck Puresource 3 Water Filter
Water filter cartridges can become stuck and difficult to remove for a number of reasons, but in most cases it is because the initial application is too tight. If you are dealing with a stuck filter, here are some strategies to remove it which you can try:
Using your hands
First, start by trying to dislodging the filter with your hands. Get a good, solid grip of the filter base and the filter itself. Pull the filter to get it unstuck.
Using a plastic wrench
Often times, manufacturers will include a small, plastic wrench with the water filtration unit, specifically meant for the water filter replacement task.
To use it, adjust the wrench to tightly fit the dimensions of the cartridge and try to turn it in the appropriate direction.
Needle nose pliers
You can use the needle nose pliers as a small crowbar to dislodge the cartridge if it stuck. Wedge the pliers in the small space between the base of the unit and the cartridge. Once in position, gently apply some pressure on the cartridge until it pops out.
Check this too: Maytag Refrigerator Water Filter How-to & Troubleshooting Guide
Heat up the connection
Another strategy is to use heat to loosen a connection between the cartridge and the rest of the system. You can use a hot towel compress or a hair dryer.
On the first attempt, apply heat for 20-30 seconds only, as too much heat can change the shape of the connection point permanently, leading to an even bigger problem.
After applying some heat, try again to remove the stubborn cartridge from the rest of the system.
