Removing frig water filter before winterizing or not

[wagonmaster2]

On a Maytag residential frig what happens if filter is not removed before pumping antifreeze thru lines and into ice maker? Is it necessary to remove this filter since a new one will be installed next spring before dewinterizing takes place.

This last year before starting winterizing I removed the old fiilter and installed the blue by-pass plug, but nothing would flow to the ice maker or out the water source on the door. Had to replace the old filter, never did figure out why the by-pass plug didn't allow fluid to by-pass.
bought a new plug this year but wondered if it was really necessary to use, just throw the filter away next spring and install a new one.

Anything wrong with this? Thank you, my hands are not as strong and limberal as they used to be.

[alank]

Only thing I notice is you say you'll install a new one next year before dewinterizing. If you do that, you'll be pumping the antifreeze in the lines ahead of the filter, through the new filter. Save your old filter to install for the dewinterizing, then install the new one after the system is cleaned out.

I put air through the refrigerator, then remove the filter to keep it inside. We really don't see a need for anew filter each year since not that much water goes through ours and water goes through two filters before it gets to the refrigerator.

[thebigphil]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

On a Maytag residential frig what happens if filter is not removed before pumping antifreeze thru lines and into ice maker? Is it necessary to remove this filter since a new one will be installed next spring before dewinterizing takes place.


Anything wrong with this? Thank you, my hands are not as strong and limberal as they used to be.

The only downside to your plan (since you are putting in a new filter next spring) is that since the old filter will take out the pink color it makes it slightly more difficult to know when your lines are full of antifreeze.

I'm curious as to why your blue plug didn't work. I just went through this last week, and mine let the liquids pass.

-Phil

[wagonmaster2]

Originally Posted by alank

Only thing I notice is you say you'll install a new one next year before dewinterizing. If you do that, you'll be pumping the antifreeze in the lines ahead of the filter, through the new filter. Save your old filter to install for the dewinterizing, then install the new one after the system is cleaned out.

I put air through the refrigerator, then remove the filter to keep it inside. We really don't see a need for anew filter each year since not that much water goes through ours and water goes through two filters before it gets to the refrigerator.

My usual screw up typing. I meant to say "will install a new filter AFTER winterizing. should have proof read bettter. Not that much water goes thru ours either, especially this last year. May have to remove it before winterizing and see if the new plug will work, assuming I have the strength to do it.

[wagonmaster2]

Originally Posted by thebigphil

The only downside to your plan (since you are putting in a new filter next spring) is that since the old filter will take out the pink color it makes it slightly more difficult to know when your lines are full of antifreeze.

I'm curious as to why your blue plug didn't work. I just went through this last week, and mine let the liquids pass.

-Phil

I've been curious also since the plug worked every winter since the coach was new in 2015, then all at once it didn't work winter of 2021. Removed it twice, wiped every place clean then replaced the plug. Was never able to get water out the fridg door with it.

[bigchick]

it was mentioned above but the filter will remove the pink color so it is hard to tell when you actually have antifreeze flowing out the water dispenser or ice maker.

but no, there is no reason to remove the filter if you plan in installing a new one the following spring.

one other thought. if you have a whole house water filter in the incoming city water house why not just install the bypass plug in the refrigerator and leave it there full time?

[wagonmaster2]

Don't know if it helped any but I did start out this winterization season with a new blue plug. Tried a little olive oil on it before replacing the filter with it, but don't seem to have the strength in my wrist any more so had to get a pair of pliers to twist the plug around far enough for it to actually finally work.

As hard as the filter comes off and the plug goes back in place of it, has anyone ever twisted something off in the back of the filter bracket? I shudder everytime I have to twist the filter out so hard.

[wagonmaster2]

Dang, guess i'm getting too old for this stuff. After tightening the blue plug yesterday was able to get water out the frig door. Today after draining the water tank and connecting with AF nothing will come out the water line in the door.
Got pink out of all the faucets and stools but still nothing from the frig door water line.
These last two winterizations have really been a trying experience at the frig.
Still worry about trying to tighten the blue plug so hard.