Whirlpool EDR1RXD1 Refrigerator Water Filter: Step-by-Step Installation Guide

⏱️ Replacing the Whirlpool EDR1RXD1 water filter takes under 5 minutes and requires zero tools.

This guide walks you through every step; from locating the filter to flushing the system, so you get clean, great-tasting water right away.

<5

Minutes to complete

0

Tools required

2–3

Gallons to flush

6 mo

Until next change

Before You Start: What You Need

A new genuine Whirlpool EDR1RXD1 filter (EveryDrop Filter 1) — shop here

A small towel or cloth — to catch any drips during removal

A container or pitcher — to collect the 2–3 gallons of flush water

5 minutes of your time — that’s genuinely all it takes

⚠️ Confirm compatibility first. The EDR1RXD1 fits most current Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Jenn-Air refrigerators. Check our full compatibility list before purchasing.

1 Locate the Filter

The EDR1RXD1 is a twist-in filter located in the upper-right corner inside the refrigerator compartment — not in the grille at the bottom.

📍 Where to look:

  • Open the refrigerator door
  • Look at the upper-right interior of the fridge compartment
  • You’ll see a cylindrical filter in a round housing with a twist-lock mechanism
  • The filter body is typically white or grey with the part number printed on it

💡 Can’t find it? If your filter is behind the bottom front grille instead, you likely have a different filter model (EDR2RXD1, EDR3RXD1, or EDR5RXD1). See our filter comparison guide.

2 Remove the Old Filter

2a

Place a towel underneath

Put a small towel or cloth directly below the filter housing to catch any water that drips during removal. This is normal and expected.

2b

Push in, then turn counterclockwise

Grip the filter firmly. Push it inward slightly (toward the back of the fridge), then rotate it counterclockwise about a quarter turn (approximately 90°). You’ll feel it release from the locked position.

2c

Pull the filter straight out

Once unlocked, pull the filter straight toward you. Some water will drip — this is normal. Set the old filter aside.

⚠️ Filter stuck? Don’t force it. Make sure you’re pushing in before turning. If it’s been in place for a long time, it may need a firm push before it releases. Never use pliers or tools — you could crack the housing.

3 Prepare the New Filter

3a

Remove the protective cap

Your new EDR1RXD1 comes with a protective plastic cap on the filter end. Remove and discard it before installation.

3b

Transfer the end cap (if required)

Some Whirlpool refrigerator models require you to move the blue end cap from the old filter to the new one. Check your old filter — if it has a blue cap on the back end, twist it off and attach it to the new filter before installing.

3c

Check the O-ring

Inspect the rubber O-ring on the filter end. It should be smooth, round, and undamaged. A damaged O-ring will cause leaks. Genuine EDR1RXD1 filters always include a properly fitted O-ring.

4 Install the New Filter

4a

Align the filter with the housing

Hold the new filter with the label facing outward. Align the filter’s tabs or notches with the slots in the housing. There is usually an arrow or alignment mark on the filter to guide you.

4b

Push in and turn clockwise

Push the filter firmly into the housing, then rotate it clockwise about a quarter turn (approximately 90°) until it locks. This is the reverse of the removal motion.

4c

Confirm it’s locked

The filter should feel firm and secure with no wobble. On many models, you’ll hear or feel a subtle click when it’s fully seated. Gently tug the filter — it should not pull out without the push-and-turn motion.

🚨 Do not overtighten. The EDR1RXD1 only needs a quarter turn to lock. Forcing it further can crack the housing or damage the O-ring seal.

5 Flush the System

This is the step most people skip — and it’s the #1 reason water tastes bad after a filter change. Always flush before drinking.

5a

Dispense 2–3 gallons of water

Hold a large container under the dispenser and run water continuously for approximately 5 minutes. This purges carbon fines, air pockets, and any manufacturing residue from the new filter.

5b

Expect sputtering and cloudiness

During flushing, water may sputter, appear cloudy or milky, or have a slight grey tint. This is completely normal — it’s just air and carbon fines clearing out. It will clear within the first gallon.

5c

Discard the flush water

Don’t drink the flush water. Use it to water plants, clean, or simply pour it down the drain. After flushing, your water is ready to drink.

5d

Discard the first 2 batches of ice

If your fridge has an ice maker, discard the first 2–3 batches of ice produced after the filter change. Old water sitting in the ice maker lines will produce off-tasting ice until it’s flushed through.

6 Reset the Filter Indicator Light

The filter indicator light is timer-based — it does not automatically detect a new filter. You must reset it manually after every replacement.

🔄 Reset Methods by Model Type

Most Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid models (2015–present)

Press and hold the “Filter Reset” or “Water Filter” button on the control panel for 3–5 seconds until the indicator light turns green or blue.

Some models with dual-button reset

Press and hold “Options” + “Water Filter” simultaneously for 3 seconds.

Older Whirlpool models (pre-2015)

Press and hold “Light” + “Ice Type” for 3 seconds, or check your owner’s manual for the specific reset sequence.

Amana models

Press and hold the “Filter Reset” button for 3 seconds. The light will turn off or change to green.

💡 Light won’t reset? Try holding the button for a full 8 seconds. If it still won’t reset, unplug the fridge for 60 seconds and try again. See our troubleshooting guide for more help.

7 Verify Everything Is Working

Before closing up, run through this quick checklist to confirm the installation was successful:

No leaks: Check around the filter housing for any dripping water

Good water flow: Dispenser should flow at normal pressure (not a trickle)

Filter indicator light is green or off: Confirms successful reset

Water tastes clean: After flushing, water should taste neutral and fresh

Reminder set: Set a 6-month calendar reminder for your next filter change

🎉 Installation complete! Your EDR1RXD1 is now filtering up to 28+ contaminants including lead, chlorine, cysts, and mercury. Enjoy clean, great-tasting water for the next 6 months.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the flush

The #1 mistake. Always flush 2–3 gallons before drinking. Skipping this causes bad taste and cloudy water that people mistakenly blame on the filter.

Forgetting to reset the filter light

The light won’t reset itself. Always manually reset it after installation so your 6-month timer starts fresh.

Not transferring the end cap

On models that require it, forgetting to move the blue end cap from the old filter to the new one will prevent proper installation and cause leaks.

Overtightening the filter

Only a quarter turn is needed. Forcing the filter further can crack the housing or damage the O-ring, causing leaks.

Installing the wrong filter

The EDR1RXD1 and EDR4RXD1 look similar but are not interchangeable. Always verify your model number before purchasing. See our compatibility list.

Buying a counterfeit filter

Fake EDR1RXD1 filters are common online. They may not fit properly, may not filter contaminants, and can void your fridge warranty. Always buy from authorized retailers.

💡 Pro Tips for Best Results

💧

Set a 6-month reminder right now. Open your phone calendar and set a recurring reminder so you never forget your next filter change.

💧

Keep a spare filter on hand. Order your next EDR1RXD1 when you install the current one so you’re never caught without a replacement.

💧

Use the flush water productively. The 2–3 gallons of flush water is perfectly safe for watering plants, mopping floors, or filling a pet bowl.

💧

Write the install date on the filter. Use a permanent marker to write the installation date on the side of the filter. It’s a quick visual reminder when you open the fridge.

💧

Replace every 6 months regardless of the light. The indicator light is a timer, not a quality sensor. Replace on schedule even if the light is still green.

📋 Installation Checklist (Print or Screenshot This)

Confirmed EDR1RXD1 is the correct filter for my fridge model

Placed towel under filter housing

Removed old filter (push in + turn counterclockwise)

Removed protective cap from new filter

Transferred blue end cap (if required by my model)

Installed new filter (push in + turn clockwise until locked)

Confirmed no leaks around housing

Flushed 2–3 gallons through the dispenser

Discarded first 2 batches of ice

Reset the filter indicator light

Set 6-month reminder for next filter change

Need a New EDR1RXD1 Filter?

Genuine Whirlpool EveryDrop Filter 1 — NSF certified, guaranteed fit, ships fast. Ready to install in minutes.

Shop EDR1RXD1 Filter →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water supply before replacing the EDR1RXD1?

No. The EDR1RXD1 has a built-in shut-off valve in the housing that automatically stops water flow when the filter is removed. You do not need to turn off the water supply line.

How much water will drip when I remove the old filter?

Usually just a few tablespoons to a small cup of water. Placing a towel underneath is sufficient. It’s normal and not a sign of a problem.

Why is my water cloudy after installing the new filter?

Cloudiness is caused by harmless air bubbles trapped in the new filter. It clears up within a few glasses. Make sure to flush 2–3 gallons before drinking.

How do I know the filter is properly installed?

The filter should feel firm with no wobble, water should flow at normal pressure, and there should be no leaks around the housing. A gentle tug should not pull the filter out.

How often should I replace the EDR1RXD1?

Every 6 months or 200 gallons — whichever comes first. High-usage households (large families, frequent water dispensing) may need to replace closer to the 200-gallon mark.

Can I install the EDR1RXD1 myself or do I need a technician?

Absolutely DIY-friendly. No tools, no plumbing knowledge, and no technician needed. The entire process takes under 5 minutes and is designed for homeowners to do themselves.

📚 Related EDR1RXD1 Guides

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