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How to Fix Unusual Water Taste or Odor in Your LG Refrigerator or

If the water or ice from your LG water purifier or water purifier refrigerator has an unusual taste or smell, the most common causes are an overdue filter replacement, extended non-use, an unsuitable water supply hose, or an issue with the tap water itself. In most cases, replacing the water filter and flushing about 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of water from the….

How to Fix Unusual Water Taste or Odor in Your LG Refrigerator or Water Purifier LG USA help image
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TroubleshootingRefrigerators

What to Check First

  1. Avoid using groundwater: Groundwater may contain nitrates or algae, which can cause strong odors and quickly clog the water filter.
  2. Use the proper water supply line: Steel, rubber, or copper piping can give your water and ice a chemical or metallic taste. A food-grade PE tube is recommended.
  3. If the water or ice from your LG water purifier or water purifier refrigerator has an unusual taste or smell, the most common causes are an overdue filter replacement, extended non-use, an unsuitable water supply hose, or an issue with the tap water itself. In most cases, replacing the water filter and flushing about 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of water from the tank will resolve the issue.
  4. If you recently switched from another brand’s water purifier to an LG product, the water may taste different because filter materials vary by manufacturer.
  5. If the water purifier hasn't been used for a long time, water sitting in the filter and water lines can develop an odor.
  6. If your home uses groundwater, or if your local water facility adds extra chlorine during the summer, the water may temporarily have a chemical or unusual odor.
  7. Using non-food-grade plastic or copper piping can give the water a plastic or metallic taste.
  8. Fill a glass with tap water from your kitchen sink and check the taste and smell. If the sink water has a similar odor to the water from the refrigerator, the issue is with your home's water supply. If the tap water is fine, go to Step 2.
  9. If the water purifier hasn't been used often or the water has an odor, flush the internal water lines. Dispense and discard about 10 liters (2.6 gallons) each of purified, cold, and hot water. Empty the ice bin and check the taste of the water again.
  10. For the best water quality, replace the water filter every 6 or 12 months, depending on your model (refer to your owner's manual for the exact schedule). Also replace the filter if the appliance hasn't been used for a long time. After replacing the filter, dispense cold and purified water for at least 5 to 10 minutes each before use.

Why This Can Happen

Symptoms can have more than one cause, and the correct steps depend on the exact model, installation and operating conditions. Use the checks above to narrow the issue before service.

Safety and Model-Specific Guidance

Stop troubleshooting if you notice burning, electrical damage, unsafe heat, gas odor, refrigerant concerns, or water near electrical components. Follow the official LG USA instructions for your exact model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check first for How to Fix Unusual Water Taste or Odor in Your LG Refrigerator or Water Purifier?

Avoid using groundwater: Groundwater may contain nitrates or algae, which can cause strong odors and quickly clog the water filter.

When should I stop troubleshooting and contact LG?

Stop if the product shows signs of electrical damage, burning, leaking near electrical components, or if the recommended checks do not resolve the issue. Use LG USA support for model-specific service guidance.

Does this guidance apply to every LG model?

Not always. Controls, error codes and service steps can differ by model. Confirm the exact model number and follow the linked LG USA article for model-specific instructions.

Related LG Products

These model pages are linked because the stored category or exact model matches this Help Library topic.

Buying Guides for This Product Type

Household use caseRefrigerator Family & High-Use Household GuideOwnershipRefrigerator Ice, Water & Filter Ownership GuidePerformance & capacityRefrigerator Performance, Capacity & Everyday-Use GuideReplacement planningRefrigerator Replacement, Compatibility & Upgrade Checklist

Related Help Articles

TroubleshootingHow to Replace the Water Filter in Your LG RefrigeratorTroubleshootingHow to Connect the Water Supply Line to Your LG RefrigeratorTroubleshootingHow to Remove Hard Fresh Air Filter - Refrigerator

Read the Official LG Guide