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If the Water or Ice from Your LG Refrigerator Tastes or Smells

If the water or ice from your refrigerator tastes or smells unusual, first check whether your tap water has the same taste or odor. Then dispense about 10 L (2.6 gallons) of water from the refrigerator. Next, check whether the water filter needs to be replaced, and make sure all food in the refrigerator is sealed properly. Finally, make sure the ice bin is….

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TroubleshootingRefrigerators

What to Check First

  1. Different filter materials and filtration methods: Water from your refrigerator may taste different from water dispensed by another brand because manufacturers use different filter materials. This does not necessarily indicate a problem with your refrigerator.
  2. Infrequent use: If you haven’t dispensed filtered or cold water for an extended period, water left in the system may develop an unusual taste.
  3. Filter due for replacement: A filter that is past its recommended replacement interval may not filter the water effectively.
  4. Unsealed food: If food is not sealed properly, odors may transfer to the ice.
  5. Dirty ice bin: Residue or debris left in the ice bin can affect newly made ice.
  6. Unsuitable water supply line: An old water supply line or one that is not intended for drinking water can give the water a plastic or rubber taste.
  7. Home Water Supply Issue: The taste or odor of the water supplied to your home may have changed. Groundwater may also cause odors and shorten water filter life.
  8. If the water or ice from your refrigerator tastes or smells unusual, first check whether your tap water has the same taste or odor. Then dispense about 10 L (2.6 gallons) of water from the refrigerator. Next, check whether the water filter needs to be replaced, and make sure all food in the refrigerator is sealed properly. Finally, make sure the ice bin is clean and check what the water supply line is made of.
  9. If you notice an odor only when using a specific cup, fill a clean paper cup with water and check whether the odor is still present. If not, the odor may be coming from the original cup.
  10. Fill separate cups with water from the kitchen faucet and the refrigerator, and compare the taste and odor. If both samples have the same odor, the issue may be with your home’s tap water rather than the refrigerator.

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 If the Water or Ice from Your LG Refrigerator Tastes or Smells Unusual?

Different filter materials and filtration methods: Water from your refrigerator may taste different from water dispensed by another brand because manufacturers use different filter materials. This does not necessarily indicate a problem with your refrigerator.

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

OwnershipRefrigerator Ice, Water & Filter Ownership GuideEfficiency & running costRefrigerator Efficiency, Energy & Running-Cost GuideHousehold use caseRefrigerator Family & High-Use Household GuideFeatures & valueRefrigerator Features Worth Paying For — Value Guide

Related Help Articles

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Read the Official LG Guide