It's probably time to swap out that old whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710 if your water is starting to taste a bit funky or the ice cubes are looking cloudy. We've all been there—you walk into the kitchen for a crisp glass of water, hit the dispenser, and realize the stream is getting thinner and thinner. Or worse, the "change filter" light has been glowing red for three months, and you've just been pretending you don't see it. It happens to the best of us. But honestly, that little plastic cylinder does a lot more work than we give it credit for, and keeping it fresh makes a world of difference.
Why This Specific Filter Matters
If you own a side-by-side refrigerator from Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or even some Kenmore models made a few years back, the whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710 is likely the exact part you need. It's one of those classic "bottom-grille" filters. You know the ones—they live right down by the floor, tucked behind a little plastic door or a push-button release.
This filter was originally designed to tackle the stuff that makes tap water taste less than stellar. We're talking about chlorine, lead, mercury, and those weird sediments that somehow find their way into city pipes. Even if your city water is technically "safe," it doesn't always taste great. This filter uses activated carbon to trap all those impurities. It's basically like a magnet for the bad stuff, letting only the clean, refreshing water pass through to your glass.
The EveryDrop Connection
You might notice when you go to buy a replacement that the packaging looks different than it did five years ago. Whirlpool transitioned their filtration branding to "EveryDrop" a while back. So, if you see a box labeled "EveryDrop Filter 3" or "EDR3RXD1," don't panic. That is the official successor to the 4396710. It's the same fit, the same specs, just a different outfit. It's always good to double-check, but usually, those numbers are interchangeable in the appliance world.
Signs Your Filter Has Given Up the Ghost
How do you really know it's time? Besides the light on the fridge door, there are a few dead giveaways.
First off, the taste. If your water starts tasting like a swimming pool or has a metallic "tang" to it, the carbon inside the filter is likely saturated. Once the carbon is "full," it can't grab any more contaminants, and they just flow right on through.
Second, check the flow rate. If it takes you thirty seconds to fill a standard glass, your filter is probably clogged with sediment. It's actually doing its job too well at that point, catching so much junk that the water can barely squeeze through the pores.
Lastly, look at your ice. If the cubes are looking white and opaque instead of clear, or if they've shrunk in size, it's a sign of restricted water flow or high mineral content that the filter isn't catching anymore.
How to Actually Swap It Out
Changing the whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710 isn't exactly rocket science, but it can be a little finicky if you've never done it before. Since this model usually sits at the bottom of the fridge, you'll have to get down on your knees for a minute.
- Locate the filter cap: It's usually on the left side of the bottom grille. You'll see a round plastic knob.
- The Quarter-Turn Move: Most of these filters require a quarter-turn to the left (counter-clockwise). It might be a bit stiff if it's been in there for a year, so don't be afraid to give it a firm twist.
- Pull it straight out: Once it's unlocked, just pull. A little bit of water might drip out—that's totally normal. Just have a rag handy so you don't end up with a puddle on the linoleum.
- Transfer the cap: This is the part people forget! The new filter usually doesn't come with the decorative plastic cap. You have to slide the cap off the old filter and snap it onto the new one.
- Slide it in and lock: Push the new one in and turn it a quarter-turn to the right (clockwise) until it clicks or stays firm.
Don't Forget to Flush the System
This is the step everyone wants to skip because it feels like a waste of water. But trust me, you need to do it. After you install a new whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710, you need to run about three to four gallons of water through the dispenser.
Why? Because new filters have loose carbon dust inside. If you don't flush it, your first three glasses of water are going to look like gray ink. It's not harmful, but it's definitely not appetizing. Running the water also clears out any air pockets, so you don't get that "spluttering" sound from the dispenser for the next week.
Dealing with the "Stuck" Filter
Sometimes, these things just do not want to come out. Over time, minerals from the water can build up around the seal, basically "gluing" the filter into the housing. If you're twisting and it won't budge, try using a pair of pliers—but be gentle! You don't want to crack the plastic housing, or you'll be calling a plumber for a much more expensive repair.
Another trick is to turn off the water supply to the fridge for a second and hit the water dispenser to release the internal pressure. Sometimes that pressure is what's holding the filter in place. Once the pressure is gone, it usually twists right out.
Buying Genuine vs. Generic
It's tempting to grab the cheapest three-pack you find online. I get it; these things aren't exactly cheap for a piece of plastic and some charcoal. However, there's a bit of a "buyer beware" situation with generic versions of the whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710.
Genuine filters are NSF certified, meaning they've been tested to actually remove the stuff they claim to remove. Some of the super cheap knock-offs are basically just a mesh screen that catches big chunks of dirt but does nothing for the chemical taste or lead content. Plus, the fitment on generics can be hit or miss. A filter that doesn't fit perfectly can lead to slow leaks, and a slow leak under your fridge is a recipe for a ruined subfloor and a massive headache down the road.
If you do go the generic route, just make sure you're buying from a brand with solid reviews that specifically mentions NSF 42 and 53 certifications. That way, you know you're actually getting clean water and not just a placebo.
Resetting that Annoying Light
Once the new filter is in and you've flushed the air out, you'll probably notice the "change filter" light is still staring you in the face. These fridges aren't "smart" enough to know you put a new one in; they just run on a timer.
On most Whirlpool models, you just have to find the "Filter Reset" button on the control panel. Usually, you hold it down for about three seconds. You'll hear a beep or see the light flash and turn back to green (or disappear entirely). If your fridge doesn't have a dedicated button, try holding the "Light" and "Ice Type" buttons at the same time. Every model is a little different, but it's always a simple long-press of something.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, keeping your whirlpool refrigerator filter 4396710 updated is just one of those adulting tasks that makes life a little better. It keeps the water tasting like water, keeps your ice from smelling like leftovers, and protects your fridge's internal valves from getting gunked up with sediment.
Set a reminder on your phone for six months from now, or just wait for the light to come on again—either way, your taste buds will thank you. It's a five-minute job that pays off every time you're thirsty. Just remember to save the cap from the old one, flush the lines, and enjoy that cold, clear water. There's nothing quite like it.