I have a GE Side by side refrigerator/freezer (Model TFX26KPDA) with in-door water/ice dispensor. The water coming from the dispensor (and the ice maker) has a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading in the 500's (same as tap water in our area - Arizona). The filter (SmartWater MWF) is supposed to filter approx. 80% of TDS which means I should be getting a reading of around 100 +/-.

The water valve manifold was replaced a couple of years ago and the filter recently. I checked the water recently with a TDS meter and found the high numbers. I immediately supsected that I had accidentally switched the lines going to the filter from the valve as neither is labeled. I switched them and it made no difference. It's as though the water is bypassing the filter altogether.

I have removed the filter and replaced - to no avail.

There is a problem somewhere that is causing the water to bypass the filter. I wonder how many other people experience this problem and don't even realize it since most people don't keep a TDS meter at home for daily use. :eek:

Any help concerning this would be greatly appreciated. At this point, my next option is an expensive service call from a local repair facility. I'm an Engineer and don't believe I should have to go that route but for some reason, I'm finding that GE has permanently discontinued the Service Repair Manual for the GE Regrigerators (my model included).
What's up with that??

Thanks.

I am having the same problem with my side-by-side Fridgidare. I am getting TDS readings 0f 475+/- from the fridge and 450+/- from the tap. I am also getting 15+/- from my RO system or about 96% removed solids. The fridge is only a year old with no issues and a new filter.

I too am an engineer in Phoenix, AZ. Let me know if you find out anything. My wife won't touch the water from the fridge, and now she doesn't want the ice cubes either. Do you think the filters being sold for these are not doing what they claim to do? It is a shame considering they are pricey.

Good Luck

Unfortunately, a water filter will not remove TDS or total dissolved solids. A refrigerator filter like the GE MWF is only rated to reduce sediment, chlorine, lead, cyst & turbidity. The only technology that will reduce your TDS level will be a reverse osmosis system that can be installed under your kitchen sink. A TDS meter (http://www.freshwatersystems.com/c-253-handheld-meters.aspx) is designed to determine how the membrane in your reverse osmosis system (http://www.freshwatersystems.com/c-137-reverse-osmosis-systems.aspx) is performing. The TFC membranes utizilized in RO units can last up to 3 years if the sediment and carbon filters are replaced once a year.