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View Full Version : Moldy Smelling Water from RO Line @ fridge


Just Us 5
Oct 6, 2006, 06:15 PM
I had a water filtration system installed three months ago, along with an RO line to both my sink(its an independent faucet), and then also to my 9 year old kenmore side by side. We never had water connected to it prior, as we always purchased drinking water, our iron levels were very high and the water from our Well simply didn't taste very good. The filtration system seems to work fine, both a micro particulate(pyrolux) and a 5 micron after filter, to control any iron particles, etc. The RO filter line to the sink is fantastic, tastes as good or better than purchased bottled water, but is rarely super cold-however the line from the fridge started smelling about a month into use. I called the H20 company to come take a look, they did nothing, said it's the same line just split from the sink to the fridge (which it is as can clearly be seen from the basement), so if the sink line water tastes and smells good then not much they can do. The tech indicated that the smell is "probably" somewhere in the fridge... REALLY? So anyway, since our fridge was not purchased when filtration was envogue, our does not have one, at least from what I can find - (can't find the owners manual either), and it's a sealed back, meaning I can't see anything inside the fridge. How can I clear or clean any lines inside when I can't even find them? I had thought about doing a chlorine flush, but can't see how to manage it. Any ideas? The ice has the same vague moldy smell, but not as bad as the direct water. I hesitate to start removing the exterior of the fridge to find lines, but not sure what to do..
Thanks in advance for any advise
(PS Sears has been of no help, they can only offer to send out a technician on a service call for $$$)

iamgrowler
Oct 7, 2006, 07:37 AM
There may be a replaceable filter built into the refrigerator.

It's usually on the fridge side in the upper right hand corner on the side-by-sides.

If it does, it's possible the filter cartridge is bad after nine years of non-use.

See if you can find the owners manual in .pdf format online.

speedball1
Oct 7, 2006, 08:45 AM
" There may be a replaceable filter built into the refrigerator."
"since our fridge was not purchased when filtration was envogue, our does not have one, at least from what I can find - (can't find the owners manual either), and its a sealed back, meaning I can't see anything inside the fridge."

It's very doubtful that the manufacture would seal in a filter where it can't be changed.
So what does that keave us? Bacteria/mold in the pipe walls? In the cold water or ice unit in the refrigerater? I don't know but I would disconnect the line supplying the fridge and drain or suck as much water out of it as possible
I wouls then get as much bleach in the line as possible and hook it back up and turn the water back on, remove any ice cubes you wish to save and let the bleach work its way through the system killing whatever's in there.
This will be self flushing and when the bleach taste is gone hopefully the odor and taste will be also. Good luck, Tom

Just Us 5
Oct 13, 2006, 12:58 PM
It's very doubtful that the manufacture would seal in a filter where it can't be changed.
So what does that keave us? Bacteria/mold in the pipe walls? In the cold water or ice unit in the refrigerater? I don't know but I would disconnect the line supplying the fridge and drain or suck as much water out of it as possible
I wouls then get as much bleach in the line as possible and hook it back up and turn the water back on, remove any ice cubes you wish to save and let the bleach work its way through the system killing whatever's in there.
This will be self flushing and when the bleach taste is gone hopefully the odor and taste will be also. Good luck, Tom[/QUOTE]

TOM,
THANKS FOR THE ADVICE. I AM TRYING TO DECIDE MY BEST ROUTE TO GET THE BLEACH INTO THE LINE-A FUNNEL? NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT IT, THE LINE FROM THE RO IS SO SLIM.
THANKS AGAIN!

speedball1
Oct 15, 2006, 07:39 AM
If I had to inject bleach into a 1/8" line I would first suck the water out and then load up a hypodermic syringe,(without the needle) and squirt it in that way. Perhaps you could fit a bicycle pump on the end and inject that way. Think outside the box. Once you get the bleach in the line connect it back up and let it began to make cubes. The bleach will work its way through the system and flush itself out. Good luck, Tom