Are LG water filters worth it?
For the LG LSXC22426S refrigerator, an LG water filter is worth it when you use the dispenser or ice maker and want better taste and fewer contaminants; the filter is optional for operation, but it is the designed way to improve water and ice quality per the LSXC22426S owner's manual.
What you get (and what you do not)
- Better-tasting water and clearer ice by reducing common impurities.
- More consistent dispenser flow when the filter is changed on schedule.
- A built-in reminder: replace when the indicator turns on.
- You do not need a filter for the refrigerator to cool properly.
- Skipping filter changes can reduce water flow and shrink ice cubes.
Replacement timing and basic specs
LG recommends replacing the filter about every six months, sooner if flow drops or ice cubes get smaller.
| Item | Typical guidance for LSXC22426S | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement interval | About every 6 months | Keeps flow and filtration performance steady |
| Replace sooner if | Indicator is on, flow decreases, ice cubes are small | These are common “filter is restricted” symptoms |
| Rated capacity (typical) | 200 gallons | Helps estimate cost per gallon |
| Water pressure range (typical) | 20 to 120 psi | Low or high pressure can cause poor performance |
Cost and “value” checklist
Use this quick checklist to decide if it is worth it for your household:
- You regularly drink dispenser water or use ice daily.
- Your tap water has noticeable taste, odor, or sediment.
- You want fewer clogs in the dispenser line over time.
- You can commit to routine replacement (about twice per year).
- Your home water pressure is within the recommended range.
The exact filter to buy for this model
For LSXC22426S, the manual lists replacement filter part number ADQ73613401 (also referenced as LT800P). We recommend matching the part number to avoid fit and leak issues; see LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401.
Why it matters
A water filter is a consumable part, but it directly affects water taste, dispenser flow, and ice cube size. Replacing it on schedule is one of the simplest ways to keep the LG dispenser and ice maker performing normally.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I replace fridge parts myself?
Yes, for LG model LSXC22426S you can replace many non-sealed-system parts yourself (such as door gaskets, some dispenser components, and water filters) as long as you unplug the refrigerator first and follow the safety steps in the LSXC22426S owner's manual. For sealed-system or internal electrical repairs, we recommend using a qualified technician.
What you can usually replace yourself
These repairs are typically DIY-friendly with basic hand tools and careful handling:
- Water filter replacement (routine maintenance)
- Door gasket replacement if the door is leaking air
- Dispenser mechanical parts (for example, chute door pieces)
- Water line fittings and external water tubing connections
- Handle removal and reinstallation (uses Allen wrenches per the manual)
Common DIY parts for this model
| Symptom | Likely DIY part area | Example part for LSXC22426S |
|---|---|---|
| Bad taste/odor, slow dispensing | Water filter | LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401 |
| Ice clumping at chute, flap not closing | Dispenser chute door mechanism | Refrigerator dispenser ice chute door motor EAU59551204 |
| Water leak at a connection | Water line connection | Refrigerator water tube fitting 4932JA3002C |
Repairs we do not recommend as DIY
The manual’s safety guidance is clear: some service should be performed by a qualified technician.
- Sealed cooling system work (compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant lines)
- Internal LED lighting service (LEDs are not treated like a standard bulb)
- Control board diagnostics and wiring repairs
- Any repair where water has entered electrical areas
Safety checklist before you start
Use these steps every time to prevent shock, injury, and damage:
- Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning or repairing.
- Use a properly grounded 3-prong outlet; do not use an extension cord.
- Avoid pinching or damaging the power cord when moving the unit.
- If you need to disconnect water lines, shut off the house water supply first.
- Handle glass shelves carefully; avoid washing cold glass with warm water.
Why it matters
DIY repairs can save time and money, but refrigerators combine electricity, moving parts, and water lines. Following the correct shutdown steps and choosing the right repair level helps prevent leaks, electrical hazards, and repeat failures.
Last updated: February 2026
How to find the correct water filter for LG refrigerator?
For LG model LSXC22426S, the correct replacement water filter is ADQ73613401 (LT800P); the manual also lists ADQ74793501 (LT1000P) as an approved replacement option. Match the filter number to your model label, then replace the filter about every 6 months.
Quick ways to confirm the right filter
- Check the model/serial label inside the fresh food compartment (then match it to the filter part number).
- Look up the filter information in the LSXC22426S owner's manual.
- Use the filter part number printed on your current cartridge (if it is still readable).
- If your dispenser flow slows down or cubes get smaller, treat that as a filter replacement signal.
- If you want the exact Sears PartsDirect match for this model, use LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401.
Replacement timing and reset (what we recommend)
LG recommends replacing the water filter:
- Approximately every six months
- When the water filter indicator turns on
- When water dispenser output decreases
- When ice cubes are smaller than normal
After you replace the filter, reset the indicator by pressing and holding the Replace Filter (Filter Reset) button for 3 seconds.
Filter options listed for this model
| What you need | Part number | Common name |
|---|---|---|
| Primary replacement listed | ADQ73613401 | LT800P |
| Alternate replacement listed | ADQ74793501 | LT1000P |
Why it matters
Using the correct filter for LSXC22426S helps maintain water flow, improves ice and water quality, and prevents nuisance issues like slow dispensing or small ice cubes. It also ensures the filter housing seals correctly to avoid leaks.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth repairing an LG refrigerator?
Yes, repairing an LG refrigerator is usually worth it when your LG LSXC22426S has a clear, fixable issue (water filter restriction, door seal leak, fan noise) and the repair cost is reasonable compared to replacement. It is less worthwhile when the sealed system or compressor repair cost is high relative to the refrigerator’s age and condition.
Quick decision checklist
- Age: Under ~8 years typically favors repair; over ~10 years often favors replacement.
- Repair cost vs. replacement: If the repair is under ~50% of replacement cost, repair is usually the better value.
- Problem type: Water/ice and airflow issues are commonly cost-effective; sealed system and compressor issues are typically expensive.
- Warranty coverage: Check what is covered and what is excluded in the LSXC22426S owner's manual.
- Energy and reliability: If the unit has repeated failures or poor cooling consistency, replacement is usually the smarter long-term move.
Common repairs and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Likely area | Typical value call |
|---|---|---|
| Slow water flow or bad taste | Water filter, water supply | Usually worth repairing |
| Frost buildup, warm spots | Airflow/defrost, door seal | Usually worth repairing |
| Loud humming, not cooling | Compressor or sealed system | Often not worth repairing |
| Water leaking/puddles | Drain, tubing, fittings | Usually worth repairing |
Model-relevant parts that often solve “worth it” problems
If your issue is water quality or dispenser flow, a fresh filter is one of the most cost-effective fixes for the LSXC22426S: LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401.
For step-by-step guidance, we recommend: how to replace the water filter in an LG refrigerator.
Why it matters
A side-by-side like the LG LSXC22426S is expensive to replace, so a targeted repair can extend service life and prevent food loss. At the same time, high-cost cooling-system repairs can exceed the practical value of an older refrigerator.
Last updated: February 2026
What happens if you don't replace the water filter in an LG refrigerator?
If you do not replace the water filter in your LG LSXC22426S refrigerator, water and ice quality drops and you can also see reduced dispenser flow and smaller ice cubes. LG recommends replacing the filter about every 6 months or when the filter indicator turns on (see the LSXC22426S owner's manual).
What you may notice when the filter is overdue
- Water tastes or smells worse (more chlorine or “stale” taste)
- Cloudy water or sediment in a glass
- Slower water dispensing at the door
- Smaller-than-normal ice cubes
- Discolored ice (stop using ice and water until the cause is corrected)
Recommended replacement timing for LSXC22426S
LG’s guidance for this model is based on time and performance.
| Replace the filter when... | What it prevents | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| About every 6 months | Declining filtration and taste | Install a new filter and reset the indicator |
| The filter indicator light turns on | Running past the filter’s service life | Replace filter, then reset |
| Water flow drops or ice gets smaller | Restriction from a clogged filter | Replace filter and flush the system |
Correct filter and reset steps (model-specific)
- Use the correct replacement filter for this refrigerator: LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401
- After replacing the filter, press and hold Replace Filter / Filter Reset for 3 seconds to turn the indicator light off.
- Flush the dispenser after a filter change by dispensing about 2.5 gallons total in short cycles (30 seconds on, 60 seconds off) to clear air and loose carbon.
Why it matters
A fresh water filter helps your LSXC22426S deliver better-tasting water and clearer ice, and it helps keep dispenser performance steady. Waiting too long commonly leads to restricted flow and noticeable changes in ice and water quality.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with the LG refrigerator?
For the LG LSXC22426S side-by-side refrigerator, the most common customer-reported issue is a cooling problem (refrigerator and freezer not cooling correctly or running too much). In many cases, the fix is basic: controls set incorrectly, Demo Mode enabled, blocked air vents, or a clogged condenser cover; our LSXC22426S owner's manual walks through these checks.
Most common symptoms you will notice
- Fresh food section too warm while the freezer seems “okay”
- Both sections too warm (food softening or thawing)
- Cooling system runs almost constantly
- Interior moisture buildup or frost patterns that keep coming back
- Temperature swings after frequent door openings
Quick checks we recommend first (no parts needed)
- Confirm cooling is actually enabled: Some models can be set to OFF; verify the control is ON.
- Disable Demo Mode if it is on: Demo Mode keeps lights and display working but disables cooling.
- Check airflow: Make sure packages are not blocking the air vents between compartments.
- Clean the condenser cover and vents: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment; do not remove the condenser panel.
- Give it time after setup: After installation or major temperature changes, allow up to 24 hours to stabilize.
What to do based on what you are seeing
| What you see | Most likely cause | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Runs too much | Warm room, dirty condenser cover, frequent door openings | Clean vents, reduce door-open time |
| Too warm in both sections | Demo Mode, control set wrong, airflow blocked | Disable Demo Mode, reset temps, clear vents |
| Moisture or frost | Doors opened often, food not sealed | Shorten openings, repackage food |
When a part is more likely involved
If the basics above check out and temperatures still will not hold, we move to common cooling-system and airflow components (fans, sensors, sealed-system issues). For water and ice complaints that happen alongside weak cooling, a restricted filter can also reduce dispenser performance; use LG refrigerator water filter ADQ73613401 as the correct filter reference for this model.
Why it matters
Cooling problems can spoil food quickly and also make the refrigerator run longer than normal, which increases wear and energy use. Catching simple causes like Demo Mode, blocked vents, or dirty condenser airflow often restores normal operation fast.
Last updated: February 2026





