How to Remove a Coway Water Filter in 5 Easy Steps

Keeping your Coway water purifier in top condition is essential for ensuring you always have clean, fresh-tasting water. A key part of this maintenance is regularly changing the water filter. While it might sound technical, removing the old filter is a simple DIY task you can complete in minutes. This guide will walk you through how to remove a Coway water filter in five easy steps. While designs vary slightly between models, this general process applies to most Coway units.

Before You Start: Preparation and Safety

A little preparation makes any home maintenance task smoother and safer. Before you begin, take a moment to gather a few essential items. This prevents mid-process scrambling and helps contain any potential water spills.

Here’s what you should have on hand:

• Your new replacement filter cartridge.

• A bucket or a few old towels to place under the unit to catch drips.

• A flathead screwdriver or pliers (optional, may be needed for some models to open the housing cover, but should not be used on the filter itself).

It's also a great idea to consult your specific Coway user manual. Designs can differ, and your manual provides the most accurate diagrams for your model. If you can't find your physical copy, you can often find PDF versions online for models like the Coway Kecil CHP-6200N or the Coway Cinnamon P-6320R [1] [2]. Following the manufacturer's instructions is the best way to avoid accidental damage.

Step 1: Turn Off Water and Power

This is the most critical safety step. Failing to do so can lead to significant water damage or, more seriously, risk of electrical shock.

First, cut off the water supply to the purifier. Find the small shut-off valve on the water line feeding your unit—this is usually an undersink saddle valve or a T-valve on your cold water pipe. Turn the valve handle clockwise until it is completely closed.

Next, if your Coway model requires electricity, unplug it from the wall outlet. This completely deactivates the unit, eliminating any electrical hazards while you work.

Step 2: Depressurize the System

Even with the water supply off, there is still pressurized water trapped inside the unit. Releasing this pressure is essential. If you don't, water can spray out when you open the housing, and the pressure can make it extremely difficult to remove the filter cartridge.

There are two common ways to depressurize the system:

• Press the water dispenser lever or button. Let water run into a glass or sink until it slows to a drip and then stops completely.

• If your unit has a red pressure-relief button (often near the filter housing), press and hold it until all the hissing from air and water pressure stops.

Step 3: Open the Filter Housing

Now it’s time to access the filter cartridge. This step varies the most between Coway models, but most use one of a few common designs. Be gentle during this step; forcing a cover can break plastic tabs or latches, making it impossible to close the unit securely later.

• Side or Front Cover: Many purifiers have a filter cover on the front or side. These panels are often held by tabs or simple latches. You may need to press a button or gently pull the cover away from the unit's body to access the filters inside [3].

• Twist-off Body: On some compact models, the main body or bottom section of the unit twists off. To open it, grip the body firmly and turn it counter-clockwise to unlock and separate it from the top.

• Top Cover: For other models, the filters are located under the top cover. You may need to unfasten side locks or simply press backward on the cover before lifting it off.

Step 4: Remove the Old Filter Cartridge

With the housing open, you can see the old filter. It's normal for a small amount of water to drip out, which is why your towels or bucket should be in place. The removal mechanism is usually one of three types:

• Push-to-release: Look for a small tab or button next to the filter. Pressing it disengages the filter, allowing you to pull it straight out.

• Twist-and-pull: This is the most common method, similar to changing many refrigerator water filters. Grip the filter and turn it about a quarter-turn counter-clockwise (to the left) to unlock it from the manifold, then pull it straight down or out.

• Pull straight out: Some simple designs require you to just pull the cartridge directly out of its socket, with no twisting or buttons needed.

Important Risk: If a filter is stuck, do not use tools like pliers to wrench it out. This can easily crack the filter head manifold, leading to persistent leaks and a costly repair. Instead, try this helpful tip from a video tutorial: place a folded cloth on the floor and gently tap the bottom of the filter on the cloth to safely dislodge it [4].

Step 5: Clean the Filter Housing

Before installing the new filter, take a moment to clean the housing. This quick step removes any sediment or buildup and prevents contamination of your new, clean filter.

Use a clean, damp cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to wipe down the inside of the housing and the connection point. For heavier grime, you can use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.

Safety Note: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the plastic and O-rings, creating a risk for future leaks. If you use soap, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water. Any soap residue left behind can impact the taste of your water.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you have successfully removed your old Coway water filter. By following these five steps—turning off the water and power, depressurizing the system, opening the housing, removing the cartridge, and cleaning the housing—you’ve safely completed the first half of the replacement process.

Changing a water filter is a straightforward task that empowers you to maintain your appliance and ensure your water remains pure and delicious. The next step is installing your new filter and flushing it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Whether you need a replacement for your purifier, refrigerator, or whole-house system, you can find a wide selection of household filters and expert advice at Discount Filter Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water supply before removing a Coway water filter?

Yes -- this is the most important safety step before beginning. Find the shut-off valve on the water line feeding the unit (usually a saddle valve or T-valve on the cold water pipe under the sink) and turn it clockwise until fully closed. If your Coway model is electrically powered, also unplug it from the wall outlet before opening the housing. Skipping either step risks water damage or electrical hazard during the filter removal process.

Why do I need to depressurize my Coway water purifier before removing the filter?

Even after closing the water supply valve, pressurized water remains trapped inside the unit. If you open the filter housing without releasing this pressure, water can spray out forcefully and the trapped pressure makes the filter cartridge much harder to remove. Depressurize by pressing the water dispenser lever until flow slows to a stop, or by pressing and holding the red pressure-relief button near the filter housing until the hissing of released air and water pressure completely stops.

How do I open the filter housing on my Coway purifier?

The access method varies by model. Most Coway purifiers use one of three designs: a front or side cover panel held by tabs or latches (press a button or gently pull the cover away), a twist-off body that unlocks counter-clockwise, or a top cover that lifts off after releasing side locks. Refer to your specific model's user manual for the correct access method -- forcing a cover using the wrong technique can break plastic tabs and prevent the unit from closing securely afterward.

What is the correct way to remove a Coway filter cartridge?

Most Coway filter cartridges use one of three removal mechanisms. A push-to-release design has a small tab or button alongside the filter -- press it to disengage and pull the filter straight out. A twist-and-pull design requires gripping the filter and turning it approximately a quarter-turn counter-clockwise to unlock it from the manifold before pulling it out. Some simple designs require only pulling the cartridge straight out with no twisting. A small amount of water dripping out during removal is normal -- have a towel or bucket in place beforehand.

What should I do if my Coway filter cartridge is stuck and won't come out?

Do not use pliers or tools to force a stuck filter -- this can crack the filter head manifold, causing persistent leaks and an expensive repair. Instead, confirm the system is fully depressurized and the water supply is off. Try applying firm, steady pulling pressure while rotating slightly in the counter-clockwise direction if it is a twist-type filter. A technique that helps on stuck filters is placing a folded cloth on the floor and gently tapping the bottom of the filter housing on it to break the seal that is holding the cartridge in place.

Should I clean the filter housing before installing a new Coway filter?

Yes. Before installing the new cartridge, wipe down the inside of the housing and the connection point with a clean, damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge to remove any accumulated sediment or mineral deposits. If heavier buildup is present, warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap can be used -- but rinse thoroughly afterward, as any soap residue will affect the taste of your filtered water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers, which can damage plastic components and O-rings and create leak points.

How often should I replace the filter in my Coway water purifier?

Replacement intervals vary by Coway model and filter type, so always follow the manufacturer's recommendation in your specific unit's user manual. Most Coway purifier filters require replacement every 6 to 12 months depending on the stage and filter type. Running the unit with an expired filter reduces filtration effectiveness, can affect water taste, and in some cases may allow previously captured contaminants to re-enter the water. The filter indicator light or timer on most Coway units signals when replacement is due.

Do I need to flush the new Coway filter after installation?

Yes. After installing the new filter cartridge and reassembling the housing, flush the system by running water through the dispenser for several minutes before drinking. This clears harmless carbon fines released from the new filter media and purges any trapped air from the system. The first water dispensed after a filter change may appear slightly cloudy or discolored -- this is normal and clears quickly during the flush. Consult your model's instructions for the specific recommended flush volume.