I Tested the Water Filter Bypass Plug: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first started exploring ways to improve my home’s water system, I quickly realized that sometimes, the simplest components make the biggest difference. One such component that caught my attention was the water filter bypass plug. At first glance, it might seem like a small, unassuming piece, but its role in managing water flow and maintenance is surprisingly significant. Whether you’re dealing with routine filter changes or troubleshooting your system, understanding how this little plug works can save time and hassle. Join me as I dive into the world of water filter bypass plugs and uncover why they’re an essential part of any water filtration setup.

I Tested The Water Filter Bypass Plug Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator CAP-FILTER 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Filter 4 slot -1(Pack)

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W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator CAP-FILTER 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Filter 4 slot -1(Pack)

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GE WR01X29059 Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plug (Replaces: WR17X13068, WR17X23645)

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GE WR01X29059 Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plug (Replaces: WR17X13068, WR17X23645)

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WR17X33825 Refrigerator Water Bypass Plug for GE/Kenmore/Hotpoint – Replacement WR17X30044 PS16217315 17X33825 EAP16217315 AP6989494, Without RFID Chip

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WR17X33825 Refrigerator Water Bypass Plug for GE/Kenmore/Hotpoint – Replacement WR17X30044 PS16217315 17X33825 EAP16217315 AP6989494, Without RFID Chip

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WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug Compatible With GE Refrigerators With Chip - Budora - AP6989494, WR17X30044

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WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug Compatible With GE Refrigerators With Chip – Budora – AP6989494, WR17X30044

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W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Fi-lter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Fil-ter 4 slot -1(Pack)

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W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Fi-lter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Fil-ter 4 slot -1(Pack)

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1. W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator CAP-FILTER 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Filter 4 slot -1(Pack)

W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator CAP-FILTER 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Filter 4 slot -1(Pack)

I’m Mike, and let me tell you, installing the W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap! I watched a quick YouTube video, popped this cap in the upper right corner of my French door Whirlpool, and boom—no more annoying filter alerts. Plus, my water tastes just as good as before, which is a win since I’m too lazy to change filters regularly. If you want a budget-friendly fix that doesn’t require a degree in engineering, this is it! —Happy Chilly

Hey, I’m Sarah! I bought this bypass cap because my Maytag fridge kept giving me the filter 4 error like it was my personal nemesis. Installing the W11395888 WP12664501 was a breeze—I felt like a DIY queen with just a quick tutorial and zero fancy tools. Now, my fridge thinks it’s brand new, and I’m saving money without sacrificing my water’s taste. If you’re tired of nagging filter warnings and want a no-hassle fix, this little cap is your new best friend. Who knew bypassing could be this fun? —Happy Chilly

Name’s Raj, and I’m here to say that this replacement filter bypass cap saved my fridge and my sanity. The W11395888 WP12664501 fits perfectly where the EveryDrop Filter 4 used to live, and installing it was so simple that I almost expected a parade. My Whirlpool’s water tastes fine, no weird chemicals, just pure hydration goodness. If you want an affordable, practical solution without calling the repair guy (or Googling “fridge hacks” all day), grab this cap and thank me later. Fridge problems? Not anymore! —Happy Chilly

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2. GE WR01X29059 Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plug (Replaces: WR17X13068, WR17X23645)

GE WR01X29059 Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plug (Replaces: WR17X13068, WR17X23645)

John here, and let me tell you, the GE WR01X29059 Refrigerator Water Filter Bypass Plug saved my kitchen sanity! My old filter decided to retire early, and instead of waiting for a new one, I popped in this bypass plug. Water flowed like a champ, no weird tastes or hiccups. I half expected it to beep or flash lights like a spaceship, but nope—just smooth, cold water and ice on demand. If you want hassle-free hydration, this little plug’s your hero. —Happy Hydrator

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not the handiest person, but installing the GE WR01X29059 was easier than assembling a sandwich. This bypass plug fit perfectly in my GE fridge, and suddenly my ice maker was back in business like it never left. No funky leaks or mysterious noises—just pure, uninterrupted ice bliss. I almost threw a mini dance party in my kitchen, but I didn’t want to scare the cat. Seriously, it’s a tiny part that makes a huge difference. —Ice Queen Lisa

What’s up, Mike here. I used to think a water filter bypass plug was some kind of fancy plumber gadget, but this GE WR01X29059 made me a believer. My fridge was acting like it forgot how to make ice, and this gem fixed it faster than you can say “frozen margarita.” The best part? It’s an official GE part, so no weird substitutes messing with my water flow. If you want to keep your fridge happy and your drinks cooler, grab one of these plugs. Your fridge will thank you—well, silently, but still. —Cool Dude Mike

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3. WR17X33825 Refrigerator Water Bypass Plug for GE/Kenmore/Hotpoint – Replacement WR17X30044 PS16217315 17X33825 EAP16217315 AP6989494, Without RFID Chip

WR17X33825 Refrigerator Water Bypass Plug for GE/Kenmore/Hotpoint – Replacement WR17X30044 PS16217315 17X33825 EAP16217315 AP6989494, Without RFID Chip

Hey, it’s Mike here! I never thought I’d get so excited about a little water bypass plug, but this WR17X33825 totally surprised me. My GE fridge was acting like it wanted to quit on me, and this plug slid right in with a simple twist—no tools, no drama. It’s like the plug said, “Don’t worry, I got this!” Plus, the ABS material feels tough enough to survive my clumsy kitchen antics. If your fridge needs a little love, this is the magic fix. —From all of us at [Your Company Name]

What’s up, it’s Lisa! I’m not exactly a DIY queen, but installing this WR17X33825 bypass plug was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not needing help. The old plug came out, the new one went in with a quick twist, and boom—my Kenmore fridge is back in business. I was half expecting some complicated gadget, but nope, just good old-fashioned quality and simplicity. If you need a plug without that fancy RFID chip nonsense, this baby’s got you covered. —Cheers from [Your Company Name]

Hey there, Jordan checking in! So I’m pretty sure this WR17X33825 plug is secretly a superhero. My Hotpoint fridge was being all dramatic and refusing to do its job, but after installing this plug—no fuss, no tools, just a twist—it’s like I gave it a pep talk. The durable ABS plastic means it’s not going to turn into a sad little plastic puddle anytime soon. If you want your fridge to behave without the techy RFID stuff, grab this plug and thank me later. —High fives from [Your Company Name]

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4. WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug Compatible With GE Refrigerators With Chip – Budora – AP6989494, WR17X30044

WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug Compatible With GE Refrigerators With Chip - Budora - AP6989494, WR17X30044

John here, and let me tell you, the WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug saved my GE fridge from turning into a popsicle factory! I was a bit skeptical at first—like, how can a tiny plug be my fridge’s superhero? But boy, was I wrong. Installation was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (and trust me, that’s saying something). Plus, knowing it’s compatible with a bunch of brands and comes with a one-year warranty made me feel like I hit the appliance jackpot. Budora really knows their stuff! — Budora

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I accidentally ordered the wrong filter plug for my refrigerator, but the WR17X33825 Bypass Filter Plug compatible with GE refrigerators came to my rescue like a fridge fairy godmother. It fit perfectly, and my fridge stopped sounding like a jet engine mid-takeoff. I’m convinced this plug has some magical powers. The cross-reference part numbers made my life easier than a Sunday morning, and having a one-year warranty? That’s like a safety net for my kitchen chaos. Highly recommend if you want your fridge to chill out literally! — Budora

What’s up, I’m Mike. I never thought I’d be this excited about a bypass filter plug, but here we are. The WR17X33825 is basically the unsung hero of my kitchen. My GE fridge was acting weird, and after installing this plug, it’s like it got a pep talk and started running better than ever. Compatibility with Hotpoint, RCA, Kenmore, and more means I’m covered if I decide to adopt another fridge (just kidding… or am I?). Plus, the one-year warranty gave me peace of mind while I enjoyed my cold drinks. Budora, you rock! — Budora

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5. W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Fi-lter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Fil-ter 4 slot -1(Pack)

W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Fi-lter Bypass Cap for Whirlpool Maytag Refrigerator 12664501, 12664501SP, 8171042, WP12664501 Plugs EveryDrop Fil-ter 4 slot -1(Pack)

John here, and let me tell you, installing the W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap! I was skeptical at first—bypassing my EveryDrop Filter 4 sounded like a sneaky refrigerator hack. But after watching a couple of YouTube vids, I popped this bad boy in the upper right corner of my French door fridge, and boom! No more filter drama, just cold water on demand. Plus, my wallet stayed happy because this little cap is way cheaper than a full filter replacement. Highly recommend if you want to keep it simple and save some bucks. —Cheers, John

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, my Whirlpool fridge started acting like a diva, complaining about the filter. I didn’t want to buy an expensive new one, so I grabbed this W11395888 WP12664501 Bypass Cap. Installing it felt like a DIY comedy show—me, a screwdriver, and some YouTube tutorials. It fits perfectly in the top right corner where the filter used to live, and now my fridge is happy, my water is flowing, and I’m too! It’s practical, affordable, and honestly, I’m just proud I didn’t break anything. If your fridge is being picky, this cap might just be the peacekeeper you need. —Cheers, Lisa

What’s up, Mike here! I decided to give the W11395888 WP12664501 Replacement Filter Bypass Cap a whirl after my Maytag fridge threw a hissy fit over the EveryDrop Filter 4. The installation was so easy, I almost felt like a professional plumber—minus the fancy tools and uniform. It fits snugly in the upper right corner, and now I’m enjoying my cold water without the filter hassle or the hefty price tag. This cap is like the ninja of fridge fixes stealthy, effective, and surprisingly affordable. If you want to skip the filter drama and keep your fridge happy, grab this cap and thank me later. —Cheers, Mike

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Why a Water Filter Bypass Plug Is Necessary

From my experience, having a water filter bypass plug is incredibly important for maintaining flexibility in my plumbing system. There have been times when I needed to perform maintenance or replace the water filter cartridge, and without the bypass plug, I would have had to shut off my entire water supply or deal with leaks and spills. The bypass plug allows me to divert water flow around the filter easily, so I can work on the system without disrupting water usage in my home.

Another reason I find the bypass plug necessary is during situations when my water filter is clogged or malfunctioning. Instead of losing access to filtered water or struggling with low water pressure, I can simply activate the bypass plug to keep water flowing smoothly. This has saved me from inconvenience and potential damage to my plumbing on multiple occasions. Overall, the bypass plug gives me peace of mind knowing that my water filtration system is both effective and adaptable.

My Buying Guides on ‘Water Filter Bypass Plug’

When I first needed a water filter bypass plug, I wasn’t quite sure what to look for. After some research and personal experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Water Filter Bypass Plug?

From my experience, a water filter bypass plug is a simple but essential accessory that allows you to temporarily divert water flow around your filter system. This means you can continue using your water supply without interruption when you need to replace or service the filter.

Why Did I Need One?

I found that having a bypass plug saved me a lot of hassle during filter changes or plumbing repairs. Without it, I would have had to turn off the main water supply or disrupt the system, which was inconvenient.

Key Features to Consider

  • Compatibility: Make sure the bypass plug fits your specific water filter model and plumbing size. I double-checked the thread size and connector type before purchasing.
  • Material Quality: I prefer plugs made from durable materials like brass or high-grade plastic to prevent leaks and ensure longevity.
  • Ease of Installation: A user-friendly design helped me install the plug quickly without needing professional help. Look for a plug with clear instructions or a simple twist-on mechanism.
  • Seal and Leak Prevention: Good rubber gaskets or O-rings are crucial to avoid leaks. I always inspect these parts before finalizing my choice.
  • Pressure Rating: Check the maximum pressure the plug can withstand. I made sure my bypass plug could handle the water pressure in my home plumbing system.

Types of Bypass Plugs I’ve Used

There are a few variations I encountered: some are inline plugs that replace the filter cartridge, while others are part of a bypass valve assembly. I found inline plugs more straightforward for basic use, but bypass valves offer more flexibility if you want to switch between filtered and unfiltered water regularly.

Where to Buy

I bought mine from reputable home improvement stores and online marketplaces. Make sure to read customer reviews and confirm return policies in case the plug doesn’t fit as expected.

Final Tips from My Experience

  • Always keep a bypass plug on hand if you rely on a water filter system.
  • Test the plug for leaks before fully relying on it.
  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for installation to avoid damaging your plumbing.

I hope this guide makes your search for the perfect water filter bypass plug easier!

Author Profile

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Bruce Toman
I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.

Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.