Water filter purge indication

A method of prompting a purge of a water filter following installation of the water filter in a refrigeration unit of a type having a water distribution system including a replaceable water filter and a user interface capable of generating a signal to a user, the method comprising:

• providing a refrigerator with a sensor that is capable of determining if a new water filter has been installed in the water distribution system of the refrigerator;
• causing the user interface to generate a purge water filter signal indicating that the water filter needs to be purged after installation of the new water filter;
• determining a water flow rate through the water filter when a powered valve of the water distribution system is open;
• measuring a length of time the powered valve has been open after engagement of the water filter with the water distribution system;
• calculating an amount of water that has flowed through the water filter utilizing the water flow rate and the length of time the powered valve has been open;
• and
• causing the user interface to generate the purge water filter signal indicating that the water filter needs to be purged unless a predefined minimum amount of water has flowed through the water filter after engagement of the water filter with the water distribution system.

A method for replacing a water filter within a refrigeration unit, the method comprising steps of:

• removing an old water filter from a water distribution system of the refrigeration unit;
• engaging a replaceable water filter with the water distribution system, wherein the replaceable water filter is in communication with a controller and a powered valve of the water distribution system;
• activating a purge water filter mode of the water distribution system;
• providing a purge water filter signal that is generated by a user interface of the refrigerating unit;
• and
• maintaining the purge water filter signal for at least one of (1) a predefined period of time and (2) until a predefined amount of water passes through the water filter.