Hi Suz73, We know how important it is to have a reliable water filter at home, especially after installing a new one. Running several gallons of water lets fresh water move fully through the system and helps the filter perform as designed. Making sure the filter is fully inserted and locked in place also supports smooth flow and consistent results. The fourth subtopic in the link below covers water filter optimization: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10003791/#water-from-the-dispenser-is-warm-or-tastes-bad Genuine Samsung filters may differ in pricing across sellers due to promotions, bundles, or certifications, and they’re thoughtfully designed to deliver a precise fit, smooth water flow, and reliable filtration performance throughout their full service life. If you need further assistance, you can connect with us through any of the options below: 1. Samsung Community: https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Samsung-Community/ct-p/us 2. Facebook Messenger: https://m.me/samsungsupport 3. X: https://x.com/messages/compose?recipient%20id=18768513 4. Samsung Customer Care: 1-800-726-7864 (1-800-SAMSUNG) Please have reference number 1152379940 ready when you contact us so we can assist you quickly. We appreciate hearing from you, and Samsung truly values your business. Jeffrey Samsung Care

Greetings! Thank you for sharing your experience with the water filter. We completely understand how important ease of use is, and we appreciate your feedback. Previously, the packaging was simpler to open, but we updated it to be tamper-proof and better protect the filter during delivery, ensuring it reaches you safely and unopened. We recognize that the new design can feel more challenging to open, and we are continuously looking for ways to balance safety, protection, and convenience for a smoother experience. Leo