I've had multiple water filters break in the filter housing in my fridge, causing a leak onto the floor. I'm only thankful I was home when it happened or it would have flooded the kitchen, and likely more.

Now I just don't use filters. The utility company filters the water well enough.

Same here. Bought some fridge water filters, but they made otherwise perfectly good tap water taste like it had been chlorinated. I have no idea what nastiness was inside. Now I just suck it up and pay full price at HD.

I use a water tester and pH indicator before drinking from a new water filter.

Do you have one that's not a counterfeit to recommend? ;)