How to Install a Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter

Where the Kenmore Water Filter Goes and What You Need First

Most Kenmore refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge at the top right corner of the interior, or underneath the fridge in the kick panel at the front. Open your refrigerator door and look at the upper right wall inside—if you see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can with a release button or twist collar, that is an internal filter. If not, crouch down and look at the panel that runs along the bottom front of the fridge; a small door or access panel there usually hides an under-fridge filter. Your Kenmore manual will show you which model you have, but the installation steps are nearly identical either way.

Before you start, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Look behind the fridge for a small shutoff valve on the water line—it is usually a small knob or lever on the copper or plastic tubing. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you cannot find a shutoff valve, you may need to turn off the main water supply to your home. Do not skip this step; water will spray out when you remove the old filter.

Have paper towels or a small bucket ready. The old filter may drip, and a little water in the line is normal. You will also need your new Kenmore filter cartridge—check your manual or the model number on your fridge to order the correct one, as Kenmore makes several filter types.

Key Takeaways

• Kenmore water filters sit either inside the fridge at the top right or underneath in the kick panel, and you must turn off the water supply before removing the old one.
• Most internal filters twist counterclockwise to release, while under-fridge filters usually slide out or unscrew from a housing.
• Before installing the new filter, run water through it for 3 to 5 seconds to flush out carbon dust and air from the cartridge.
• After installation, run water from the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes to purge air from the line and clear any remaining dust.
• Replace your Kenmore filter every 6 months or when the dispenser water slows down, whichever comes first.

Removing the Old Filter from Inside the Fridge

If your filter is mounted on the interior wall at the top right, locate the release button or twist collar. Most Kenmore internal filters have a small red or black button on the side, or a collar you grip and turn. Press the button firmly or grip the collar and turn it counterclockwise—you may need to use a little force, as the seal can be tight. The cartridge will slide out toward you once it releases.

Catch any water that drips into a paper towel or small container. Do not be alarmed if a small amount of water comes out; this is normal. Once the old filter is out, look at the empty housing. You will see a rubber gasket or O-ring around the opening. Wipe this gasket clean with a dry paper towel to remove any debris or mineral buildup. A clean gasket ensures the new filter seals properly and prevents leaks.

Removing the Old Filter from Under the Fridge

If your filter is in the kick panel at the front bottom, open the panel door by pressing the release tabs on either side or unscrewing the small fasteners. The filter housing will be visible—it looks like a small white or gray canister with a threaded cap on top or a slide-out cartridge. If it has a threaded cap, grip it firmly and turn counterclockwise. If it is a slide-out type, you may see a release lever or button; press it and pull the cartridge straight out.

Again, have paper towels ready for drips. Once the old filter is out, inspect the rubber gasket inside the housing. Wipe it clean with a dry paper towel. If the gasket looks cracked or hardened, note that for later—you may need to order a replacement gasket along with your next filter, though most Kenmore housings come with a new gasket pre-installed on the replacement cartridge.

Installing the New Kenmore Filter Cartridge

Before you insert the new filter, hold it under a sink and run cool water through it for 3 to 5 seconds. This flushes out loose carbon dust from the manufacturing process and removes air pockets inside the cartridge. You will see black or gray water come out—this is normal and expected. Do not skip this step; if you install the filter dry, the first water from your dispenser will taste like charcoal.

For an internal filter, align the cartridge with the opening and push it straight in until you hear or feel a click. Then turn the release collar clockwise, or press the release button until it locks. The filter should be snug and not wiggle when you tug it gently. For an under-fridge filter, insert the cartridge into the housing and either screw the cap clockwise until hand-tight, or slide the cartridge in until the release lever clicks. Do not over-tighten a threaded cap; hand-tight is enough, and over-tightening can crack the plastic.

Flushing the Line and Testing Water Flow

Turn the water shutoff valve back on by turning it counterclockwise. You may hear air hissing through the line for a few seconds—this is normal. Now go to your refrigerator's water dispenser and run water into a cup or sink for 2 to 3 minutes. This purges air from the line and clears any remaining carbon dust from the new filter. The water may look slightly cloudy or gray at first; keep running it until it runs clear.

After 2 to 3 minutes of running water, test the ice maker if your Kenmore has one. Fill a glass with ice and listen for the ice maker to cycle. If it does not, the water line may still have air in it; run the water dispenser for another minute and check again. Once water flows smoothly and ice is being made, your installation is complete.

Troubleshooting Slow Water Flow or Leaks

If water comes out very slowly after installation, the filter may not be seated properly. Turn off the water supply, remove the filter, and check that the rubber gasket is clean and centered in the housing. Reinsert the filter and make sure it clicks or locks fully. Turn the water back on and test again. Slow flow can also mean the filter is already clogged—if you installed it more than 6 months ago, it is time to replace it.

If water leaks from the connection point where the filter meets the housing, turn off the water immediately. Remove the filter and inspect the gasket for cracks or debris. If the gasket looks damaged, you will need a replacement gasket or a new filter cartridge with a gasket included. Wipe the housing opening clean and reinstall. If the leak continues, the plastic housing itself may be cracked; contact Kenmore support or a local appliance repair service for a replacement housing.

When to Replace Your Kenmore Water Filter

Kenmore recommends replacing the water filter every 6 months under normal use. If you have hard water or high sediment in your tap water, you may need to replace it more often—every 3 to 4 months. The first sign that a filter needs replacing is slower water flow from the dispenser. If you turn on the water and it trickles instead of flowing steadily, the filter is clogged and should be replaced.

Some Kenmore models have a filter indicator light on the control panel that turns red or orange when the filter is due. Check your manual to see if yours has this feature. Even if the light has not come on, if the water tastes off or the flow is noticeably slower, do not wait—replace the filter. A clogged filter not only reduces water quality but can also strain the water pump in your refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a third-party filter instead of a Kenmore brand filter?

Some third-party filters fit Kenmore refrigerators and meet NSF standards for water safety. However, using a non-Kenmore filter may void your refrigerator warranty. Check your manual to see which filter models are approved for your specific Kenmore model. If you choose a third-party filter, verify that it is rated for your fridge's water capacity and replacement interval.

What if water leaks from the filter housing after I install it?

Turn off the water supply immediately. Remove the filter and check that the rubber gasket is clean and not cracked. Wipe the gasket and the housing opening with a dry paper towel, then reinstall the filter, making sure it is fully seated. If the leak continues, the gasket or housing may be damaged and need replacement.

Do I need to turn off the water supply every time I change the filter?

Yes. Turning off the water supply prevents water from spraying out when you remove the old filter and keeps water from flowing into the line while the filter is out. It takes only a minute and prevents water damage to your kitchen floor.

Why does the water taste like charcoal after I install a new filter?

The new filter contains loose carbon dust from manufacturing. Running water through the filter for 3 to 5 seconds before installation, and then running the dispenser for 2 to 3 minutes after installation, flushes out this dust. If you skipped the pre-flush step, run the dispenser for another 5 minutes to clear the taste.

How do I know which Kenmore filter model I need?

Check the model number on your refrigerator—it is usually on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back. Write down the full model number and search it on the Kenmore website or your manual to find the correct filter part number. You can also take a photo of the old filter cartridge and bring it to an appliance parts store; staff can match it to the right replacement.