Where the filter sits and what you need before you start

Most Kenmore refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge compartment in the upper right corner, or underneath the fridge behind a panel near the floor. Open your fridge and look in the top right — if you see a cylindrical cartridge about the size of a soda can, that is your filter. If not, crouch down and look for a small panel at the bottom front of the fridge, usually held by a single screw or a quarter-turn knob. The filter behind that panel is horizontal rather than vertical.

Before you touch anything, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator. Look behind the fridge for a small shut-off valve on the water line — it looks like a tiny faucet handle. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If you cannot find one, you can turn off the main water supply to your house, but the valve behind the fridge is faster. You will also need a new filter that matches your model number. Kenmore filters are labeled by series — the most common are the 9081, 9083, and 9085 — and you can find your model number on the old filter itself or in your refrigerator manual.

Key Takeaways

  • The water filter is either in the top right corner of the fridge compartment or behind a panel at the bottom front of the unit.
  • Turn off the water supply valve behind the refrigerator before you remove the old filter to avoid water spilling onto your floor.
  • The old filter twists out counterclockwise; the new one twists in clockwise until it seats firmly, usually with a quarter turn past hand-tight.
  • After installation, run water through the dispenser for 30 seconds to flush air from the line and clear any carbon dust from the new filter.
  • Most Kenmore filters last six months under normal use, though heavy use or poor water quality may shorten that window.

Removing the old filter from the top-right position

If your filter is in the top right corner of the fridge, locate the cylindrical cartridge and look for the release button or tab on the bottom. Press or pull that tab firmly — you may hear a click. The filter will loosen and can now be twisted counterclockwise by hand. Turn it slowly; water will drip out even after you shut off the supply, so have a towel ready underneath. Once the filter is free, pull it straight down and out.

Before you install the new filter, wipe the inside of the housing with a clean cloth to remove any debris or sediment that collected around the old cartridge. This step takes 30 seconds and prevents particles from entering your water line.

Removing the old filter from the bottom-front position

If your filter is behind the bottom panel, unscrew or unclip that panel and set it aside. The filter will be horizontal, held in a plastic housing. Look for a release button on the housing itself — it is usually a small lever or tab on one side. Press or pull it, and the filter will slide out toward you. Again, have a towel ready; water will drip even with the supply shut off.

Once the old filter is out, check the housing for debris and wipe it clean with a cloth. Reinstall the bottom panel loosely for now — you will need access to turn the new filter in.

Installing the new filter in the top-right position

Take the new filter out of its box and remove any plastic caps or seals from the inlet and outlet ports. Align the filter with the housing opening and push it straight up into place. You will feel it seat into the threads. Now twist it clockwise by hand — it should turn smoothly. Keep turning until you feel resistance, then give it another quarter turn. Do not force it; the filter should be snug but not over-tightened, which can crack the housing.

Once the filter is seated, turn the water supply valve back on by turning it counterclockwise. Listen for water flowing into the fridge. If you hear hissing or see water dripping from the housing, turn the supply back off and check that the filter is twisted all the way in.

Installing the new filter in the bottom-front position

Remove any plastic caps from the new filter's ports. Slide the filter into the horizontal housing, pushing it all the way in until you hear or feel a click. The release button or lever should snap back into place on its own. If it does not, push the filter in a bit further and try again.

Once the filter is locked in, reinstall the bottom panel and find it with the screw or clip. Turn the water supply valve back on. Check the panel seams and the area around the filter housing for leaks. If water is dripping, turn the supply off and reseat the filter by sliding it out slightly and pushing it back in firmly.

Flushing the line and checking for leaks

After the filter is installed and the water is back on, go to the water dispenser on the fridge door and run water for 30 seconds into a cup or sink. This flushes air out of the line and clears carbon dust from the new filter, which can make the water taste or look slightly gray for the first few gallons. Do not drink this water — let it run until it runs clear.

While the water is running, watch the filter housing and the area behind the fridge for drips. A small amount of moisture is normal as the line pressurizes, but steady dripping means the filter is not seated correctly. If that happens, turn off the water, remove the filter, and reinstall it, making sure it twists all the way in.

When to replace the filter and what happens if you do not

Most Kenmore filters are rated for six months of use or 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If your household uses a lot of water or your tap water is hard or sediment-heavy, you may need to replace it sooner. The fridge may have a filter indicator light on the control panel — when it turns red or orange, the filter is due. If your fridge does not have a light, mark the installation date on a calendar or on the filter itself with a marker.

If you do not replace the filter when it is due, the cartridge becomes clogged and water pressure to the dispenser drops. The ice maker may also slow down or stop working. A very old filter can develop mold or bacteria inside, which affects water taste and smell. Replacing the filter on schedule takes five minutes and costs between $30 and $60, depending on the model — much cheaper than a service call or replacing the ice maker.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Turn off the water supply when ready and remove the filter by twisting it counterclockwise. Check that the rubber gasket on the filter is clean and not cracked. Reinstall the filter, twisting it clockwise until you feel firm resistance, then give it one more quarter turn. Turn the water back on and watch for leaks. If water still drips, the gasket may be damaged and the filter may need to be replaced.

Can I use a generic water filter instead of a Kenmore brand filter?

Yes. Third-party filters made for Kenmore refrigerators work the same way and cost less, usually $15 to $30. Check the model number on the old filter and search for a compatible replacement — you will find options from brands like Everydrop and Glacier Fresh. The installation process is identical.

How do I know which position my filter is in if I cannot find it in the top right?

Check your refrigerator manual — the model number is on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back. You can also call Kenmore customer service with your model number and they will tell you the filter location. If you have the manual, the filter location and part number are always listed in the first few pages.

What happens if I forget to turn off the water supply before removing the filter?

Water will spray out of the line and soak the area behind or inside your fridge. It is not dangerous, but it can damage the compressor or electrical components if water gets into the wrong places. If this happens, turn off the water supply when ready, mop up the water, and let the fridge sit unplugged for at least an hour before plugging it back in.

Do I need to reset anything after I install a new filter?

If your fridge has a filter indicator light, you may need to reset it by holding a button on the control panel for a few seconds — check your manual for the exact steps. Some models reset automatically after 24 hours of use. If you do not reset the light, it will continue to show red even though the filter is new, and you will not know when the actual replacement is due.