Where the Kenmore 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 the front grille. The location depends on your model year and whether you have an ice maker and water dispenser. Before you touch anything, turn off the water supply to the fridge — there is usually a shutoff valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator itself. If you cannot find it, turning off the main water supply to your house works too.

You will need the replacement filter cartridge that matches your Kenmore model number. The original filter part numbers usually start with 9005, 9006, 9007, or 9010, depending on the year. You can find your model number on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the wall behind the crisper drawers or on the back wall. Write it down and search for the exact replacement online or call a Kenmore parts dealer — using the wrong filter can damage the system or let unfiltered water through.

Have a bucket or towel ready. When you disconnect the old filter, water trapped in the line will spill out. It is not much — usually a cup or two — but it will drip onto your floor if you are not prepared.

Key Takeaways

  • Kenmore filters are located either in the upper right corner of the fridge or underneath behind the front grille, depending on your model.
  • Turn off the water supply before you start, using the shutoff valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator.
  • Find your exact model number on the sticker inside the fridge and buy the matching replacement cartridge to avoid compatibility problems.
  • The old filter will release trapped water when you disconnect it, so place a bucket underneath before you pull it out.
  • After installation, run water through the dispenser for several minutes to flush air and loose carbon from the new filter.

Removing the old filter from the upper right corner

If your filter is mounted on the inside wall of the fridge, locate it in the upper right corner — it looks like a white or blue plastic cylinder about 4 inches tall. Place your bucket underneath it. Grip the filter firmly with both hands and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It should release from the housing with light pressure. If it is stuck, wrap a towel around it for better grip and try again, but do not force it hard enough to crack the plastic.

Once it comes free, water will drip from the connection point. Let it drain into your bucket for a few seconds, then pull the filter straight down and away from the housing. Some water may still be inside the old cartridge itself, so hold it over the bucket as you carry it to the trash.

Look at the empty housing where the filter was. You should see a rubber gasket — a small black or clear ring — around the opening. If it came out with the old filter, remove it and set it aside. If it stayed in the housing, leave it there. Either way, you will use the same gasket with the new filter.

Removing the filter from underneath the refrigerator

If your Kenmore has the filter mounted under the fridge, you will need to access it from the front. Unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker. Locate the front grille panel at the bottom of the fridge — it usually snaps or clips in place. Grip both sides and pull straight toward you. It should come free without tools. Set it aside where it will not get stepped on.

Behind the grille, you will see the filter housing. It is a cylindrical or cartridge-style unit, usually white or black. Place your bucket underneath the connection point. The filter either twists out like the upper-corner style, or it slides straight out depending on your model. Check the housing for a label that says "turn counterclockwise" or "pull straight out." If it twists, turn it a quarter turn and pull. If it slides, grip it firmly and pull straight toward you with steady pressure.

Water will drip from the line. Let it drain completely before you move on. Once the old filter is out, check the rubber gasket in the housing — it should stay in place, but if it came out, set it aside to reuse.

Installing the new filter and sealing the connection

Before you install the new filter, check the rubber gasket. If it is cracked, dried out, or missing, you need a replacement gasket — most Kenmore dealers sell them separately for a few dollars. A bad gasket will cause leaks around the filter housing. If the gasket looks good, leave it in place.

Remove the new filter from its packaging. Some filters come with a protective cap on the inlet — a small plastic cover on the threaded end. Remove this cap and discard it. Do not install the filter with the cap on, or water will not flow through.

For upper-corner filters: Insert the filter into the housing and turn it clockwise until it stops. You should feel resistance after about three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten — you are not opening a jar lid. A snug quarter-turn past hand-tight is enough. If you turn it too hard, you can crack the plastic housing.

For under-fridge filters: Slide the new filter straight into the housing until it seats fully, or twist it clockwise if it is a twist-in style. You should hear or feel a click when it locks into place. If it does not click, pull it out slightly and reinsert it — the connection may not be seated right.

Flushing the new filter and restoring water flow

Turn the water supply back on at the shutoff valve. You should hear water flowing into the fridge. Go to the water dispenser on the front of the fridge and run water into a cup for about 30 seconds. Discard this water — it will be cloudy or gray because the new filter is releasing loose carbon particles. This is normal and harmless, but it tastes bad, so do not drink it.

Continue running water for another 2 to 3 minutes, discarding each cup. By the end, the water should run clear. If you have an ice maker, it may also dispense cloudy ice for the first few batches — this is the same carbon release and will clear up on its own after a few hours of ice production.

If no water comes out at all after you turn the supply back on, check that the shutoff valve is fully open. Turn it counterclockwise all the way. If water still does not flow, the filter may not be seated correctly — turn off the water again, remove the filter, and reinstall it, making sure you hear the click or feel the resistance that tells you it is locked in.

Troubleshooting common problems after replacement

If water leaks from around the filter housing, turn off the water supply when ready. The gasket may be damaged, or the filter may not be seated all the way. Remove the filter, inspect the gasket for cracks or hardening, and replace it if needed. Reinstall the filter and make sure it is tight. If leaking continues, the housing itself may be cracked — contact a Kenmore service center for a replacement housing unit.

If the water pressure is very low after you install the new filter, the filter may be installed backwards. Some filters have an inlet and outlet marked on the cartridge. Check the old filter box or the housing label to see which direction water should flow. Remove the filter, flip it around if needed, and reinstall it. Low pressure can also mean the filter is clogged already, which happens if you ran unfiltered water for a long time before replacing it — in that case, you may need to replace the filter again sooner than expected.

If the ice maker stops working after you replace the filter, check that water is flowing to the dispenser first. If the dispenser works but ice production does not, the ice maker line may have an air lock. Turn off the ice maker for 10 minutes, then turn it back on. If it still does not work, the filter housing may have a separate shutoff valve for the ice maker line — check behind the fridge or under the crisper drawer for a small valve you can open.

When to replace the filter and how to know it is time

Kenmore recommends replacing the filter every 6 months if you use the water and ice dispensers regularly. If you use them rarely, you can go 9 to 12 months. Some newer Kenmore models have a filter indicator light on the control panel that turns on when the filter is due — if yours has one, replace the filter when the light comes on rather than waiting for the 6-month mark.

You can also tell by the water itself. If the water tastes off, smells like chlorine, or comes out cloudy, the filter is saturated and no longer working. If the water pressure drops noticeably, the filter is clogged with sediment. Both are signs to replace it right away, even if it has not been 6 months.

Keep the old filter box or write down the part number somewhere you will find it again — the replacement filter you need is always the same number, so you will not have to hunt for it next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a generic or off-brand filter instead of the Kenmore part number?

Some third-party filters fit Kenmore housings and work fine, but they may not filter as well or last as long as the original part. The safest choice is the filter number that matches your model. If you want to try a generic filter, buy from a seller that offers a return policy in case it does not fit or causes leaks.

What do I do if I cannot find the shutoff valve for the water supply?

If there is no valve under the sink or behind the fridge, you can turn off the main water supply to your house — it is usually in the basement, crawlspace, or outside near the meter. If you are not sure where it is, ask a neighbor or call your water company. As a last resort, you can replace the filter without shutting off the water, but you will have more spillage and the job will be messier.

How much water will spill when I remove the old filter?

Usually about one to two cups, depending on how much water is trapped in the line. A bucket or large towel under the filter will catch it. If you turned off the water supply first, there will be almost no spillage — the line will be empty.

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

Most Kenmore models do not require a reset. If your fridge has a filter indicator light, it may turn off automatically after you install the new filter and run water through it. If the light stays on, check your owner's manual for a reset button — it is usually on the control panel or inside the fridge near the filter housing.

Is it normal for the water to look cloudy right after I replace the filter?

Yes. New filters release loose carbon particles for the first few minutes. Run water for 2 to 3 minutes and discard it. The water will clear up and be safe to drink after that. Ice made during this time may also look cloudy, but it will clear up as the ice maker cycles.