Find Your Filter Model and Location

The first step is identifying which Kenmore filter you have and where it sits in your refrigerator. Kenmore makes several filter types, and the location changes depending on your model year and refrigerator style. Most filters are either inside the refrigerator (usually in the upper right corner or along the back wall) or underneath, tucked behind a kick plate at the bottom front.

Open your refrigerator and look for a cylindrical cartridge, often white or blue, with a plastic housing. If you don't see one inside, check under the fridge by removing the kick plate—a thin panel that snaps or screws off at the bottom. Your owner's manual will show you exactly where yours lives. If you don't have the manual, search "Kenmore [your model number] water filter location" online, and you'll find diagrams within seconds.

Write down your filter model number before you buy a replacement. You'll find it printed on the existing filter itself or on the housing around it. Common Kenmore filter numbers include 9081, 9083, 46-9081, and 9085, but yours may differ. Buying the wrong filter wastes money and won't fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Kenmore water filters sit either inside the refrigerator (usually upper right) or underneath behind the kick plate, and you must identify your exact model number before buying a replacement.
  • Most filters twist out by hand or with a quarter-turn counterclockwise; you do not need tools, and the job takes under five minutes.
  • Before installing the new filter, flush it by running water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes to clear air and carbon dust.
  • If water leaks after replacement, check that the filter is fully seated and twisted tight, or that you bought the correct model for your refrigerator.

Turn Off Water and Prepare the Area

Before you remove the old filter, shut off the water supply to your refrigerator. Most models have a small shutoff valve behind or underneath the fridge where the water line enters. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops—you should feel resistance, but do not force it. If you cannot find the valve or it won't turn, you can also shut off the main water supply to your house, though that is unnecessary for this job.

Place a towel or shallow pan under the filter location. When you remove the old filter, a small amount of water will drip out—usually just a few ounces, but enough to wet your floor. The towel catches it and keeps the job clean.

Remove the Old Filter

Most Kenmore filters twist out by hand. Grip the filter body firmly and turn it counterclockwise (to the left) about a quarter turn. You should feel it loosen. Once it is loose, pull it straight out toward you. Some filters have a release button on the housing instead—press it and the filter cartridge will pop out. Check your manual or the housing itself for which type you have.

If the filter is stuck, do not force it. Wrap a dry cloth around the filter for better grip and try again with steady, even pressure. If it still won't budge, the filter may be old and the plastic may have warped slightly. A strap wrench (a tool with a fabric strap that grips round objects) can help, but most people do not own one. If you cannot remove it after a few gentle attempts, call a Kenmore service technician rather than risk cracking the housing.

Once the old filter comes out, note any water that drips. If a lot of water pours out, your shutoff valve may not have worked—turn it tighter or check that you turned the right valve.

Install the New Filter

Remove the new filter from its packaging and inspect it for damage. Check that the rubber gasket (the ring of rubber around the top or bottom) is intact and not cracked or missing. A damaged gasket will cause leaks.

Before you insert the new filter, remove any protective caps or plugs. Some filters come with a plastic cap covering the inlet port—this must come off or water cannot flow through. Look at the top and bottom of the filter for any plastic pieces and remove them.

Insert the new filter into the housing and twist it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. You should feel it seat firmly, but you do not need to crank it hard. A quarter turn past snug is correct. If your filter has a release button instead of a twist design, push the cartridge in until you hear or feel a click.

Flush the New Filter Before Using It

Turn the water shutoff valve back on by turning it counterclockwise. Wait a few seconds for water pressure to build, then go to your refrigerator's water dispenser (or ice maker if that is your only water outlet). Run water through the dispenser for 3 to 5 minutes without stopping. This flushes out air trapped in the filter and removes carbon dust that can make water taste bitter or look slightly gray.

The water may sputter or come out slowly at first—that is normal. Keep running it until the flow is steady and the water looks clear. If you have an ice maker, it will also fill during this time, which is fine. Some people discard the first batch of ice cubes made after filter replacement, though this is not required if you flushed the filter properly.

Check for Leaks

After you have flushed the filter, inspect the area around the filter housing for drips. Look at the connection point where the filter meets the housing. If water is dripping, turn off the water shutoff valve when ready and check two things: first, make sure the filter is twisted all the way in and seated firmly; second, confirm that you bought the correct filter model for your refrigerator.

If the filter is tight and the model is correct, the rubber gasket may be damaged. Remove the filter, inspect the gasket, and if it looks cracked or pinched, you may need to replace the filter again. This is rare, but it happens occasionally with defective units.

If there are no leaks after 10 minutes of running water, you are done. Turn the water shutoff valve back to the open position (counterclockwise) if you had to close it, and your new filter is ready to use.

When to Call a Professional

Most filter replacements are straightforward and take less than five minutes. However, call a Kenmore service technician if the old filter will not come out after gentle attempts, if water leaks from the connection after you have installed the new filter correctly, or if you cannot locate the water shutoff valve and are uncomfortable turning off your main water supply.

You should also contact a technician if your refrigerator has no water dispenser or ice maker but came with a filter housing—this usually means the water line is not connected, and a professional should verify the system before you try to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my Kenmore water filter?

Kenmore recommends replacing filters every 6 months or after 300 gallons of water, whichever comes first. If you have hard water or use the dispenser heavily, you may need to replace it sooner. Many filters have a small indicator window that changes color when replacement is due—check yours monthly.

What if water is coming out slowly after I install the new filter?

Slow water flow usually means air is still trapped in the filter. Run water through the dispenser for another 2 to 3 minutes without stopping. If flow is still slow after 5 minutes total, the filter may be installed backward or the wrong model. Remove it, check the arrow or inlet marking on the filter body, and reinstall it facing the correct direction.

Can I use my refrigerator without a water filter?

Yes, but you should not. Kenmore filters remove chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants. Without a filter, tap water goes directly to your dispenser and ice maker, which can affect taste and may allow sediment to damage the ice maker over time. If your filter is out of stock, use bottled water for drinking until you can install a new one.

Is the water shutoff valve required, or can I just turn off the main water supply?

The refrigerator shutoff valve is easier and faster, but turning off the main water supply works just as well. The shutoff valve lets you work on the filter without affecting water to the rest of your house. If you cannot find the shutoff valve or it does not work, turning off the main supply is a safe alternative.

What should I do with the old filter?

Most communities accept used water filters in curbside recycling or at a local recycling center. Call your waste management provider to confirm. Some retailers that sell Kenmore filters also take old filters back for recycling. Do not throw it in the trash if recycling is an option in your area.