Where to find your Kenmore water filter and what it looks like

Most Kenmore refrigerators have the water filter in one of two places: inside the fridge in the upper right corner behind a small panel, or underneath the fridge in the kick plate at the bottom front. Open your fridge door and look in the upper right—if you see a cylindrical cartridge about 4 inches tall with a plastic housing around it, that is your filter. If not, crouch down and look at the bottom front panel of the fridge. You may need to remove a plastic cover or unscrew a small panel to access it.

The filter itself is a white or clear plastic cylinder, usually with a button or cap on one end. Write down the model number of your fridge (it is on a sticker inside the fridge, usually on the side wall or back) before you buy a replacement, because Kenmore makes several filter types and you need the exact match for your model.

Key Takeaways

  • Kenmore water filters sit either in the upper right corner inside the fridge or in the bottom front kick plate, and you need your fridge model number to buy the right replacement.
  • The replacement process takes five minutes and requires only a quarter-turn counterclockwise or a straight pull, depending on your filter type.
  • You must reset the filter indicator light after installation so the fridge knows you have a fresh filter and can track when the next change is due.
  • Replacement filters cost between $30 and $60 and are sold at appliance retailers, big-box stores, and online under your Kenmore model number.
  • If water leaks after you install the new filter, the cartridge may not be seated fully or the old rubber seal may still be in the housing.

How to remove the old filter

Before you start, turn off the ice maker if your fridge has one. This prevents the machine from trying to make ice while the water line is disconnected. Look at your filter housing and check whether the filter has a button on the end or a knob. If it has a button, push it straight in and pull the filter straight out toward you—it should slide out smoothly. If it has a knob or cap, turn it counterclockwise (left) about a quarter turn until it stops, then pull it straight out.

Water will drip out of the old filter and the housing, so have a towel or shallow pan ready underneath. Do not panic if a small amount of water spills—this is normal. Once the filter is out, look inside the housing. If you see a rubber seal or O-ring still stuck in there, remove it by hand or with a plastic spoon. This old seal must come out, or your new filter will not seal properly and water will leak.

Installing the new filter

Before you open the new filter box, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if it has been in a cold car or storage. This prevents condensation from forming inside the cartridge. Take the new filter out of the box and remove any plastic caps or covers on the ends. Look at the rubber seal on the new filter—it should be clean and not cracked.

Slide the new filter into the housing straight in, or turn it clockwise (right) if your model uses a twist-in design. Push or turn until you feel resistance and the filter seats fully. You should hear or feel a click when it locks into place. If you are using a push-in filter, push until it stops—do not force it. If you are using a twist-in filter, turn until it is snug but do not over-tighten, as this can crack the housing.

Resetting the filter indicator light

Your Kenmore fridge has a light or message on the display that tells you when the filter needs changing. After you install the new filter, you must reset this indicator so the fridge knows it has a fresh cartridge. The reset method depends on your model, but most Kenmore fridges use one of these steps: hold down the "Filter Reset" or "Water Filter" button on the control panel for three to five seconds until the light goes out or the message clears, or press and hold the "Reset" button on the filter housing itself for the same amount of time.

Check your fridge's manual or look for a label on the filter housing or inside the fridge door that shows the reset steps for your specific model. If you cannot find the manual, search online for your model number plus "filter reset" and you will find the exact steps. If the light does not reset after you follow the steps, the button may be stuck or the control board may need service—call a Kenmore service center if this happens.

Testing for leaks and proper water flow

After the filter is installed and the light is reset, run water through the system to check for leaks. Press the water dispenser button on the front of the fridge and let water flow into a cup for about 30 seconds. The first water may look cloudy or taste slightly off—this is normal and happens because air is still in the line. Discard this water and run another 30 seconds of water, then taste it. It should be clear and taste normal.

While the water is running, look under the fridge and inside the fridge around the filter housing to make sure no water is dripping. If you see a leak, turn off the water supply to the fridge when ready by closing the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the fridge. Remove the filter and check that the rubber seal is seated properly in the housing, then reinstall it. If the leak continues, the housing itself may be cracked and you will need to call a service technician.

Where to buy Kenmore replacement filters

Kenmore water filters are sold at most major appliance retailers, including Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Sears (if there is one in your area). You can also order them online from Amazon, Walmart, or directly from Kenmore's website. Prices typically range from $30 to $60 depending on the filter type and where you buy it. Always search for your exact model number—Kenmore makes different filters for different fridge models, and buying the wrong one will not fit.

Some retailers offer subscription services where a new filter is shipped to you automatically every six months or a year, which can save money if you remember to use it. Check the box or manual that came with your fridge to see if there is a part number printed on it—this number is faster to search with than the model number alone.

How often to change your Kenmore water filter

Kenmore recommends changing the water filter every six months under normal use, or sooner if you notice the water pressure dropping or the taste changing. If you have hard water or your water comes from a well, you may need to change it more often. The filter indicator light will remind you when it is time, but you can also keep track by writing the installation date on the filter housing with a permanent marker.

If you notice the water dispenser is running slowly or the ice maker is not producing ice, a clogged filter is often the cause. Before you assume the filter is bad, make sure the water shut-off valve under the sink is fully open—sometimes it gets partially closed by accident and people mistake it for a filter problem. If the valve is open and the flow is still slow, the filter probably needs changing even if the light has not come on yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, many third-party filters work in Kenmore fridges and cost less than the brand-name version. Look for filters labeled as compatible with your specific Kenmore model number. Read the reviews carefully to make sure other users report that it fits properly and does not leak. Generic filters must meet the same NSF certification standards as Kenmore filters, so check that the box says "NSF certified" before you buy.

What should I do if water is leaking from the filter after I install it?

First, turn off the water supply to the fridge. Remove the filter and check that the rubber seal is clean and not cracked or twisted. Reinstall the filter and make sure it is pushed in or turned all the way until it clicks or stops. If it still leaks, the seal in the housing itself may be damaged. Call a Kenmore service center or a local appliance repair shop—the housing may need to be replaced.

Do I need to flush the new filter before using the water?

Yes, run water for 30 seconds to one minute after installing a new filter to flush out air and any loose particles from the cartridge. The water may look cloudy during this time, which is normal. Discard this water and then use the water normally. This step takes only a minute and ensures the water tastes fresh and the ice maker works properly.

Where is the water shut-off valve if my fridge is leaking?

The shut-off valve is usually under the sink in the cabinet, connected to the cold water line that feeds the fridge. Look for a small knob or lever on the water line and turn it clockwise to close it. If you cannot find it under the sink, check behind the fridge where the water line enters—some models have a valve there instead. If you cannot locate it, turn off the main water supply to your house at the meter.

Can I install the filter myself or do I need a technician?

You can install the filter yourself—it takes about five minutes and requires no tools. The process is designed for homeowners and is covered in your fridge manual. You only need to call a technician if the filter does not fit, water leaks after installation, or the filter indicator light will not reset.