You probably haven’t thought about your fridge in weeks. It sits there, humming quietly, keeping the milk cold and the frozen peas solid. But then that little red light flicks on. Or worse, your ice cubes start tasting like a dusty basement. Learning how to change a kenmore refrigerator water filter isn't exactly a thrill ride, but it’s the difference between crisp, clean hydration and drinking whatever happens to be leaching out of your local pipes.
Most people wait way too long. They see the light and think, "I'll get to it next month." Honestly, that’s a mistake. These filters aren't just for taste; they’re mechanical barriers. Once they’re full, they’re done.
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Finding the Right Filter Before You Pull the Old One
Don't just run to the store and grab the first thing that says "Kenmore." That’s a recipe for a flooded kitchen floor. Kenmore doesn't actually make their own refrigerators. Depending on the year your model was manufactured, it was likely built by Whirlpool, LG, or Frigidaire. This means the "Kenmore" brand on the door is just a badge. You need to know if you're looking for a Filter 1, a 9690, or one of those long, skinny ones that looks like a baton.
Check the model number inside the fridge wall. It usually starts with three digits followed by a period, like 795. or 106. Those first three numbers are the "manufacturer code." For example, 795 means it’s an LG-built unit. 106 points to Whirlpool. If you try to force a twist-lock filter into a push-button housing, you’re going to snap a plastic clip, and then you're looking at a $300 repair bill for a new filter manifold.
Cheap knock-offs are everywhere online. They look identical. They’re ten bucks cheaper. But here’s the thing: many of them lack NSF/ANSI certifications (specifically 42 for aesthetics and 53 for health contaminants). You might save a few dollars, but you’re essentially putting a screen door on a submarine. If you want to get lead and mercury out of your water, stick to the certified stuff.
The Physical Act: How to Change a Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter Without the Mess
Location is everything. Your filter is either in the upper right-hand corner inside the fridge or tucked into the base grille at the bottom.
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The Interior Push-Button Style
This is common on French door models. You’ll see a little plastic trapdoor.
- Push the button or the front edge of the cover to let it swing down.
- Here’s the trick: don’t just yank. Give it a firm pull.
- Water might drip. It’s fine. Keep a rag handy.
- Slide the new one in. You’ll feel a "click" when it seats. If you don't hear that click, it’s not sealed, and the first time you try to get water, it’ll spray the back of your fridge.
The Bottom Grille Twist-Lock
These are a bit more annoying. You’re down on your knees.
- Turn the cap a quarter-turn counter-clockwise.
- Pull the whole assembly out.
- Now, don't throw away the cap! People do this all the time. The colored cap slides off the old filter and onto the new one.
- Align the arrows, push it in, and twist it back to the vertical position.
Sometimes the filter gets stuck. It’s usually because of mineral buildup or internal pressure. If it won't budge, try turning off the water supply to the fridge and dispensing a bit of water to relieve the pressure. It makes a world of difference. You'd be surprised how much a little bit of trapped air can lock a filter in place.
Why Your Water Still Tastes Weird After Replacing It
You’ve finished. The new filter is in. You take a sip, and it’s... metallic? Or maybe there are black specks floating in the glass?
Don't panic. That’s just carbon fines.
Every new filter is packed with activated carbon. During shipping, these granules rub together and create dust. You have to flush the system. We aren't talking about one glass of water here. You need to run at least three to five gallons through the line. Yes, it feels wasteful. Just use it to water your plants or something.
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This process also clears out the air pockets. If you don't flush it, your water dispenser will "spit" at you for the next three days. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s totally avoidable. Just hold the lever down and keep a pitcher ready.
Dealing With the "Change Filter" Reset Light
The fridge isn't smart enough to know you put a new filter in. It’s just a timer. Usually, it’s set for six months or a certain number of gallons. To get rid of that annoying red glow, you usually have to hold the "Filter Reset" or "Water" button for three full seconds.
On some older Kenmore Elite models, the button is actually labeled "Options." You have to navigate through the menu to find the filter status. If your touch screen is finicky, use the pad of your finger, not your nail.
Maintenance Truths Nobody Tells You
Air in the line can cause your ice maker to produce "hollow" cubes. If your ice looks like thin shells, it’s often because the filter was changed but the air wasn't fully purged.
Also, check your water pressure. If it takes more than ten seconds to fill an eight-ounce glass, your filter is either clogged or your home’s water pressure is too low. Filters require a minimum PSI (usually around 30 to 35) to push water through the dense carbon block.
If you live in an area with extremely hard water, you might need to change your filter every four months instead of six. The "six-month rule" is a generalization. Sediment doesn't follow a calendar. If you notice the flow slowing down, that’s your signal.
Critical Next Steps for Your Fridge
Once the new filter is installed and the line is flushed, verify the seal. Check the floor around the base of the fridge ten minutes later. Tiny slow drips from a misaligned filter can warp hardwood floors before you even realize there's a problem.
- Verify the manufacturer code on your model sticker to ensure you're buying the correct OEM part.
- Label the new filter with today's date using a permanent marker before sliding it in.
- Run 3-5 gallons of water through the dispenser to clear carbon fines and trapped air.
- Hold the reset button for 3-5 seconds until the status light turns green or disappears.
- Inspect the back of the fridge for any vibrating noises, which could indicate a loose filter housing.