Your Kenmore refrigerator is more than just a cooling appliance—it provides clean, safe drinking water and fresh ice. However, over time, your Kenmore refrigerator water filter can become clogged with contaminants, reducing water quality and appliance efficiency.
Regular water filter replacement is essential to maintain fresh, contaminant-free water and keep your fridge running efficiently.
This DIY guide covers everything you need to know about replacing your Kenmore water filter, including why it’s important and how to do it without professional help.
Why Replacing Your Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter is Essential
Regularly replacing your Kenmore water filter ensures clean, great-tasting water and prevents issues that can affect your refrigerator’s performance. Here’s why it matters:
1. Ensures Clean, Fresh, and Great-Tasting Water
Over time, impurities like chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants accumulate inside the filter. If not replaced, these substances can affect water quality and taste. A fresh filter ensures pure, refreshing water every time.
2. Prevents Contaminant Buildup and Bacteria Growth
A used water filter can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, contaminating your drinking water and posing health risks. Replacing the filter on time eliminates these hazards and keeps your water safe to drink.
3. Maintains Proper Water Flow and Ice Production
A clogged water filter restricts water flow, reducing the efficiency of your dispenser and ice maker. Installing a new Kenmore refrigerator filter ensures optimal water movement, preserving your fridge’s performance and ensuring steady ice production.
What is the Manufacturer’s Recommended Replacement Time?
Kenmore recommends replacing the refrigerator water filter every six months. This schedule maintains peak filtration performance, ensuring your water meets health and safety standards while keeping your fridge running efficiently.
If you notice changes in water taste, slow dispenser flow, or reduced ice production, consider replacing the Kenmore water filter sooner. Larger households with frequent water usage may need more frequent filter replacements to maintain optimal water quality.
How to Find the Right Kenmore Water Filter for Your Refrigerator
Each Kenmore refrigerator requires a specific water filter to maintain optimal performance and proper fit.
Using the correct filter ensures clean drinking water, efficient filtration, and smooth appliance operation. Follow these steps to find the right Kenmore water filter for your fridge.
1. Check Your Kenmore Refrigerator Model Number
Start by locating your Kenmore refrigerator model number. This information is usually found on a sticker inside the fridge, on the sidewall, ceiling, or door frame. In some cases, you may find it on the back of the appliance.
Knowing your model number is essential to determine the compatible Kenmore water filter for your refrigerator.
2. Identify the Correct Water Filter Type
Kenmore offers different water filter models designed for various refrigerator configurations. Here are the most common ones:
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Kenmore 9999 (46-9999): Compatible with side-by-side and bottom freezer refrigerators.
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Kenmore 9690 (46-9690): Best suited for French door refrigerators to match the design requirements.
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Kenmore 9081 (46-9081): Works efficiently with top-freezer models, ensuring optimal filtration.
To confirm which Kenmore water filter fits your fridge, refer to the user manual or check the Kenmore official website.
3. Where to Buy Genuine Kenmore Water Filters
For the best filtration performance, always purchase authentic Kenmore water filters from trusted retailers. Buying from reputable sources ensures you get high-quality, certified filters that meet Kenmore’s filtration standards.
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Kenmore’s official website
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Authorized online retailers (Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears, Best Buy)
Avoid third-party or off-brand filters that may not fit properly or provide effective filtration. Using counterfeit filters could also compromise water quality and refrigerator efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
Replacing your Kenmore refrigerator water filter is a simple task that ensures clean, fresh water and keeps your fridge running efficiently.
Follow this step-by-step guide to correctly install a new Kenmore water filter.
Step 1: Locate the Water Filter
The Kenmore refrigerator water filter is usually located in one of two areas:
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Inside the refrigerator compartment (upper wall)
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Base grille at the front of the fridge
Refer to your user manual for the exact location based on your refrigerator model.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply (If Required)
For some Kenmore refrigerator models, turning off the water supply before removing the filter is necessary. This prevents water leaks or spills during replacement.
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Find the shutoff valve (usually behind the fridge or under the sink).
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Turn the valve clockwise to stop the water flow.
Not all models require this step, so check your Kenmore fridge manual for specific instructions.
Step 3: Remove the Old Water Filter
Kenmore refrigerators use different filter removal mechanisms, depending on the model:
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Twist-Out Filters: Grip the filter, turn it counterclockwise, and pull it out.
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Push-Button Filters: Press the release button and slide the filter out.
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Pull-Out Filters: Simply pull the filter straight out of the slot.
Dispose of the old water filter according to local recycling guidelines.
Step 4: Install the New Water Filter
Align the new Kenmore water filter properly with the filter housing and insert it as per the manufacturer’s instructions:
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Twist-In Filters: Insert and turn clockwise until securely locked.
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Push-In Filters: Push the filter into place until you hear a click.
Check for leaks or improper water flow before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Flush the Water System
After installing the new refrigerator water filter, flush the system by dispensing 2-4 gallons of water through the dispenser. This removes:
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Trapped air bubbles
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Loose carbon particles
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Impurities from the new filter
Flushing helps the Kenmore fridge filter reach optimal filtration capacity faster.
Step 6: Reset the Water Filter Indicator Light
Many Kenmore refrigerators have a filter indicator light that alerts you when it’s time for a replacement. Once the new filter is installed, reset the indicator:
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Press and hold the reset button (usually near the dispenser) for 3-5 seconds.
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The indicator light should turn off, confirming the reset.
This ensures that your Kenmore refrigerator correctly tracks the next water filter replacement cycle.
Final Thoughts
Regularly replacing your Kenmore refrigerator water filter is crucial for maintaining clean, safe drinking water and ensuring your appliance runs at peak efficiency. This step-by-step guide simplifies the replacement process, helping you select the right filter and install it correctly.
Whether you own a side-by-side, French door, or top-freezer Kenmore refrigerator, following the recommended filter replacement steps saves you time and prevents potential issues. Routine filter changes keep your water fresh, contaminant-free, and your fridge functioning efficiently.
By following this DIY guide, you ensure your family enjoys safe, high-quality drinking water and ice production remains optimal. Order a genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter today and experience pure, great-tasting water and ice cubes every day!
FAQs About Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
Q1. How Do I Know if My Filter is Installed Correctly?
After installing your Kenmore refrigerator filter, check for leaks and monitor water flow. Dispense a few glasses of water to confirm the filter is functioning properly. Also, reset the indicator light to ensure the fridge recognizes the new filter.
Q2. Can I Use a Third-Party Water Filter Instead of a Kenmore Brand?
While third-party water filters exist, it’s always recommended to use a genuine Kenmore refrigerator water filter. Authentic filters ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and warranty protection for your appliance. Always check your user manual before considering alternatives.
Q3. What Happens if I Don’t Replace My Water Filter on Time?
Neglecting to replace the Kenmore refrigerator water filter leads to contaminant buildup, restricted water flow, and reduced ice production. Over time, water quality declines, and your appliance’s efficiency may suffer, impacting safety and performance.
Q4. How Do I Reset the Filter Light on My Kenmore Refrigerator?
The filter reset process varies by Kenmore refrigerator model. Typically, after installing the new filter, press and hold the reset button on the control panel for a few seconds. If your model has different reset steps, refer to your user manual for guidance.