Replacing Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Water Filter
There have been numerous comments left in the comment section from folks experiencing trouble with their water dispensers after installation of the new water filter. The following are several suggestions to trouble shoot the problem:
- Before installing the new water filter be sure to REMOVE the filter end caps. In this example they are red pieces of plastic the cover the two ports on the end of the water filter.
- The directions are fairly specific about how to purge air from the system after the filter replacement. Once the new filter is installed you need to use a large container to purge water from the dispenser. Follow these instructions from the manufacturer:
- Use a sturdy container to depress and hold the water dispenser lever for 5 seconds, then release it for 5 seconds. Repeat until water begins to flow. Once water begins to flow, continue depressing and releasing the dispenser lever (5 seconds on, 5 seconds off) for an additional 2 minutes. This will flush air from the filter and water dispensing system. Additional flushing may be required in some households.
- If these methods still do not work it’s also possible that you have one of the following situations: bad water valve, water line frozen (the water line actually travels from the bottom of the refrigerator up through the freezer door!), or bad electronics. These are situations that require a professional repairman.
Kenmore Elite Water Filter Replacement
The other day I posted about buying replacement refrigerator water filters for our Kenmore Elite Refrigerator. In this post I want to show you how easy it is to replace your refrigerator water filter (quite a few refrigerators now use these water filters that are located on the bottom front panel of the unit).
You can purchase these water filters at Amazon and Sears. Replacing this water filter takes less than 5 minutes and the best part is you don’t need any tools to do it. 
How To Replace Kenmore Refrigerator Water Filter
- Take the new water filter out of the box and remove the two red shipping caps on the end of the filter.
- The water filter is located on the front panel down near the floor as shown in the photos.
- Push the release button located just to the left of the water filter grille cap, this will release the filter.
- Remove the grille cap from the filter by twisting it counterclockwise.
- Reinstall the grille cap on the new water filter.
- Insert the new water filter in the refrigerator making sure the words on the filter are the correct side up.
- Push the water filter in until it clicks in place.
Flush Water After Installing New Filter
Be sure you flush out the water from the new filter after you replace it! Many readers are having trouble with airlocks because they are skipping this important step. Kenmore recommends you run the water out of the water and ice maker for a few minutes to flush out the 
new filter. This also helps remove air bubbles from the system. If you don’t do this it’s possible that the water dispenser may not work properly due to an air lock.
This particular water filter claims to reduce:
- Cysts and turbidity – linked to gastrointestinal problems
- Lead
- Chlorine – taste and odor for better tasting water
- Sediment – for clearer water
- o-Dichlorobenzene – linked to risk of liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems
- Benzene – linked to increase risk of cancer and anemia
I highly doubt any of our town water really has a problem with these issues. However, the water certainly tastes better after it’s filtered so we’ll continue changing the filter on a regular basis.
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I’ve been looking for a quick guide on how to do this, thanks and added a link back.
[...] recently wrote a post about how to replace a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator water filter. Since then I’ve been asked several times where to buy water filters for other refrigerator [...]
Todd,
What are your suggestions for replacing the water filter on a Kenmore Elite that does not have a release button? I removed the filter and now the new one will not go all the way in. Thanks for your help.
Most of those water filters require that you turn them a 1/4 turn to engage them.
1. What about the ones that are up inside the fridge.
2. Do you need to cut the water off or is there a sealing valve it screws into?
@ Dave – All of the refrigerator water filters that I’m familiar with are self sealing. Have you bought your filter yet? It should come with directions on the box.
After you change the filter, how do you purge the air and water traveling to the ice maker?
@ Graham – You need to run several quarts of water through the water dispenser. That will purge the air out.
I will give that a try. It has not been able to make ice since I changed the filter. Thanks!
After replacing the filter, no water comes out… We put the old one back, and still no water. Any advice?
@ Helen – Sounds like an air lock. Did you try unplugging the power to the refrigerator and letting it reset itself?
Todd: I have Kenmore elite model No. 57442. Manual says use filter T1RFKB1. Whirlpool site says to use the new 4396710 PUR as the replacement filter, unless we have “Fast Fil” or “Pur measurel” dispensers. How would I know if I have such dispensers? Do you use the new 4396710 PUR as the replacement?
@ Charlie – That’s the replacement cartridge that I use in my Kenmore Elite. Anyway you can remove your old one, take a photo and email?
I had the same problem as Graham, I changed the filter two days ago and now my ice maker hasn’t made any ice…what can i do now?? thanks
@ Craig – Did you purge out all the air?
I purged it for the most part, maybe not quite all the way. The water works fine. I just ran it again and doesn’t seem to be any spurting or any air in the line. Thanks
i just tried to push the button and pull the filter out and the filter grill cap broke off and the filter is still in the fridge. Any ideas on how i should get this out?
@ Rick – The cap is actually meant to come off the filter. The button adjacent to the cap should release the filter?
Just to let you know, My ice maker is working again. I called the manufacturer and they told me it can take 2 or 3 days for the ice maker to begin working again.
We followed these directions,but the new filter leaked. The whole grille piece had been removed during a move and we were planning to put it back on after we changed the filter. Would that make a difference? Do you have any suggestions?
@ Gretchen – are you sure the filter “locked” in when you installed it? Or could it have been water that leaked out when you removed the old one?
My husband said it didn’t feel quite locked in, but couldn’t seem to adjust it. He usually has no problem with most mechanical things. Is there a trick? The new filter leaks a little just sitting on the counter.
[...] recently wrote a post about how to replace a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator water filter. Since then I’ve been asked several times where to buy water filters for other refrigerator [...]
I push the release button but the filter does not come out. Nothing happens. Any ideas?
Ron
@ Ron – Sometimes you need to twist the cap slightly while pushing the release button to get it out. Give that a try and see what happens.
Ron,
Can you tell me if a Whirlpool filter will work on a Kenmore fridge. I am confused when I look up buying water replacement filters that it leads me to the Whirlpool filters. The filter I took out has a model # I cannot find (T1KB1) or looks like maybe (9020). ?? Help…
@ Deb – Whirlpool = Kenmore. They are all the same thing, the same factory builds both. If you’re getting a whirlpool filter from the reference i’m sure it’s correct.
We replaced our filter for the first time, flushed the system, and suddenly we have the worst tasting water. Tastes like plastic. When we pull out the filter, it’s completely dry. Should it be? Do we need to go get another and try again? Or call Sears (which I dread). It’s not our water. We still have a brita filter we use and that water tastes fine.
@ Cara – Sounds like an air lock of some type. Can you put the old one back and and try to run some water through it?
Hi. I have a Kenmore Elite. I replaced the water filter and the new one completely dry when I take it out. The water is not running through it. I saw that you told someone to put the old one in and try running it but I don’t have the old one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
@ Krista – Not really sure….there may be a reset button or sequence of buttons. Check your owner’s manual.
hi so i’ve been reading through other people comments on how to fix their kenmore refrigerator i’ve replaced my water filter unplugged it but i don’t really understand where or how i’m supposed to start by purging air out or even running water through what??? kinda confused any help please??
Ana – You purge the air by installing the new filter, then try to fill up a picture of water with the thing like filling up a glass of water….the system will spit, sputter and eventually provide a steady stream of water.
I have a Kenmore side by side frig. I wanted to replace the water filter. I took the filter out to get the correct model number so I could order one. I out the filter back in until the new one arrives. Well now my water dispensor will not work? No water comes out at all. It doesnt even make any noise as if it were trying to dispense water. Any ideas?
@ Ryan – Did you push it in and turn it?
Hi, We have a Kenmore Elite that we bought used five years ago. The previous owners used the water and ice maker, but we have not because we didn’t have the connection for the water. We now have it connected to a water source and want to use the water and ice. We plan to replace the filter since it sat so long and will run some water and toss the first batch of ice. Is there anything else we should do to make sure the water is safe? Sears filter model #9010 is not available locally and the shipping is expensive. Is there an equivalent by another manufacturer that we can use? Thanks!!!
@ Christy – You need to look for Whirlpool Model # 4396510. That’s the equivalent filter. You can also buy it at the following link and qualify for free shipping:
Whirlpool Filter 4396510
Yes….I turned it. I have since tried to use the system w/out the filter (as referenced in the manual). That didn’t work. I put the filter back in again (and yes I turned it :)) and it still doesn’t work. It is strange it acts as if there isn’t power engaging the pump to turn on when I depress the water filler lever. The ice maker still works (and I hear the pump work to fill the ice tray). It seems way too coincidental that at the exact time I decide to change the filter, the pump would break? I even tried unplugging the frig for a bit to see if it would some how ‘reset’ when I plug it back in; and nothing.
@ Ryan – One of the problems that people keep pointing to is some sort of air lock. Try re-installing it and holding down the lever for a minute or so. Not sure if that will work or not.
the problem is that when I hold the water lever down I do not even hear the pump even attempt (engage) to purge water. I have held it down for 5 minutes and nothing.
@ Ryan – Really got me stumped. I assume it worked prior to removing the old filter? I know some folks have said that if you don’t install it properly and turn it back in it won’t work. Sounds like some type of safety switch.
Hi, i cannot find a release button anywhere. I just have a handle that will not turn either way. What do I do?
@ Keziah – There is a triangular button just to the side of the handle.
We have a Kenmore Elite and my husband replaced the water filter. When he tried to run water through it to purge the line of air, he heard air-type noise but the water started to come out on the floor and not the dispenser. He is sure the filter is in completely and it will not turn at all. I saw that some of them require a 1/4 turn. He has taken the old filter out and put it back in to see what we needed to buy, so I am sure he put in it in properly. Any ideas?
@ Angie – Not sure…sounds like it wasn’t seated properly..or it’s the wrong filter. Did you keep the old one?
We did try the old one and it still came out the bottom. I suspect that a line came undone when he put the new filter in. It was seated properly. It is a straight tunnel and there really isn’t anyway to do it wrong. At least I thought. Thanks
@ Angie – I know sometimes you get a little water…but it does sound like something is wrong with yours. Hopefully someone will comment on it here for you. Good luck.
Hi how do know when to change the filter The refer has a control panel on the front showing the filter but no explanation of the symbols Thank you
@ Steve – I think each model is different. Our Elite has three lights; Good, Order and Replace which tell the status of the filter.
I left the red caps on my filter when installing and now those caps are stuck in the refrigerator. Any ideas on how to easily remove them?
@ Melissa – Sounds like you might need a long pair of narrow needle nose pliers like these:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0014DEU12/homeconstimpr-20
You need a pair that are really long so you can reach in there to remove the caps.
I have an older Elite and no manual. There is no triangular release button & I don’t know how to get the filter out. Any ideas?
Debby – Did you try rotating a quarter turn and pulling out?
Hi, I have a Kenmore referigerator with the filter inside the refrigerator (on the right side top area). I replaced the old filter with the new one, but the refrigerator light still says “filter reset” (asking me to put in a new filter). Is there something I need to do to get the new filter activated?
Andrew – Depending on the model you typically have to reset the button. Most of them reset by pushing the button and holding for a short period of time. The buttons are only a timer and not specially set up to test the water quality or life of the filter.
I went to change the water filter for the first time and it appears there is not a grill cap on the filter I want to replace. Furthermore, the filter is stuck and won’t budge even when I press the release button. I tried turning the filter while pressing the button but it is stuck in there really good. Suggestions?
Julia – Sounds like a different model. Do you know the model number? If so I can look it up for you.
question….our refrigerator started leaking. the pan underneath, near the water filter is full (and not removable to empty). we are unsure when the last time the filter has been changed (could be years for all we know) and we are assuming that is what is causing the leak (worn gaskets or something)beacuse that seems to be where its coming from. is it safe to run the refrigerator and icemaker WITHOUT the filter in until i can get to home depot this weekend?
Brian – Honestly I don’t know the answer to that. It’s likely that it will run fine without it, whether or not the ice maker will run or water will come out is the question.
thanks for your answer! ive removed the water filter, and everything seems to be running fine, including the ice maker and water. and i havent noticed any leaking yet today. it must have a built in filter bypass. so, im guessing the filter is what was causing the leak…..couldve been in there for years. im going to leave it out until i get paid and can hit home depot for a new one.
Hi. I moved into a new apartment that has a kenmore water filter and seems like the replacement light has been on good for a long time – it’s been about three months using about half a gallon of drinking water a day and I don’t know how long the previous tenant had been using it. How long do these things last typically? Thanks! :)
Anthony – They typically last about 6 months or so..
Hi, I have a Kenmore Model #596.75509400 (french doors/bottom freezer). After years of operation, I finally got a water line. Ice manufactur started after a day or so but it smells bad. The copper line is new. So I want to try replacing the water filter. Trouble is I can’t find it. I’ve gone through the manual, looked through pictures of filters but I don’t find where the filter is located.
Christina – That model doesn’t have a built-in water filter. You can install a water filter on the water supply line if you want. If you have a basement I recommend installing it down there where the supply line starts. Otherwise try to find a place that’s accessible for changing. Most hardware stores sell a kit and installation is fairly easy. You can also hire a plumber to do it.
The strange smell is probably due to the fact that it sat so long without being used. I’d run several loads of ice through it and hopefully it will clean itself up.
Read a bunch of these posts, popped the old one out, plugged the new one in, drained a couple of quarts of water until it quit sputtering. It works great. Thanx Todd I am grateful for all the help you gave these folks and me.
the cap is broken and the button will not eject/loosen the filter. the filter seems to be stuck. i dont think the previous owner ever changed….maybe broke the cap when he attempted. any suggestions. the filter is really not budging.
Mindy – Most filters simply push into an opening and seal with small O rings around the filter spout. I would see if you can get some type of wrench on the filter and pull straight out. Be careful not to damage it in case you can’t get it removed. Filters typically DO NOT screw in, so it’s just a matter of pulling straight out.
Could an old filter make the water push back on the O ring seals and cause water to leak on the floor? Water is leaking from the somewhere around the filter housing and filling up the drip tray.
Justin – Certainly possible. Also possible that the leak is a bad hose or pump seal.
I have a Kenmore elite refrigerator with French doors and a bottom freezer. We have had the fridge for almost 3 years, and changed the filter every 8-10 months. We started to get sediments in the water, so we changed the filter. I ran about 10 gallons of water through, and still have sediments. I thought it may have been a defective filter, so I bought another one, same thing, still have sediments. We use it a lot, so the water doesn’t sit in the tank. The filter is in the freezer, model # 49-9990. Any suggestions?
Tony – What type of water source do you have? Well perhaps? I think it’s the water source and now the filter.
Hey Todd, the water source is split from the sink, no sediments in water from faucet. Is it possible the water lines in fridge are corroded? If so, how do you clean the lines out?
Tony – You’ve got me, seems strange that there was no sediment prior to the new filter being installed. Might be time for the repairman.
I had to take our old filter out of the fridge to see what type it was so that i would order the right one, then I replaced the old filter, and now it won’t stop leaking it has leaked all over my wood floors and has caused the wood to bow I have no idea whats wrong with it I pushed it in all the way until it clicked do you have any solutions?
Ricki – Did you try removing it, checking to see that the seal is good and re-installing? If that doesn’t work you should shut off the water to it until you can get it repaired.
Todd, I have a Whirlpool side-by-side with the PUR filter in the grill. I replaced the filter just fine and flushed the lines for about 5 minutes. My problem is I get air in the holding tank when I replace a filter. No amount of flushing will get it out, so I have to unscrew the tank, and twist and turn it while my wife opens the water dispenser. If we don’t, we get puddle on the floor from all the drips. Is there a better way to prevent air in the holding tank while replacing the filter?
George – this is the first I’ve heard of this problem. Can’t say as if I’ve got a solution for you. Maybe another reader can chime in. I’ll ask around and see if anyone has a thought.
Hi Todd, I just replaced PUR #4396710 on my Kitchen Aid refer as I have done in the past. This time however, water only comes out for a second and then fails to a trickle. There is also a sort of “rattle” inside as the pressure dies off. In the past I have noticed a blast of air as the line cleared and then normal water dispencing. I have tried the old filter with the same result. Any ideas?
Pam – Sounds like an air lock of some sorts. I’m not exactly sure how you fix the problem. Can you try to run water through it when the filter is removed?
Hi Todd,
I have the same issue as Pam. I just replaced the water filter on my Kenmore Elite refrigerator as I have done many times in the past. This time water only comes out normally for just a second or two and then fails to a trickle. The old filter has the same results. Please help us.
David – I’m trying to see if an appliance repair person I know can help. Stay tuned.
David – I’ve updated the post with some more information from Kenmore. I’m also going to write a short article in the coming days about some of the other possible causes including a frozen water line. The water line runs from the bottom of the refrigerator, up through the freezer door to the dispenser, a common issue is having that line freeze up.
Hi Todd,
This is great! Thank you for the information. I’ll check the line that runs to the freezer door and keep you posted. Thanks again for your help.
I have a Kenmore 106.64932401 – top freezer. It does not have a filter for the ice maker. The ice is discolored and smells, and I’ve been told by Kenmore that I need to install a filter, even though my frig does not have one. How do I do that? What filter should I get? Thank you!
Karyn – What you need to do is have a plumber (or yourself if you’re a good DIY’er) install an inline water filter before the water enters the refrigerator.