Categories: KitchensMaintanence

Replacing Kenmore Elite Refrigerator Water Filter

UPDATE:
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

refrigerator-water-filter2 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.

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

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View Comments

Best Refrigerators says:
January 11, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I've been looking for a quick guide on how to do this, thanks and added a link back.
Ausker Morris says:
February 5, 2009 at 12:48 pm
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.
- Todd says:
  February 5, 2009 at 12:49 pm
  Most of those water filters require that you turn them a 1/4 turn to engage them.
Dave says:
March 4, 2009 at 8:38 am
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?
- Todd says:
  March 4, 2009 at 9:43 am
  @ 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.
Graham says:
May 10, 2009 at 1:49 pm
After you change the filter, how do you purge the air and water traveling to the ice maker?
- Todd says:
  May 10, 2009 at 3:39 pm
  @ Graham - You need to run several quarts of water through the water dispenser. That will purge the air out.
Graham says:
May 10, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I will give that a try. It has not been able to make ice since I changed the filter. Thanks!
Helen says:
May 29, 2009 at 10:59 pm
After replacing the filter, no water comes out... We put the old one back, and still no water. Any advice?
- Todd says:
  May 30, 2009 at 5:38 am
  @ Helen - Sounds like an air lock. Did you try unplugging the power to the refrigerator and letting it reset itself?
Charlie says:
July 16, 2009 at 11:12 am
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?
- Todd says:
  July 16, 2009 at 6:36 pm
  @ 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?
Craig says:
July 18, 2009 at 1:12 am
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
- Todd says:
  July 18, 2009 at 5:16 am
  @ Craig - Did you purge out all the air?
Craig says:
July 18, 2009 at 6:08 pm
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
Rick says:
July 22, 2009 at 11:21 am
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?
- Todd says:
  July 22, 2009 at 11:24 am
  @ Rick - The cap is actually meant to come off the filter. The button adjacent to the cap should release the filter?
  - Virginia says:
    October 8, 2013 at 12:21 pm
    Pretty much this is what happened here; the filter is still in the fridge, "release button" doesn't release anything as far as I can tell. Do I try pulling the old filter out? I don't want to break it. (I don't have a manual.)
    Hoping you're still monitoring this page...
    - Todd says:
      October 8, 2013 at 6:59 pm
      No harm pulling on it to see if you can get it free.