Kitchenaid Side By Side Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement

ByJim Boslice Home & Kitchen

To perform a KitchenAid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement, locate your filter either in the bottom base grille or the upper interior corner. Simply press the release button or turn the filter cap 90 degrees counter-clockwise to remove the old cartridge, slide the new one in until it clicks, and flush three gallons of water through the system to remove air and carbon fines.

You know that annoying “replace filter” light on your fridge that has been staring you down for the last month? It is easy to ignore when you are busy in the workshop or finishing up a carpentry project, but eventually, that stale, metallic water taste catches up with you.

Swapping out that filter is one of the easiest DIY wins you can tackle in your kitchen without calling a technician or grabbing a heavy toolbox. It is a simple maintenance task that ensures your ice maker stays functional and your drinking water remains crisp and clean.

In this guide, I will walk you through the process of identifying your specific filter type, the steps to swap it out safely, and how to handle those common “stuck filter” headaches. By the time we are done, you will have mastered the kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement and saved yourself a hefty service call fee.

Understanding the Importance of Clean Filtration

Before we dive into the mechanical side of things, let’s talk about why we bother with this task at all. Your refrigerator’s filtration system is the primary defense against sediment, chlorine, and trace heavy metals that can find their way into city water lines.

Over time, the activated carbon inside the filter becomes saturated and loses its ability to trap contaminants. This doesn’t just affect the taste of your water; it can actually lead to scale buildup inside the delicate valves of your ice maker, leading to smaller cubes or a total system failure.

As DIYers, we know that preventative maintenance is always cheaper than a major repair. Replacing the filter every six months keeps the internal plumbing of your appliance clear and ensures the solenoid valves don’t have to work overtime against a clogged line.

Identifying Your Filter Location and Type

KitchenAid side-by-side models generally utilize one of two primary filter locations. Knowing where yours lives is the first step in a successful kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement.

The first common location is the base grille. If you look at the very bottom of your refrigerator, near the floor, you might see a circular cap protruding from the plastic vent. This is typical for older side-by-side models and some specific modern configurations.

The second location is the interior upper-right corner. If you open the refrigerator door and look at the “ceiling” of the compartment, you will likely see a plastic housing. This housing either drops down or has a small door that flips open to reveal the filter cartridge.

Most modern KitchenAid units use the EveryDrop brand of filters, which are color-coded and numbered (e.g., Filter 1, Filter 2, Filter 4). Check your owner’s manual or look at the label on the old filter to ensure you have the exact match before you start pulling things apart.

How to Perform a kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement

Now that you have your new filter in hand, it is time to get to work. While you usually don’t need to turn off the main water supply for this, it is a good idea to have a shop rag or towel nearby to catch the few drops of water that might escape during the swap.

The Base Grille (Bottom) Method

If your filter is located at the bottom of the unit, look for a release button right next to the filter cap. Pressing this button firmly should pop the filter out toward you. In some cases, there is no button, and you must turn the cap 90 degrees counter-clockwise to unlock it.

Once the filter is loose, pull it straight out. You will notice a plastic decorative cap on the end of the old filter; don’t throw this away! You need to slide that cap off the old cartridge and snap it onto the new one so the fridge looks finished once you are done.

Align the new filter with the housing, ensuring the ribs on the cartridge match the slots in the fridge. Push it in firmly until the eject button pops back out or until you can turn the cap 90 degrees clockwise to the “locked” position.

The Interior (Top-Right) Method

For interior filters, you will usually find a flip-up door or a push-button cover. If there is a button on the front of the housing, press it to let the door swing down. If there is no button, look for a small notch where you can pull the door downward.

Once the door is open, grab the filter and turn it counter-clockwise. You will feel it reach a stop point, at which point you can pull it straight out toward the front of the fridge. Be careful, as the filter will be full of water and slightly heavy.

Take your new filter out of the packaging and remove the protective red caps from the O-rings. Slide the new filter into the housing, push in slightly, and turn it clockwise until it stops. Close the housing door, and you should hear a satisfying click.

Troubleshooting a Stuck or Stubborn Filter

Sometimes a kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement doesn’t go quite as planned. If the filter won’t budge, it is usually due to water pressure trapped in the line or mineral deposits around the seal.

If the bottom filter button won’t depress, try pressing the filter cartridge inward while simultaneously pushing the button. This helps relieve the tension on the locking mechanism. If that fails, you might need to briefly turn off the water supply to the fridge and dispense a bit of water to drop the internal pressure.

For interior filters that won’t turn, use a rubber jar opener or a dry rag to get a better grip. Avoid using pliers if possible, as the plastic housing is fragile. If you must use a tool, use a pair of channel-lock pliers very gently and only on the thickest part of the filter base.

If you find that the new filter simply won’t stay in, check the O-rings on the end of the cartridge. Sometimes a tiny piece of plastic or a misaligned seal can prevent the filter from seating properly. A tiny dab of food-grade silicone grease on the O-rings can make the installation much smoother.

Essential Post-Replacement Steps

Once the new filter is physically installed, you aren’t quite finished. There are two critical steps remaining to ensure your kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement is a total success: flushing the system and resetting the electronics.

New filters contain loose carbon dust and trapped air. If you don’t flush the line, your first few glasses of water will look cloudy or even black. Hold a large pitcher under the dispenser and run the water for about three to four gallons.

Don’t be alarmed if the dispenser sputters or coughs during this process. That is just air being purged from the lines. Keep the water running until the stream is steady and the water looks crystal clear. This also “primes” the filter so it can work at maximum efficiency.

Finally, you need to tell the fridge that it has a new filter. Locate the Filter Reset button on your control panel. On most KitchenAid models, you need to press and hold this button for three to five seconds until the light changes from red to green or the “Replace Filter” text disappears.

Frequently Asked Questions About KitchenAid Filters

How often should I replace my KitchenAid water filter?

Standard recommendation is every six months. However, if you have a large family that uses the dispenser constantly, or if you live in an area with very hard water, you may need to replace it every four months. If the flow rate slows down significantly, that is your signal to swap it out.

Can I use a generic filter instead of the EveryDrop brand?

While generic filters are often cheaper, they may not have the same NSF certifications for removing specific contaminants like lead or pharmaceuticals. Additionally, generic filters sometimes have slight manufacturing variances that can lead to leaks or a poor fit in the housing.

Why is my water dispenser slow after the replacement?

If the water is slow immediately after a kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement, there is likely still air trapped in the line. Continue flushing the dispenser. If the problem persists, the filter may not be fully seated, or the bypass valve in the housing might be partially closed.

What happens if I don’t change the filter?

Eventually, the filter will become so clogged that water flow will stop entirely. More importantly, the trapped organic matter inside the old filter can become a breeding ground for bacteria over time, which defeats the purpose of having a filter in the first place.

Mastering Your Home Maintenance

Taking care of your kitchen appliances is just as important as maintaining your table saw or keeping your welding rig clean. A successful kitchenaid side by side refrigerator water filter replacement is a simple way to ensure your home runs efficiently and your family stays hydrated with clean water.

Remember to always keep a spare filter on your workshop shelf so you aren’t caught off guard when the indicator light turns red. It is a small investment that prevents larger plumbing headaches down the road and keeps your fridge’s internal components in top-tier shape.

Now that you have conquered the refrigerator, take that momentum back into the garage or the shop. Whether you are framing a wall or beading a weld, that same attention to detail and proactive maintenance will always serve you well. Keep tinkering, keep fixing, and enjoy that fresh, cold glass of water!

Jim Boslice
Latest posts by Jim Boslice (see all)

Similar Posts