Can I run my Kenmore refrigerator without a water filter?
Kenmore model 329347700 is a faucet water filter (cartridge filter housing), not a refrigerator. You can run the faucet without a filter cartridge installed, but the water will be unfiltered and some housings reduce flow or may drip if the cartridge is missing or not seated correctly.
What “running without a filter” means on model 329347700
On a faucet-mounted filter housing, the cartridge is the filtering media and also helps seal and direct water through the correct path.
- Water can still flow, but it will not be filtered.
- Taste and odor improvement will be reduced or eliminated.
- Flow rate can change (often faster unfiltered, sometimes restricted if the housing needs the cartridge to seal).
- Leaks can occur if internal seals are worn or the cartridge normally supports them.
- If your unit has a diverter or selector, you can typically choose filtered vs unfiltered output.
If flow stops or leaks when the cartridge is removed
Use these checks to restore normal operation.
- Reinstall the cartridge and make sure it is fully seated and locked.
- Inspect and clean the sealing surfaces; remove grit or scale.
- Check O-rings or gaskets for cracks, flattening, or twisting.
- Hand-tighten the housing (do not overtighten); then test for drips.
- If the selector will not switch modes, the diverter mechanism may be sticking.
Quick comparison
| Setup on 329347700 | Water flow | Filtration | Typical result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge installed | Normal | Yes | Best water quality |
| No cartridge installed | Usually yes | No | Possible drip or odd flow |
| Cartridge installed but not seated | Poor or none | No/partial | Bypass, restriction, or leaks |
Why it matters
Running without the cartridge is useful for troubleshooting flow and leaks, but it defeats the purpose of the faucet filter. If you are trying to identify the correct replacement, start by confirming the exact model and housing style.
For help confirming the model number on the product, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
Do water filters fit all faucets?
No. Faucet-mounted water filters do not fit all faucets; compatibility depends on the faucet spout style and the adapter threads. For the Kenmore 329347700 faucet water filter (cartridge filter housing), standard, non-pull-out spouts are the most likely to work.
Faucets that usually do not work with faucet-mounted filters
These faucet styles typically cannot accept a faucet-mount housing because the aerator is not accessible or the spout design will not support the weight and clearance.
- Pull-down sprayer faucets
- Pull-out sprayer faucets
- Faucets with an integrated sprayer built into the spout head
- Recessed or hidden aerators that require a special key
- Very short spouts with limited clearance above the sink
Quick compatibility check (before you buy or install)
Use this checklist to confirm whether your faucet is a good candidate.
- Unscrew the aerator by hand or with padded pliers; it should come off from the tip of the spout
- Check that the faucet has standard aerator threads (common sizes are 15/16 in. male or 55/64 in. female)
- Confirm the filter housing will not hit the sink rim, backsplash, or handles when rotated
- Make sure the spout is rigid and does not swivel loosely (a loose spout can leak at the base)
- Verify you can still use the faucet normally with the added height and weight
What to do if your faucet is not compatible
If your faucet is a pull-down, pull-out, or integrated sprayer style, a faucet-mount filter is the wrong fit. These alternatives typically work better:
| Option | Where it installs | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Under-sink filter system | Under the sink on the cold-water line | Clean look, full faucet compatibility |
| Countertop filter | On the counter with a diverter valve | Renters, easy removal |
| Pitcher or dispenser filter | In the fridge | Simple, no plumbing changes |
Why it matters
A mismatched faucet connection can cause leaks at the aerator threads, poor flow, or a housing that bumps the sink and loosens over time. Confirming spout type and thread fit prevents wasted time and water.
For help confirming your exact Kenmore model number before ordering water treatment parts, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
How do I know what water filter my Kenmore refrigerator needs?
Your Kenmore refrigerator needs a water filter that matches the refrigerator’s exact model number (not the filter housing model). Find the model tag inside the fresh food section, then use that model number to look up the correct replacement filter and confirm fit before you buy.
Step 1: Find the refrigerator model number
Check these common locations on Kenmore refrigerators:
- Inside the fresh food compartment on a side wall
- On the ceiling of the fresh food compartment near the light
- On the door frame (open the door and look around the perimeter)
- On a label behind the crisper drawers
If the label is worn, write down every character you can read; one missing digit can point to the wrong filter.
Step 2: Match the model number to the correct filter type
Kenmore refrigerators were built by different manufacturers, so the filter style varies by model family. Use this quick guide to narrow it down, then confirm by model lookup:
- Push-in (quarter-turn) internal filters: common in many side-by-side and French door models
- Twist-in canister filters: common in some older designs
- Inline filters (behind the fridge or under the cabinet): used on select installations
- No filter installed: some models use a bypass plug when connected to an external filtration system
Quick comparison (what you see vs. what it usually means)
| What you notice | Most likely filter setup | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Filter door/grille inside the fridge | Internal cartridge filter | Confirm the exact filter by refrigerator model number |
| Filter head on the back with tubing | Inline filter | Identify tubing size and filter style, then confirm by model |
| “Replace filter” light but no filter found | Hidden internal filter or bypass plug | Check the grille/base area and inside top corners |
Step 3: Avoid common mix-ups
These mistakes cause most wrong-filter orders:
- Using the water filter housing model (like 329347700) instead of the refrigerator model
- Matching by “looks similar” rather than by model number
- Ordering a filter that fits the housing but does not match the correct bypass valve or seal style
Why it matters
The right filter protects water taste and flow rate, and it prevents leaks caused by mismatched O-rings or an incorrect locking design. A wrong filter can also trigger a “replace filter” indicator to stay on.
Helpful resource
For a fast, accurate lookup, use our guide: how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace the water filter on a Kenmore refrigerator?
Model 329347700 is a Kenmore faucet water filter (cartridge filter housing), not a refrigerator filter. To replace it, you shut off the faucet, relieve pressure, remove the old cartridge from the faucet-mounted housing, install the new cartridge fully seated, then flush water until it runs clear.
Before you start
- Turn the cold-water faucet off.
- Place a towel or small bowl under the housing to catch drips.
- If the housing has a pressure-relief button, press it to reduce spray.
- Confirm you are working on a sink/faucet filter and not a refrigerator filter.
Step-by-step: replace the faucet filter cartridge
- Open the faucet briefly to relieve pressure, then close it.
- Remove the filter housing or cartridge cap (most faucet units use a twist-off or unscrew cap).
- Pull out the old cartridge.
- Rinse the housing; wipe the sealing surfaces clean.
- Install the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one.
- Reinstall the cap or housing and tighten hand-tight (do not overtighten).
- Turn the faucet back on slowly and check for leaks.
- Flush cold water until it runs clear.
What to expect after replacement
| Symptom | Most common cause | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Drip at the housing | Seal not seated, cap not aligned | Reseat cartridge, reinstall cap straight, hand-tighten |
| Sputtering | Air trapped after change | Run water 30 to 90 seconds until steady |
| Slow flow | Cartridge not fully seated or clogged aerator | Reseat cartridge; clean faucet aerator |
Why it matters
A correctly seated faucet filter cartridge prevents leaks at the housing and keeps filtration effective for taste, odor, and sediment reduction.
For help identifying the correct Kenmore filter setup by model and application, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026