Samsung Fridge Leaking at Filter or Filter Won’t Seat? Water Filter Case Assembly DA97-21261E – Fix It Fast

If your Samsung refrigerator is leaking water at the filter compartment, showing a persistent filter error, or the cartridge won’t lock in after replacement, the filter case assembly is the most common cause. In most Samsung French-door, 4-Door Flex, and Bespoke refrigerators, the DA97-21261E is the structural housing that holds the filter cartridge and routes water through the filtration system. When the housing cracks, the locking collar breaks, or the mounting tabs fail, the filter cannot seat or seal properly — causing leaks, bypassed filtration, or error codes that won’t clear even with a new cartridge. ⚡ Common failure point in Samsung premium French-door and Bespoke refrigerators. Part DA97-21261E is the genuine OEM replacement (supersedes DA97-21261B) that restores a secure filter seat, leak-free seal, and full water filtration immediately.

❓ Is This the Right Part?

This is the correct fix if ALL of the following are true:

• ✔ Refrigerator powers on and cooling functions normally
• ✔ Water supply line is connected and household water pressure is adequate
• ✔ A new filter cartridge was installed but the error won’t clear, or water still leaks at the filter housing
• ✔ ONLY problem is the filter case — cracked, leaking at the housing, or not locking the cartridge securely

Not sure? Send us your model number — we’ll confirm before you order.

🔧 Common Symptoms

• Water dripping or pooling inside the refrigerator near the filter compartment
• Filter cartridge won’t lock, twist, or seat properly after installation
• Filter error or “Change Filter” indicator won’t reset after installing a new cartridge
• Water dispenser produces low flow or no water after a filter change
• Visible cracks, chips, or damage to the filter housing or locking collar
• Ice maker stops producing ice following a filter cartridge replacement

✔ If these symptoms match, this is the most likely failed component in the system.

✔ In most cases, replacing this filter case assembly restores proper filtration, clears error codes, and stops leaks immediately.

📦 Part Details

• Part Number: DA97-21261E
• Type: Refrigerator Water Filter Case Assembly — OEM housing, locking collar, and mounting bracket
• Replaces: DA97-21261B (direct supersession — no modification required)
• Brands: Samsung

⚙️ Installation

Skill Level: MODERATE — 20–30 minutes. Disconnect power and shut off the water supply before beginning. Remove the existing filter cartridge, then unclip or unscrew the old filter case assembly from its mounting location inside the refrigerator. Install the new DA97-21261E assembly, reconnect the water line, and reinstall the filter cartridge until it locks. Restore power and water supply, then dispense 2–3 gallons of water to flush the new housing before use.

✓ Compatible Models

Confirmed compatible with RF23A9071SG/AA, RF23A9071SR/AA, RF23A9671SG/AA, RF23A9671SR/AA, RF23A9675AP/AA, RF23A9771SG/AA, RF23A9771SR/AA, RF29A9071SG/AA, RF29A9071SR/AA, RF29A9671SG/AA, RF29A9671SR/AA, RF29A9771SR/AA plus additional Samsung French-door, 4-Door Flex, and Bespoke models across 70 verified configurations. Contact us to verify your model number before ordering.

💡 Pro Tip

✓ Model-Specific Repair Pages