Full Answer
How to install a water line to your refrigerator?
Instructions
- Turn off the Water. Locate the fixture shutoff valve on the cold water supply line under the kitchen sink. ...
- Disconnect the Faucet Water Line. Place a rag or small bucket under the supply valve to catch water draining from the supply tube. ...
- Connect the Tee Adapter. ...
- Connect the Supply Tube to the Refrigerator. ...
- Turn on the Water
How do you connect a refrigerator to a water line?
- Unplug the refrigerator or disconnect power.
- Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a compression nut and sleeve as shown.
- Turn water supply valve ON.
- Plug in the refrigerator or reconnect power.
Do refrigerators need to be attached to water line?
Refrigerators that feature built-in water dispensers or automatic ice makers need to be connected to a water source. Water can be provided in one of two ways: by connecting the fridge directly to plumbing via a water line or by manually adding water to a reservoir inside the fridge.
How to change the water line inside the refrigerator door?
There is no channel to pull the hose up through inside the door like on other brands such as Frigidaire. They lay the water line in and then literally spray foam the inside of the door and glue the inner door liner on so the foam wraps around the water line and can't be removed.
How far can you run a water line for a refrigerator?
There is no maximum length, you can run the line as long as needed to reach a main water line. You can also use 1/4" O.D. (outside dimension) copper tubing with a flared end, approximately 8 ft coiled into 3 turns that are 10" in diameter.
How do you run a long water line on a refrigerator?
0:304:56How to run a water line to your refrigerator, freezer or ice makerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine come in to the sink will run through here and the hose will come off that and then you alsoMoreLine come in to the sink will run through here and the hose will come off that and then you also want a way to strap your hose down you don't want it flopping around inside your cabinet.
How long should a water line be?
Copper – 50 years. Galvanized steel – 20-50 years. Cast iron – 70-100 years. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – indefinite.
Do refrigerator water lines need to be copper?
While water supply lines to refrigerators can be made of different materials like copper, plastic types and braided stainless steel, the good news is with adapters, most ice-maker supply lines should be able to connect to most refrigerators.
How do you run a water line from a sink to a refrigerator?
0:029:43How To Install A Water Line To Your Fridge [Pex & Copper] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight on it to supply the actual. Water line that goes to the fridge. So we're going to insert thisMoreRight on it to supply the actual. Water line that goes to the fridge. So we're going to insert this into the into the existing water line under the sink. We've got a little stub of copper.
What can I use instead of a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then adding the small supply line leading to the appliance.
How far can you run 1 2 water line?
46-60 psi you can have a developed length of up to 200', and greater that 60 psi can go up to 300'. At 40' or less with 30 psi, ½" pipe can supply 6 wsfu. So with a short run, you should have no problem using ½" pipe.
How long can water lines last?
20 to 100 yearsDepending upon what the pipe is made of, water lines will usually last anywhere from 20 to 100 years. Many people will live in the same home for decades without even knowing where the line is located!
Can I run my own water line?
It's not just a pipe dream, because you can still do it on your own! Running water lines in your house comes down to knowing what tools you'll need, and how to use them to repair or install brand new pipes.
What type of tubing is used for a refrigerator water line?
The tubing should have a diameter of 1/4-inch and can be copper line, braided steel line or plastic tubing. Many professionals prefer copper line, but plastic tubing is commonly sold as part of ice maker installation kits.
Can you use existing water line for new refrigerator?
1-7 of 7 Answers. Best Buy cannot guarantee that the current water line isn't defective and won't leak, or be damaged when installing on the new product. They require a new water line but if you choose not to purchase from them, you are allowed to supply your own but it must be new.
Is ice maker line same as water line?
The ice maker supply line is a small plastic, copper, or stainless steel water line that feeds directly into the ice maker. Water pipes are very susceptible to damage it is important that while installing or once it has been installed it is in a position where it is not being bent or shaped in an awkward position.
How to connect water to refrigerator?
Run the new supply tube to the back of the refrigerator. Connect the end of the tube to the 1/4-inch water supply fitting on the refrigerator. Tighten the connection just slightly more than hand-tight, using pliers.
How long is a flex water supply tube?
You also need a 1/4-inch flex water supply tube that is long enough to run from the Add-A-Tee to the refrigerator, plus several feet so you can pull out the fridge without yanking on the water line. Measure the distance carefully, and buy a supply tube with plenty of length for the job. Flex water supply tubes are available in ...
How to stop water from moving in a faucet?
Place a rag or small bucket under the supply valve to catch water draining from the supply tube. Disconnect the faucet supply tube from the valve, using two pairs of pliers or two adjustable wrenches. Use one pair to hold the valve body securely to prevent it from moving .
How to open a water shut off valve?
Open the shutoff valve under the sink by turning the knob counterclockwise all the way or turning the lever so it is parallel to the water pipe. Check for leaks at all connections, then push the refrigerator into place, as needed. Confirm that the water dispenser and/or ice maker are working properly.
What is flex water supply?
Flex water supply tubes are available in either a tough plastic nylon mesh or braided steel. Although the braided steel is considerably more expensive, the extra strength it provides is well worth the investment. Water leaks can cause significant (and very costly) damage, so buy the best-quality water supply tube you can.
Can you run a water line through a kitchen faucet?
This type of fitting is easy to install and is less prone to leaking than a saddle valve. In most cases, the water line can be run from a kitchen faucet water supply line through the kitchen cabinets and over to the refrigerator. If running the line through the cabinets is not feasible, you might need to run it through the floor and up to where ...
How do I connect a refrigerator water line to a sink?
Tap into your sink line shut off valve with a tee fitting. Make sure the tee fits the threads of the valve you are using as well as the ¼-inch water line for the fridge. Disconnect the sink and attach the tee fitting to your shut off valve. Reconnect the sink line and then connect your refrigerator water line.
How big is a water line?
Even though your water supply line is only ¼-inch, it can make a humongous mess if it gets damaged. Both plastic and copper have pros and cons, of course. But you want to make sure that you get the one that is best for your particular needs.
What to use to keep water line from collapsing?
When you are using a plastic or PVC pipe for your water line, it is a good idea to use a brass sleeve to keep it from collapsing onto itself. And if you are using these compression fittings, you will need to use plastic ferrules to keep it from leaking.
What material should I use for a water line?
There are actually three choices of tubing for your water line. Plastic or PVC is a nice and inexpensive way to hook things up. But there are drawbacks.
How to stop a water leak from leaking?
Wrap the threads with plumbing tape before attaching to prevent leaks. Hand tighten the line and then use a wrench to tighten it up. Attach the line on the water supply valve and tighten that nut as well.
How to hook up water to refrigerator?
If there is no hookup behind the fridge, you either have to run it from the sink or dishwasher. Measure how much line you will need and add five or six feet to that. Then add a few more feet just in case.
Does copper water kink?
Copper may not crack or leak, but it can kink, causing you to wonder why the water stopped working. Plastic is easier to work with and cut but copper is more rigid and durable. Then there is the strange taste issue. More than a few plastic line users have complained about a plastic taste to their water or ice cubes.
Do refrigerators have ice makers?
Dear Shannon: Most refrigerators have automatic ice-makers, and many have cold water dispensers. So a small ice-maker valve with flexible water piping is often installed in new plumbing systems or added to existing systems. While water supply lines to refrigerators can be made of different materials like copper, ...
Can you connect ice maker water lines to refrigerators?
While water supply lines to refrigerators can be made of different materials like copper, plastic types and braided stainless steel, the good news is with adapters, most ice-maker supply lines should be able to connect to most refrigerators.
Does a refrigerator have a water filter?
Some refrigerators have built-in filters, but if not, adding an in-line water filter is a clear choice to make. Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate.
How much does it cost to install a water line for a refrigerator?
You can expect to pay an average of $100 to have a professional install a water line for your fridge. It can cost as little as $70 or as much as $130, or more if there are complications. You can also install a water line for your refrigerator on your own and only spend $30-$60 on supplies and tools.
How to get water out of fridge?
Turn off your fridge’s water supply by turning the T-valve. Next, you can loosen and carefully remove the freezer pipe. Insert a cap into the water line and push it deep enough that it fits tightly .
How to remove a freezer pipe from a refrigerator?
Identify the copper pipe at the back of your fridge that feeds into the freezer. Clamp onto the nut on the freezer pipe with a pair of small pliers. Move the nut in a counterclockwise motion to loosen it and remove it from the pipe. Set the nut to the side, and carefully pull the freezer pipe out of the f ridge by hand.
How to get water out of piercing line?
Cap the Line. Now, twist your piercing water saddle tap valve to cap off the waterline. The water saddle tap valve will release all of the water that is trapped in the line. It can take several minutes for all of the water to fill your bucket, and the trickle eventually slows down.
Why does my fridge leak water?
A fridge’s icebox can leak water if the defrost drain becomes blocked. Drain hoses get clogged by debris, ice, and scraps of food causing the box to leak. Iceboxes also leak water if the freezing element quits working and the ice melts causing the water to overflow.
How to stop water from leaking from fridge?
Loosen the nut on the freezer pipe and pull it out entirely. Now, you can simply push the cap into the water line so that it’s a tight fit and you’ll block water from leaking.
How to clean copper pipe?
Clean off the copper pipe with a rag so that the water line cap fits perfectly. Place the cap over the pipe, twist it, and push it deep into the pipe. Try not to force the cap, but make sure that it goes deep enough that it will prevent water from spilling out.
