Table of Contents
How do you install a refrigerator water line?
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. Connect the Tee Adapter. Connect the Faucet and Refrigerator Supply Tubes. Connect the Supply Tube to the Refrigerator. Turn on the Water.
Do all refrigerators need a water line?
Water Lines Aren’t Required Although refrigerators with water lines are popular, they aren’t necessary. There are several reasons why consumers intentionally look for a refrigerator without a water line. First, not having a water line, water dispenser or ice maker eliminates problems like leaks or performance issues.
Can I use plastic tubing for ice maker?
To hook up a refrigerator ice maker, you will need to connect a line of plastic or copper tubing to a cold water line to carry water to the refrigerator. Plastic tubing is less expensive and easier to install than 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 you add the small supply line leading to the appliance.
Are saddle valves legal?
Most state and local codes prohibit the use of a saddle valve, also known as a piercing saddle valve, saddle tap or needle valve, consisting of a clamp that punctures a hole in an existing water intake pipe. It is a shortcut used instead of installing a more permanent and secure connection.
How much does it cost to install water line?
Average Cost to Install or Replace a Water Line National Average $1,573 Typical Range $613 – $2,570 Low End – High End $200 – $4,500.
Does Lowes install water line for refrigerator?
FREE Local Appliance Delivery Includes: Connection of appliance to existing water connection, drain or external dryer exhaust for washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators and freezers, provided the customer also purchases new connections from Lowe’s (dryer vent, range or dryer cord).
Do fridges with ice makers need plumbing?
No, is the short answer. Some of the more advanced features that may have swayed your decision to go for an American fridge freezer do, however, rely on being plumbed in to your water supply. Ice and water dispensers are, of course, still available on non-plumbed models, but you’ll need to refill manually.
How do you run a flexible water line through kitchen cabinets?
Feed the line through the cabinets, starting where your appliance will sit. Reach inside the cabinets and pull the end through the drilled holes and into the cabinet under the sink. Make sure the line isn’t twisted or kinked as you pull it through.
What size is a fridge water line?
Tubing Sizes Most flexible copper refrigerator water lines have an outside diameter of 1/4 inch. Most flexible plastic water lines for refrigerators come with outside diameters of either 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch, reveals Darrin’s Plumbing Tips.
Does Home Depot install water line?
Our plumbing installation services are backed by a 1-year limited labor warranty from The Home Depot.
How often should you replace refrigerator water line?
Water, water everywhere is NOT a good thing when a water line fails. So, the “when to replace it” answer is every 5 years.
Where is refrigerator water line?
The water line connected to the refrigerator should have its own shut-off valve connected to the cold water supply line in the home. The shut-off valve is usually located under the kitchen sink, in the basement, in a crawl space or in the cabinet next to the refrigerator.
What kind of tubing do you use for an ice maker?
Decide what tubing material you want to use for your water supply 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.
Is PEX good for ice maker?
I like using PEX for icemaker lines. I also use a hammer arrestor on the shutoff. I then use a braided stainless 1/4″ supply with compression ends. If you have room, you could also put the box on the side, instead of behind the refrigerator.
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. If the filter is clogged the ice maker will make fewer and smaller ice cubes. To check if the filter or water line is clogged, place a cup underneath the water dispenser.
Should I use a saddle valve for ice maker?
My advice is to not use saddle valves. When installing an ice maker or whole-house humidifier, tap off of an existing water line with a proper tee fitting and have a proper shutoff valve installed. It will take a little more time to do it right, but you’ll dramatically lower the potential for leaks.
Are saddle valves against code?
Once the faucet is turned on, water will flow through the copper pipe, out the pinhole and through the ice maker line. Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Since saddle valves are often located in places where they get bumped or moved, the chance of a leak increases.
Why are saddle valves bad?
They are prone to leak over time, the rubber seal will eventually deteriorate and they clog up as calcium deposits build up at the small opening. Once they start to leak there is no easy fix. The right fix is to cut them out and replace them with a permanent valve.
