QA

Question: How To Install Water Line To Ice Maker

How do I hook up my water line to my 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. Connect the Tee Adapter. Connect the Faucet and Refrigerator Supply Tubes. Connect the Supply Tube to the Refrigerator. Turn on the Water.

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.

Can a fridge make ice without a water line?

A water line allows you to make ice in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that feature built-in water dispensers or automatic ice makers need to be connected to a water source. Fridges without ice makers or water dispensers don’t need any type of water source to function properly.

How much does it cost to add a water line for a refrigerator?

A typical water line costs between $65 and $170 to run. The cost to install a basic refrigerator on a first floor kitchen with a water line is about $250. If you need an electrical outlet installed by an electrician, you’ll need to pay an average of $220-$750 per outlet.

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 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.

Why can’t you use vinyl tubing for ice makers?

Why can’t you use vinyl tubing for ice makers? Answer: You’re right to be concerned, because plastic tubing to an ice maker is susceptible to cracking and splitting. By the way, you may notice a piece of plastic tubing rising vertically from the water valve to the rear of the freezer compartment.

Do ice makers need a water line?

All under-counter ice machines and most refrigerator ice makers require a dedicated water line. Portable (countertop) ice makers and some refrigerators have water reservoirs instead, which you must fill manually when making ice.

Do ice makers need plumbing?

All built-in ice makers require a dedicated water line. Unfortunately, this may require you to hire a plumber for installation. If adding a water line is not an option in your space, you may want to consider purchasing a portable ice maker.

What size is the water line on a Frigidaire refrigerator?

This 5/16″ tube runs from the dispenser and connects to a green 5/16″ tube on the back of the refrigerator.

Does Home Depot install water line?

Our plumbing installation services are backed by a 1-year limited labor warranty from The Home Depot.

Where is ice maker water line?

Located near the cold water supply at the bottom of the kitchen sink. In the basement. In a crawl space. In the cabinet next to the refrigerator.

What is PEX water line?

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a type of plastic tubing made from high-density polyethylene. It is used for radiant floor heat tubing and for water supply. PEX has a lot of advantages over copper piping, such as: It is far less expensive as a raw material.

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.

How long can a water line be for an ice maker?

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.

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.

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.

What is polyethylene tubing?

Poly tubing, often referred to as PE tubing or polyethylene tubing is a flexible, lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant plastic that can be used for a wide range of liquid, gas and fluid transfer applications. Poly tubing is also FDA approved for use in food and beverage applications.

How does ice maker call for water?

When the icemaker calls for ice, its switch closes an electrical circuit and energizes the solenoid-operated water valve. This allows water to flow through the valve and into the ice cube tray. The water is frozen into cubes, and the cubes are dumped into the ice bin.

Why is water not going into my ice maker?

Water may not be reaching the ice maker due to a frozen line, missing filter, or a closed supply valve. When there is no filter, or it is clogged, the ice maker does not get water. Make sure that the filter is in place, and if it has not been changed in more than six months, replace it with a new one.