How Do I Hook a Water Line to My Refrigerator For the Ice Maker?

The water line that connects the refrigerator and ice maker must meet the plumbing codes of your area. You can also learn more about copper versus plastic ice maker tubing. Read the owner’s manual to learn how to install the water line. Afterward, you can install your refrigerator ice maker. If you are not a plumber, you can consult your local building department for the proper plumbing code requirements.

Installing a water line to a non-plumbed refrigerator

First, drain the existing sink connection to install an ice maker in a non-plumbed refrigerator. You can use a plastic hose to attach the ice maker to the water line, but copper tubing can kink when forced through a hole. Make sure you have a cold water pipe, as hot water cannot make as much ice as hard water.

The water line will be attached to the refrigerator’s water supply line. Before connecting it to the fridge, ensure that the line is not tangled with any other necessary wiring. Once the hose is connected to the refrigerator, it needs to be drained and fitted with a tee stop valve. You should feed the hose through the floor, if possible. Be sure to place a tee every few feet to prevent it from kinking.

Adding an ice maker to a non-plumbed refrigerator is relatively easy if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t want to do the plumbing, you can get a plumber to install a water line for less than $200. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing, you can purchase an ice maker installation kit and install it yourself for a minimal fee.

 Afterward, the water line will need to pass through the cabinets. You may also have to drill a hole in the floor. Always consult the instructions before you begin. A water line must meet local and international plumbing codes. The water line must be insulated with the proper type of plastic tubing.

If you are not a plumbing pro, you can buy an installation kit online. These kits will include everything you need to hook up your non-plumbed refrigerator with an ice maker. You can buy one from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer. It will allow you to use the plumbing that’s already in place under your kitchen floor. A kit also comes with the necessary parts to install a water line to a non-plumbed refrigerator for the ice maker.

Ensure that the water pressure is suitable before connecting the water line to your non-plumbed refrigerator with an ice maker. It would help if you had a water pressure of around 20 psi or higher. If the pressure is too low, you might need to replace the water filter cartridge. If the problem persists, you can try pressing the water dispenser lever for a few minutes to remove the air bubble.

Installation of a water line to a non-plumbed refrigerator

If you replace the ice maker in your non-plumbed refrigerator, installing a water line for the upcoming installation is relatively easy. To get started:

1. Turn on the water supply valve under the sink.
2. Turn the knob counterclockwise to open the valve.
3. Thread the piercing valve onto the faucet outlet port.
4. Tighten it by hand.
5. Push the refrigerator back into position.
6. Connect the water line to the refrigerator’s power supply. You may wish to use copper tubing to prevent odors and off-tastes from escaping from the water.

You may also need a flexible pipe from copper or braided steel. In addition to these, you may also want to use flexible tubing. Use tee stop-valves to ensure that the line does not cause any leaks. Finally, make sure to wrap the connection point with sealing tape. It will provide a secure seal and prevent leaks. Make sure the pipe is closed with a wrench. If there are gaps or kinks in the water line, use large pieces of cardboard to prevent the refrigerator from scratching the floors.

Before installing the new line, you need to drain the old sink connection. Will prevent an impromptu kitchen shower in the process. Also, it would help if you took care to empty the existing water line so that it does not leak out during the installation process. The next step depends on where the water line is connected to your refrigerator. The LG refrigerators have rear water line hookups, while other refrigerators have a front line.

After cutting into the water supply, you should carefully connect the ice maker to the fridge. Make sure to use the right tools. You can check out the Home Depot app to determine which tools are required. If you are unsure about a particular device or material, you may want to call a plumber. If the ice maker is connected to a hot water line, the ice maker will not function as efficiently.

You can also connect the water supply valve to the refrigerator’s water supply by running the water line through the floor or cabinets. If you don’t have a water line, you will need to find the closest vertical water pipe. You’ll need a 1/4-inch flex supply tube to connect to the water supply valve. Once you’ve joined the water line, you can move the refrigerator as required for cleaning.

When installing a water line to a non-piped refrigerator for the ice maker, install it in a location where it will be easy to reach. Stainless steel hoses are much easier to handle and less likely to kink. It would help if you also took note that without plumbing.

Copper vs. plastic ice maker tubing

The main difference between plastic and copper for ice maker tubing is the material they are made from. The former is generally cheaper and more durable, and neither can produce a funny taste. While plastic tubing is less expensive, it is more prone to kinking. Also, you must buy extra copper tubing if you pull out your fridge for cleaning. If you do not do that, you may tangle the copper tubing, which can block water flow and cause a sour taste.

When choosing a type of tubing for your ice maker, it is best to use a 1/4-inch-diameter water line. Avoid splicing the water line with another necessary wiring, and leave enough slack to clean under the refrigerator. You can also choose from braided steel or copper tubing. You can also buy an ice maker installation kit that includes a water line and ice maker tubing.

Another difference between copper and plastic ice maker tubing is in their length. Plastic tubing is usually shorter but can be bent and installed easily. It also doesn’t tend to develop pinhole leaks. But while flexible PVC tubing is flexible, it has a lower lifespan than copper tubing. It is a polymer, so there are concerns about chemical exposure or mechanical stress.

The simplest way to install an ice maker shut-off valve is to use a shark bite valve fitted into the tubing. The shark bite valve comes in wide sizes and has compression fittings that slide on a stub. You can then connect the tubing to the valve. To do this, you should mark the appropriate insertion depth and sew the nut onto the threads of the shutoff valve.

Aside from kink resistance, a braided steel supply line is also an excellent alternative to copper or plastic. The braided steel supply line is non-kinking and more durable than plastic and copper. Also, if you have an extra copper to spare, you can cut it under the saddle valve to accommodate the repair coupling. If you need to purchase additional copper, you may have to cut the existing copper underneath it.

It is vital to choose the correct tubing for your ice maker. Plastic lines are prone to kinks and corrosion, while copper ones resist the elements better. However, plastic pipes are cheaper and easier to install, so you should decide based on your budget. If your budget is limited, consider plastic. You will be glad you did. However, if you can afford it, you should consider installing plastic lines if they are readily available in your refrigerator.