Introduction
Having a refrigerator with a built-in water and ice dispenser is an incredibly convenient feature. With just the press of a lever or button, you can get chilled, filtered water or crunchy ice cubes on demand without having to open the fridge door. However, connecting up the water line for the first time can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of installing the water line for your refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser step-by-step. We’ll cover what type of water line you need, how to hook it up to your home’s water supply, bleeding air out of the line, leaks testing, and any extra steps for installing a water filter.
With the right materials and a little bit of patience, you can have your refrigerator’s water and ice dispenser up and running in no time. So read on for a complete overview of how to connect a refrigerator water and ice dispenser!
What You’ll Need
Before starting the installation process, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials:
- Copper tubing/plastic water line – Most refrigerators use a 1/4″ diameter water line. You can use either copper tubing or plastic water line. Copper is more durable, but plastic is easier to work with. Make sure to get enough tubing to go from the water supply valve on the wall to the fridge.
- Shutoff valve – This lets you manually turn off the water supply to the fridge when needed. Get a 1/4″ valve compatible with your supply lines.
- Compression fitting – This connector joins the water supply line to the valve. Make sure to get the right size for your tubing.
- Tubing cutter – For cleanly cutting the copper tubing or plastic water line to size
- Deburring tool – Used after cutting copper tubing to smooth out the edges
- Tube insert – Helps connect plastic water lines to the compression fitting
- Wrench – For tightening the compression fitting and shutting off the valve
- Teflon tape – Helps create a watertight seal for the valve connections
- Level – To ensure the water line is installed without any sags or kinks
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the water supply valve for the refrigerator and turn off the water. This valve is usually located under the sink, behind the refrigerator, or near the washing machine.
Turning off the valve ensures no water is flowing while you work. Just turn the valve clockwise until it’s fully closed.
Step 2: Disconnect the Old Water Line
If there is an existing water line running to the refrigerator, start by disconnecting it from the supply valve. You’ll want to remove any old compression fittings, tubing, or other connectors that are in place.
Be prepared for a little water to come dripping out of the open end once disconnected. Have a towel ready to catch any spills.
Step 3: Cut the Tubing to Length
Measure the distance from the water supply valve to where the water line will connect at the back of the fridge. Add a few extra inches to provide some slack and cut your new copper tubing or plastic water line to this length using your tubing cutter.
Make sure the cut is straight and clean. For copper tubing, use a deburring tool to smooth out any rough edges after cutting.
Step 4: Connect the Tubing to the Shutoff Valve
Now it’s time to connect your new tubing to the water supply valve.
First, wrap some Teflon tape around the threads of the valve in a clockwise direction. This helps create a tight seal.
Next, slide the compression nut and ring onto the end of the tubing. Insert the plastic tube insert if using plastic tubing.
Finally, push the tubing onto the valve outlet and thread the compression nut onto the valve. Tighten firmly with a wrench until sealed, being careful not to overtighten.
Step 5: Connect the Tubing to the Fridge
Bring the new tubing up from the water supply and connect it to the inlet on the back of the refrigerator. This usually requires wrapping Teflon tape and screwing on another compression fitting.
Make sure the tubing is cut to the perfect length so that there are no sags, kinks, or tight bends. Use the level to ensure the installation is plumb.
Leave the tubing a little loose until you’ve pressure tested for leaks.
Step 6: Turn on the Water and Check for Leaks
Once all the fittings are tightened, carefully turn the water supply back on. Check for leaks at both connection points as well as all along the new tubing. Small water drips will turn into streams very quickly, so even minor leaks need to be addressed.
If you find any leaks, turn off the water and tighten the fittings further or rewrap with additional Teflon tape. Keep checking until no more water comes out. It’s better to identify issues now rather than after fully installing the fridge.
Step 7: Bleed the Water Line
With the supply line still off, open the dispenser lever on the fridge. This lets out any air that became trapped in the line.
Close the dispenser once water starts flowing. You may need to repeat this bleed process a couple times to get all the air out. Air in the line can cause sputtering or uneven water flow.
Step 8: Slide the Fridge Back
If your fridge was pulled out from the wall for installation access, now is the time to slide it back into position. Make sure the tubing isn’t getting kinked or stressed as you push the appliance back.
Leave enough slack for the fridge to be fully pulled out in the future without disconnecting the line.
Step 9: Turn on the Water Supply
The water supply valve can now be turned back on to restore full water flow to the refrigerator. Open it up slowly all the way.
Check one last time for wet spots along the tubing that may indicate a very small leak. It’s better to catch drips now rather than deal with a huge mess later.
Step 10: Flush the System
Finally, you’ll want to flush the entire water system. Dispense at least 2-3 quarts of water and discard all the ice made in the first 24 hours. This clears out any particulates that may have gotten into the lines during installation.
And that’s it! The water and ice dispenser should now be ready for regular use and trouble-free operation. Just sit back and enjoy the convenience of chilled water and ice any time you need it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecting a Refrigerator Water Line
Connecting up a water line for an ice and water dispenser may seem difficult if you’ve never tackled it before. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How do I know what size and type of tubing to use?
Most refrigerators utilize a 1/4″ copper tubing or plastic water line. Check the specs for your particular model. Copper offers durability while plastic is much easier to work with.
Where should I install the water supply valve?
Look for an existing cold water supply line under the sink or behind the fridge. The valve should be easily accessible and close to the refrigerator.
Do I need special tools for installing a refrigerator water line?
You’ll need at minimum a tubing cutter, adjustable wrenches, Teflon tape, and a tube insert if using plastic tubing and compression fittings. A deburring tool just makes working with copper tubing easier.
How do I know my shutoff valve is working properly?
Test it out! Turn off the fridge’s water supply and open the dispenser lever. If water continues flowing, the valve needs replacing. No water should come out with the supply off.
What do I do if my line leaks?
Shut off the water and check all fittings. They may just need additional tightening. Be sure to wrap connections in Teflon tape. If leaks persist, you may need to re-cut the tubing and start over.
Why does my water dispenser sputter?
Air trapped in the water line is a common cause of spluttering. Bleed the line thoroughly by dispensing water into a container with the supply off. Refill and repeat until water flows smoothly.
Is the installation process the same for both copper and plastic tubing?
The process is virtually identical no matter what tubing material you choose. The only difference is that plastic lines require tube inserts for the compression fittings.
How can I get the tubing through walls or flooring?
Use an existing opening, or you can drill a small hole just big enough for the water line. Make sure to seal up the hole after running the tubing to prevent bugs or rodents from getting in.
Why does my fridge need a water filter?
Water filters improve taste, odor and remove potential contaminants. They also protect the fridge’s water dispenser system from sediment buildup and scale. Change filters every 6 months for best performance.
Conclusion
Hooking up the ice maker and water dispenser line for your new refrigerator is a reasonably straightforward DIY project. With the right tools, materials, and safety precautions, you can have chilled filtered water and ice on tap in no time. Carefully following each installation step also ensures your water line will function reliably for many years to come.
While it may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, take your time, check for leaks, and bleed the line properly. And be sure to flush the system well after installation. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the convenience of a water and ice dispenser without having to lug home heavy bags of ice or plastic jugs of water!