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Modern refrigerators come with a variety of features, such as water dispensers and automatic ice makers. Those features require access to your water supply. Instead of panicking about the installation process and opting to replace your fridge with a basic model instead, relax and read our easy how-to guide. By learning how you can install refrigerator plumbing, you can take advantage of modern technology and save space on multiple individual appliances.
Installing refrigerator plumbing could cost anywhere from $20-$100, is moderately complex, and will take about 1 day to complete.
Installing Your Refrigerator Plumbing Line
The basic principle of installing refrigerator plumbing, is to connect one end of the flex line to the wall valve, and the other to the back of your appliance before tightening the line with adjustable pliers. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a water line built into the wall behind the refrigerator, which means that you will have to run a line from the nearest source, which is generally the kitchen sink. You will have to run the line through your cabinets, and let it come out behind the refrigerator. Now there are several options as to how you will tap into the water supply, namely:
Hook Up to a Dedicated Valve
To make use of this option, you need to tap into the cold water supply running to the sink, before the shut off valve. By connecting a tee and adding a valve onto the end f the pipe, you will be able to create a separate shut off from that of the sink. You can use poly tubing or a flex line to run from the shut off to the back of your refrigerator.
Add an Adapt-a-Tee to the Existing Line
An Adapt-a-Tee fitting makes use of your existing water line by connecting to the cold water stop valve under your sink. You can then install a 1/4" water line from the outlet of the tee to the other outlet, either flex line, or for longer lengths, copper of poly tubing.
Install a Saddle Valve
A saddle valve will clamp onto your cold water supply valve, piercing it to allow water to flow through the new valve. This type of valve can be used as a dedicated shut off for your refrigerator line. Again, the tubing must run from the valve to your refrigerator. The one issue with saddle valves is that they don't last as long as normal shut off valves due to the fact that they are so small.
Tips for Installing Refrigerator Plumbing
1. Always leave plenty of tubing length coiled, allowing for movement in case you need to get behind the refrigerator to clean or for repairs.
2. Grab a bowl or bucket and give the water line a good flush out before you make the final connection. This will ensure that you have got rid of any sediment.
3. Once you've tightened the connections, turn on the water supply and look for leaks. Keep an eye on this for a few hours, and again every day for the next week or so, in case a slow leak shows up.
If you're unsure about how to perform your refrigerator plumbing installation, please get in touch with Anta Plumbing. The last thing you want is to have a plumbing emergency on your hands due to a botched DIY attempt.
