QA

Quick Answer: How To Install An Ice Maker Line

How hard is it to install a water line for refrigerator?

This type of fitting is easy to install and is less prone to leaking than a saddle valve. In most cases, the water line can be run from a kitchen faucet water supply line through the kitchen cabinets and over to the refrigerator.

How much does it cost to install an ice maker water line?

The price to install a water line ranges from $70 to $130. However, if your new fridge doesn’t have an ice maker or water dispenser, you can skip this step. You also won’t need a water line if the model you’re replacing already had an ice and water dispenser.

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.

Where is the water line on a refrigerator?

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 size is 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.

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.

How much does it cost to install 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 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.

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.

Does Home Depot install water line?

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

How far can you run ice maker line?

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.

How do you install a refrigerator water line from a washing machine?

Use a single water outlet for your washing machine and refrigerator. Turn off the water supply to the washing machine. Unscrew the washing machine’s cold-water hose from the supply valve. Wrap two layers of Teflon tape clockwise around the threads of the supply valve.

Do all ice making fridges need plumbing?

Many fridges with built in ice makers and water taps require connection to your kitchen’s water supply, though others have no plumbing at all. However, these plumbing-free fridges use a water tank to make their ice & water, which needs to be manually refilled.

How do you run a water line from a sink to a refrigerator?

The valve connected to the right side of the faucet is the cold water supply line. Turn the cold water on the supply line clockwise to close it. Attach a 5/16-inch drill bit to your drill. Drill holes in the base cabinet walls to route the water line from beneath the sink to the rear of 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.

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.

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.

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 plumbers install ice makers?

No matter what your ice maker problem is, call Len The Plumber! Our expert plumbers can install a new ice maker line to your fridge or can make repairs to your existing ice maker line.