Tips To Install Refrigerator Plumbing

Tips To Install Refrigerator Plumbing

Are you exhausted of not knowing how to install refrigerator plumbing yourself? Worry no more because this blog provides you with simple, effective instructions on installing a refrigerator’s plumbing yourself. In this article by My Plumber, you’ll learn how to get the job done quickly, correctly and safely in a few steps.

Determine the Location of the Refrigerator

Before starting the installation process, it is important to determine where the refrigerator will be installed. If a refrigerator has already been purchased, this decision has already been made. If not, the location should be carefully considered to ensure that it is placed in an area that will not interfere with other activities or items in the home.

It is important to measure the space where the refrigerator will go and make sure it can fit properly before plumbing is installed. The location should also be easy to access so that repairs or adjustments can be made if needed later on. It is also beneficial to consider how much counter space should remain after the installation of a refrigerator for those smaller tasks such as food preparation and cleanup. Additionally, the noise level of different brands and models of refrigerators should be taken into consideration when deciding on placement.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Before you begin any type of plumbing project, it is essential to shut off the main water supply. Locate the water shut-off valves, which are likely located near the front of the house on either side or in the basement or crawlspace. Check these valves often to make sure they’re operating correctly. This will help prevent major problems with flooding due to a clogged drain or rupture in a pipe.

Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, open nearby faucets and turn on appliances that are connected to the cold water line in order to ensure that all pressure has been released from them. Afterward, close all taps and proceed with caution when proceeding with onward with refrigerators installation plumbing work:

  • Shut off the main water supply.
  • Locate the water shut-off valves.
  • Check the valves often to make sure they’re operating correctly.
  • Open nearby faucets and turn on appliances connected to the cold water line.
  • Close all taps.
  • Proceed with caution when proceeding with onward with refrigerators installation plumbing work.

Measure and Cut the Supply Line

Once you have obtained the necessary supply line, you will need to measure and cut to the right size. The recommended appliance connection length is usually 48” or less with some room left over to manipulate the connections. It is best to use a tubing cutter or tubing shears rather than a hacksaw as it will give you a clean cut with minimal deformation.

Cut each end of the tubing in an inward, not outward, direction with a slight angle off the end of around 20 degrees. This will prevent damage or injury while performing the installation procedure and ensure that your connections are secure. Additionally, be sure to take into consideration fittings, elbows and other potential obstructions that could inhibit space when measuring out your supply line.

Install the Shutoff Valve

A shutoff valve is an essential part of a refrigerator’s plumbing system, and it is important to make sure that it is installed properly.

  1. Begin by turning the main water line off.
  2. Then, cut a ½ inch piece of copper pipe for the shutoff valve and attach one end to the cold water line using a threaded fitting and PTFE plumbers tape.
  3. Next, feed the opposite end of the pipe through a hole in the wall until it reaches far enough outwards to attach your 1/4 inch threaded stop tap. Make sure to use stopper clips at either end of the pipe to hold it securely in place.
  4. Finally, check for leaks, open up the shutoff valve, and you’re good to go!

Connect the Supply Line to the Valve

Next, you need to connect the supply line to the valve in the wall. To ensure a secure connection, first, wrap thread seal tape around the threads on the compression nut that connects to your supply line. Then wait for it to dry and begin connecting it to the female fitting on your hot water valve. Remember that hot and cold valves are marked with red and blue dots; you want to connect your supply line accordingly.

When connecting your supply line, make sure you’re tightening with enough force – but not too much – otherwise; it can cause damage or leaks in the connection. Finally, turn on your water supplies and check for water pressure and leaks before reconnecting any other components needed for refrigerator plumbing installation.

Connect the Other End of the Supply Line to the Refrigerator

After you have connected one end of the supply line to the shutoff valve, you can connect the other end to your refrigerator. Depending on your model refrigerator, you may either have a saddle valve that needs to be attached or a compression fitting that you must attach.

If attaching a compression fitting, wrap Teflon tape or pipe joint compound around the threads of the elbow connector and thread it into the fitting on the back of your refrigerator. Make sure that it is secure so that no leaks occur when you are finished.

Once it is connected, turn on both valves at the wall to allow water to flow through into your refrigerator’s ice maker or water dispenser. If all connections are tight and secure, clean up any messes and enjoy!

Turn on the Main Water Supply and Check for Leaks

Before beginning the installation process for your refrigerator plumbing, it is important to turn on the main water supply and check for any leaks in the lines or fittings. Make sure there are no significant pauses or drips within the flow of the cold water supply that could cause problems later on down the line. Additionally, ensure all connections are tight and secure before continuing to further steps.

Once this is done, you can begin installing your refrigerator’s plumbing system.

Install a Saddle Valve (Optional)

In some cases, you may need to install an extra connection for your new refrigerator’s water line. This would be a saddle valve, which is an easy-to-install hardware that allows the flow of water for new connections without soldering or crimping.

Saddle valves are typically replacing at the end of a pipe near the outlet point – where the existing faucets get their supply from – and require connecting no more than 4 inches of tubing from the valve to its appliance. Keep in mind, this is only necessary if you’re installing a fridge with a built-in ice maker or water dispenser. If not, then you will not need to use a saddle valve.

The installation process should go something like this:

  1. Turn off your main water supply or shut off valve near the incoming cold water meter or behind where your refrigerator is located.
  2. Connect your saddle valve connection onto your cold water line with adjustable wrench and lock nut provided in most kits.
  3. Attach one end of plastic hose that comes with saddle kit onto upper stem of the valve and slip other end over steel tubing coming out of back side refrigerator similar to connecting a garden hose into spigot for watering plants outside
  4. Open main shutoff and run line until no more air is present before attaching other part onto outlet line running out of bottom of unit – this indicates full flow has been achieved
  5. Turn on icemaker/water dispensing switch (if applicable) within unit settings panel and enjoy fresh filtered water from fridge!

Test the Water Dispenser and Ice Maker (if Applicable)

After the plumbing installation is complete, it is time to test the water lines for the refrigerator ice maker and water dispenser. Make sure to turn off all water valves before beginning this process.

  • First, plug in the refrigerator and turn on all its power switches.
  • Next, press down on the water dispenser lever and check if any water comes out of the tubing.

Move to the back of your fridge and locate its access panel. Here ensue some safety precautions—wrap a cloth around your hand before reaching inside to avoid any electric shock! Now, install a jumper wire between red (battery) terminals according to user manual instructions as this is necessary for proper operation of your icemaker. Use enough FLL insulation (thick foam-rubber) to keep your new connection from contacting any other parts inside the panel.

Once you have connected everything properly inside your refrigerator, test if everything runs smoothly by running both ice maker and water dispenser once again by pressing down on the dispenser lever and check if helps manufacture quality icicles. If so, then ice maker should be up and running within 24 hours; otherwise you might need an authorized repairman to sort out any issues with fridge plumbing installation or fittings connected with ice maker system.

Keep an eye on how much ice cubes are being made every day as well-produced ones should not be larger than 0.5 inches in size!

Final Check and Clean Up

Once the plumbing installation is complete, it’s time to perform a final check and cleaning up. Check to see if the tubing connections have been properly secured, test for leaks and make sure the plumbing complies with local code. If there is any debris or dust remaining from the installation process, be sure to give the area a good cleaning with soap and water.

Replace all parts of the refrigerator that were disconnected during installation including refrigerator shelving, drawer configuration, food containers and drawers. Put any tools and fittings back in their original location for future use or storage. And finally, plug in your refrigerator so you can enjoy your new set up with cold beverages ready whenever you want them!

Conclusion

After ensuring that the plumbing for your refrigerator is properly installed, it is important to also check that the water pressure is correct before you shut off the water supply. Properly functioning plumbing will greatly reduce the likelihood of a refrigerator leaking and save you money on repairs or water damage. It’s always a good idea to double check your work by testing all areas of installation to ensure no leaks exist.

Also, keep in mind that while most refrigerators have standard installation procedures, some manufacturers may recommend different techniques depending on the model. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your refrigerator before attempting any plumbing installation work. Finally, don’t forget to clean up after you’re done and make sure there aren’t any left-over pieces that could cause problems down the line.

With simple care and maintenance, you can keep your refrigerator plumbing working properly for years to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools do I need to install refrigerator plumbing?

You will need a drill, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, plumbing tape, and an adjustable wrench.

How do I connect the water line to the refrigerator?

Start by shutting off the water at the shutoff valve and disconnecting the cold water line. Then use the adjustable wrench to loosen the compression nut and slide on the ferrule. Finally, connect the cold water line to the refrigerator and turn the water back on.

How do I check for leaks?

To check for leaks, turn the water back on and check for any water around the connections. If there are any leaks, tighten the connections a little bit more and check again.