Turn on the cold water supply valve under the sink. Good luck! Shop EASTMAN 15 Ft. x 1/4 In. The valve clamps onto the host pipe and has a needle-like shaft that is driven through the pipe wall to tap into the water flow. If there are any finished surfaces close by, protect them with some plastic sheeting. Angle the tubing out to install the unit. Filed Under: How To, Kitchen, Plumbing Tagged With: install an ice maker line, install ice maker tubing, install icemaker line. You have permission to skip the next section, although you’d be missing some fascinating and insightful information. You’re almost ready to start cranking out some ice! 3. Turn the water on slowly, and check for leaks. Install Saddle Valve, to the supply line (pipe in basement) to tap into water … Much less work and a lot less likely to burn my hoise down soldering copper pipe! No biggie, just one more minor step. This will make it much easier to do repairs in the future, in case the tubing gets damaged and springs a leak, or requires other servicing. All of the rules and regulations on plumbing out there and this is how the majority of households run water to their fridge? Make sure no water is still dripping from the pipe, so the glue will set properly. Good Luck They’re available in a size that will slide right onto your stub, with a straight or right-angle output end that will accept the compression fitting from the ice maker tubing. Assemble the compression nuts and ferrules on the tee. Always use the appropriate screwdriver or wrench to tighten the bolts or nuts on the bracket. Cut off the excess portion of the poly tubing inside the sink cabinet or at the water valve for the icemaker with a utility knife. The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to supply water to the dispenser and ice maker. It’s pretty straightforward; make sure the compression ring is in place around the tubing, and snug up the nut around it onto the threads on the shutoff valve, and onto your refrigerator’s connection point. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Saddle valves vary in design. They have a sharp pointed needle that pierces the tubing they’re clamped to, which then allows water to enter the icemaker supply tubing. "Saddle Valve Taps" are illegal in my area if used on Copper or Galvanized piping on homes built after 1986. Move the icemaker or refrigerator-freezer back into place. An online search for “in line ice maker filter” will provide you with about four billion choices, and your local home center should have plenty in stock. Re: PVC water pipe & Icemaker; Author: Anonymous User Yes saddle valves will work on CPVC. Most refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers come with at least some of the connectors you need to install an ice maker line. Okay, You can DIY without a kit. Tighten the handle on the saddle valve clockwise to tap into the cold water supply line. AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS P/N: 240394910 ... (with a 6 ft. Polyline Water Line), and for homes without an existing valve, Frigidaire recommends its Smart Choice® water line kit 5304490717 (with a 20 ft. Cop-per Water Line with self-tapping saddle valve). Connect the sink water supply line to the tee fitting. Poly water lines for modular or built-in icemakers are an alternative to traditional copper tubing lines. push-to-connect angle stop valve, a 10-ft coil of 1/4-in PEX pipe, one 1/4-in (3/8-in O.D.) As a result, the ice maker won’t make ice. You’re probably eager to test out your fridge’s capacity for cranking out ice for celebratory frozen daiquiris, and you may be tempted to take the fastest, easiest way to get that beast hydrated. Fit the saddle valve onto the cold water supply line for the sink. Take it back apart, and clean the ends of the pipe and inside the T fitting with the CPVC cleaner. You can screw the line with a wrench. But in a retrofit it would be perhaps better if the valve were close to 1/2" or 3/4" water line that the 1/4" line is connected to. With the T fitting installed, your quest to install an ice maker line is in the home stretch. • Cleaner and glue if using PVC pipe No longer did a person need ace plumbing skills to hook up the water supply to the refrigerator's ice maker. Now it’s time to install the T fitting. I used the shark bit connector for mine. TAPPING A SINK WITHOUT A VALVE. Make sure there is enough so the tubing has some flexibility and is not pulled tightly from the back of the icemaker inlet nozzle. SharkBite x 1/4-in O.D. It’s also available in a ¾” version, and is by far the fastest way to get you hooked up. The kits include the poly tubing, threaded fittings and a saddle valve for kitchens that don't have an independent water valve for an icemaker. without the drain/strainer assembly to put in with HA! Run the Water Line. If the fridge backs up to a wall with a water heater or utility sink, that might be another possible source to tap into. Use the water valve (saddle valve) that came with your fridge water line kit and attach it to the cold … What is that fast, easy way of which you speak, you may be asking, and in this era of instant gratification why shouldn’t I use it?! Oh my God, plumbing is horrible. These valves are designed to straddle and clamp onto a water supply line. One of the easiest plumbing installations: self piercing saddle valve. Thanks, David. Intake nozzles and icemaker valves vary in size. At this point, if you were fortunate enough to score the SharkBite T fitting with the shutoff valve and ¼” compression outlet, you’re ready to connect your ice maker line! Tighten the fitting with an open-end wrench. Drill a hole through the side of the sink cabinet that aligns with the saddle valve. It may sound intimidating, but with readily-available fittings, it’s really pretty simple to install an ice maker line when you have copper, CPVC or Pex water supply lines. 6 Copper can develop leaks if it gets crimped, and braided stainless can be tough to find if you need a supply line longer than 10-12’. This ensures all the parts you put together will stay together, without spraying water everywhere, which is generally the preferred outcome. The SharkBite ice maker installation kit has everything you need to install the water supply to your ice maker. Move the unit, as necessary, so you can access the threaded inlet-nozzle for the icemaker water line at the back. Thanks, Matt! Once the water is drained, make a second cut to fit your T fitting into place. Designed for a universal fit, this kit I swear, plumbing is the worst of the trades–how many thousands of years old is the concept of running water through a tube and it never has changed since the greeks! For SharkBite fittings, you can either buy a spacer tool, or just measure the amount shown in the chart for your size of pipe. Instead use a solderless tee valve that quick connects 1/2” copper, PEX, CPVC, polybutylene, to a 1/4” line to the ice maker. If you’re using CPVC, dry fit the pieces to make sure everything fits properly. • A drill and bit, if your ice maker tubing will need to run through a wall or floor You will need a brass garden hose "Y", a brass garden hose shutoff valve, a braided ice maker line, teflon tape and a few adapters to reduce/make the connection from the "Y" to the braided line. Sorry, been trying to get this hooked up for over a week now and really frustrated as usual…. Install the water valve using a ¼” hex head driver, install the 2 hex head screws. Most refrigerators are in the kitchen, and most kitchens have a sink, so there should be a cold water pipe not too far away. If your house has a basement, check the area under the kitchen floor. Phil loves spending time outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, cool tools, and a cold IPA when beer o'clock rolls around. Loosen and remove the nut at one end of the saddle valve bracket with an open-end wrench. You don’t need this if you get the T shown above with the built-in valve. Not a flood, just a reliable low volume supply. Future projects include a teardown restoration of his 1965 BMW motorcycle, and designing and building a kick-ass playhouse for his grandsons. One thing to consider before you turn the water on: Most modern refrigerators with water dispensers or ice makers have a water filter. Always select a kit that has the correct size tubing and fittings based on the model or brand of icemaker or refrigerator-freezer with icemaker. The way Steve describes would be a better way to do it if you are inclined to do so. LASCO 17-0953 Copper Tubing Ice Maker Installation Kit with 1/4-Inch x 20-Feet Copper Tubing 1/4-Inch Compression Self Tapping Saddle Valve 3.9 out of 5 stars 5 $34.56 $ 34 . Determine how far the pipes extend into the T fitting, then hold the T fitting up against the pipe, and mark where the second cut needs to be to allow the pipe to extend in the correct amount on both sides. To Tap Water Supply 1. Shut off the water and cut the copper tubing. The only thing left to do is to connect the compression fitting on the end of the ice maker tubing to the shutoff valve, and connect the other end to your fridge. Look for the path of least resistance, where you’ll be able to run the tubing with no tight bends. Tighten the bracket-screw with a screwdriver. Insert both pipes into the fitting, and give it about a ¼ turn to twist it into its final position. Unplug the icemaker or the refrigerator-freezer with an icemaker. William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. Copper Icemaker Installation Kit in the Ice Maker Parts department at Lowe's.com. If your sink does not have a shut-off valve, you will have to tap the line through the sink’s piping and install a valve for the refrigerator water line. The needle is sharp enough to pierce even copper supply lines. And that’s it – you’ve made it to the ice age! I used to be skeptical about how leak-resistant they’d be, but I’ve used them a few times, and had no problems at all. Reach inside the sink cabinet and pull the tubing into the cabinet Skip this step if a water valve for the icemaker is installed. Slide one of the compression washers onto the end of the line. Note: The glue sets up FAST, so you have to work quickly. Need to hook up a water supply line to feed that sporty new fridge? Make sure the ends of all the pipes you’ll be using are clean and smooth, with no burrs. Take caution to not allow water to seep into your drill and make sure to only pierce one side of the pipe. Will there be a video showing the procedure? Do not tighten the handle and tap into the sully line until the poly water line is installed and connected. Yes, he is a slow learner. You can use a piece of emery cloth or a little piece of sandpaper if needed. The key here is to make sure you have depth insertion lines marked on all pipes that will be inserted into the fitting. (Why can’t they invent a kitchen sink with the drain/strainer built in already!? Obviously, you’ll need a source to tap into for water when you install an ice maker line. No one makes the right fitting. with Angle Stop (25024) Contains components for installing a water supply line to an ice maker or replacing an existing saddle valve. Do yourself a favor, though; for just a minor increase in effort and expense, you can install an ice maker line that will still be up and running when it’s time for your NEXT sporty new fridge. Sorry, no plans for a video at present. Plastic line is obviously not as rugged as copper, and can be cut or crimped if it’s subjected to abuse. Once the pipe has been cut, you’re ready to zoom right along! I think the time and labor savings are well worth the additional cost. The better solution when it’s time to install an ice maker line is to cut the water line, install a T fitting and a ball shutoff valve, and add your supply line. Inexpensive plastic water lines and saddle valves sold for icemakers can eventually clog or leak, causing water damage. • A T fitting for your supply type. Thought it came with a self piercing saddle clamp. Mark the pipe, and use your pipe cutter to make a nice, clean cut. PEX Ice Maker Installation Kit – 25 Feet of Tubing For Appliance Water Lines With Self Piercing Saddle Valve For Quick Installation, 1/4” Compression Fittings, Flexible Hose For Potable Drinking Water - - … Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the cold water line for the valve. Give YouTube a try; there’s an incredible amount of useful (and not-so-useful) stuff on there. Step one, though, unless you’re fond of an unscheduled shower and a bit of water damage, is to shut off the water supply to the line you’ll be cutting into. The kits include the poly tubing, threaded fittings and a saddle valve for kitchens that don't have an independent water valve for an icemaker. It’s also best to keep it up and out of the way, to avoid anyone banging into it and dislodging or damaging it. How to Replace the Water Line to a Toilet, How to Fix a Broken Water Line Under the Kitchen Sink, How to Attach an Ice Maker Line to a Refrigerator, Whirlpool: Installation Guide: Modular Icemaker Kit, How to Attach a Nut & Ferrule to a Water Line in a Refrigerator, How to Install an Ice Maker Filter for the Freezer, How to Install a Tankless Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve, How to Use Poly Tubing in Underground Sprinkler Systems. 2. You can also install a standard tee fitting with a separate shutoff valve. To get started, just install a short length of pipe into your T fitting; three or four inches long is plenty. The water valve location has pre-drilled holes on the right rear of the unit. Insert one end up to the mark, then the other end; the fitting can be rotated after everything is together with no negative consequences. Insert the end fully into the threaded port on the saddle valve or icemaker valve. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. Are you kidding me? Let’s do some water line surgery! Drill a hole behind the … If your water supply line (pipe) runs below the floor in the basement and are accessible you can use an (click on orange word to link to) ice maker installation kit. There should be instructions with your fridge, but in general run a few pitchers of water through the dispenser, or let the ice maker fill the bin at least a couple of times and dump the cubes, to make sure you have nice clean ice, ice baby. At various stages of his life, he worked as a framing carpenter, attended motorcycle mechanics school, served as an Army MP, did a hot and itchy stint installing insulation in Phoenix, owned and operated a small contracting firm doing residential renovations, and worked as an employee of a major airline (Motto: We’re not happy ‘til YOU’RE not happy). Once you’ve located a good source, drill a hole large enough to fit the tubing through. Again, make sure to mark the correct insertion depth, then just push the valve body onto the pipe until you hit the mark, and boom – you’re ready to connect your tubing! The valve … Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) June 11, 2012 Saddle valves allow you to tap into a water line without cutting the pipe and inserting a T-fitting. Just tighten it on with a wrench or a set of locking pliers, turn on the water valve and make sure it doesn't leak. This is a good step by step guide. Run Tests Putty?!! Slide the remaining female fitting and compression washer onto the end of the tubing. The most common choices for supply line include copper, plastic (poly) and braided stainless supply lines. The tubing you’re using is generally sold in lengths of 20’, so you’ve got some room to play with. Let me know when the daiquiris are ready! Tip 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. If you’re using CPVC, follow the same process to get the pipe installed. Insert the unattached end of the poly tubing through the hole. Add a water line for dishwashers, ice makers, humidifiers, or any fixture needing a water line. Got a sporty new fridge, with a water dispenser or ice maker? Connect the refrigerator water line to the third outlet of the tee fitting. If you want to install an ice maker water line without the saddle valve then you need to clamp the waterline with a subordinate tool. The kit includes 1 SharkBite 1/2-in service slip tee, one 1/2-in x 1/4-in (3/8-in O.D.) Position the valve so the handle is accessible instead of difficult to get to. The SharkBite connectors are definitely a lot faster and easier to install. Other items to add to your shopping list will vary, depending on what type of plumbing you have: Copper, CPVC, or Pex. A do-it-yourself enthusiast can easily install a poly water line in a short time. Or an old shower curtain (you need a new one anyhow, right?). run the water line. We can put a man on the moon 50 years ago but I cannot for the life of me, figure find a connector that connects a braided ice maker line from the fridge to a 1/4 OD plastic tube coming from my reverse osmosis water system. Slide the washer and fitting to the nozzle and screw on the fitting by hand. Please refer to www.frigidaire.com for more information. Try to find one as close to the fridge as possible, preferably with no walls or other obstacles to contend with. The brass ones are COMPLETELY useless. Get access to free prizes, product sneak-peeks, reviews, how-to's and much more! 56 They work equally well to deliver the agua, and each has drawbacks. I have hooked up a ice maker using the cold water supply from a washing machine. You want to choose the cold-water line nearest to the ice maker that is accessible for future maintenance. Along the way, hopefully you’ll encounter a shutoff; if not, you may have to shut off the water where it comes into the house. And if you need to disconnect the supply line down the road, almost none of them will work to actually shut off the water supply. If the water line connects to an icemaker valve, turn on the valve. At this point the valve's sealing washer can also be checked for leaks before the 1/4-inch diameter tubing is run from the appliance and connected to the saddle valve. As you prepare to make the cut, be aware that, being water pipes, they contain water, and some quantity of it is going to escape. • A second in-line shutoff valve for the tubing as it gets close to the fridge. Insert the end of the poly tubing fully onto the threaded inlet nozzle until it stops. You'll probably need a 1/4- or 3/8-inch brass compression cap. No wording on using a saddle valve on PEX--yet. Have you located a water source, and got all the parts you need to install an ice maker line? The better solution when it’s time to install an ice maker line is to cut the water line, install a T fitting and a ball shutoff valve, and add your supply line. Excellent questions, grasshopper! • A shutoff valve to be installed close to where you tap into the water line. All they needed was a few tools, some common sense, and the courage to try. Don’t go all Hulk on it, just make sure it’s good and snug. In most cases, though, you’ll need to provide the ¼” line to connect the fridge to your home’s water supply. For SharkBite, again make sure you mark the depth settings on the pipe, and just push it into place. A close quarters tubing cutter is best, as it will fit into pretty tight spots, but if you already have a full-size cutter, and good access to your pipes, that will work fine. Make sure you know what’s on the other side of the floor or wall you’re drilling through, unless you want another project to add to your DIY list! Stainless line may also be a bit tougher to find. It may sound intimidating, but with readily-available fittings, it’s really pretty simple to install an ice maker line when you have copper, CPVC or Pex water supply lines. There are installation kits available that come with tubing and a shutoff valve called a self-piercing saddle valve. Reliable brass ball valve provides durable alternative to saddle valves. If the water inlet valve is defective, or if it has insufficient pressure, it won’t allow water to flow through. You can be a bit of a slacker if you’re using SharkBite connectors to install an ice maker line. To help the water drain completely, open a cold water faucet at a higher level to break the vacuum (don’t forget to turn it off after the water is drained). In each case, your goal is the same – to tap into that water supply, and send some up to make cubes for your Margaritas. Ice Maker Connection Kit 1/2 in. Get shopping advice from experts, friends and the community! My advice is to not use saddle valves. Feed the tubing through, being sure to leave plenty of tubing behind the fridge to make your connection, and allow for the fridge to be pulled out several feet from the wall. Hooking Up a Refrigerator Ice Maker Locate the ice maker on your refrigerator. It will have similar ¼” compression fittings, and can be installed quickly at any point in the tubing running to your fridge. Now follow the instructions on the glue container. The water line should be oriented down when valve is installed. Turn the handle of the saddle valve clockwise until the tap on the inner end of the handle contacts the cold water supply line. Once it’s all together, hold the parts in place for about thirty seconds. Use a lounge chair pad as a cushion when working under sinks. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for most installations: • A tubing cutter, sized to cut your water pipe. Shut off the cold water supply valve under the sink. According to Bob Beall, Mr. Rooter Plumbing Pittsburgh, “their only drawback is their small size severely limits the amount of water that can flow through them.”. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. Turn off water at supply stop. Then connect the icemaker or filter. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then you … The fastest and easiest way to install the shutoff valve is to use a SharkBite valve. The problem? So here’s the deal: I cannot stand those crappy plastic 1/4 tubing lines to run water to the fridge. Don’t rush it; snug up the cutting wheel, make a rotation or two, and tighten the knob just a little before making the next couple of rotations, until the pipe separates. The Eastman® ice maker installation kit has everything that you need to connect your ice maker to the water supply. They don’t meet code in many states, so if you plan to put your house on the market any time in the future, be prepared for possible negative and unkind remarks from the home inspector. Slide one of the provided female fittings onto one end of the poly water-line tubing with the open end of the fitting toward the end of the line. The water supply is then turned on and the valve's handle quickly turned on and off to make sure water is passing through the valve. Driver, install the shutoff valve is to use a piece of sandpaper if needed the Eastman® ice maker ’! The path of least resistance, where you ’ ll need a new one anyhow, right )! Maker installation kit in the ice maker that is accessible instead of to! To consider before you turn the water is still dripping from the back of the saddle valve bracket with open-end. Insertion lines marked on all pipes that will be inserted into the cold supply! To run the tubing the drain/strainer built in already! a kitchen sink the! 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