How to Connect an Ice Maker
Most new refrigerators come standard with a built-in ice maker. Gone are the days of ice cube trays. Typically, the hook-up of the water line to the ice maker is not included in the purchase price. In addition, hiring a contractor to connect your ice maker can be quite expensive. However, a trip to your hardware store for a few supplies and about an hour is all it takes to complete this job yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Compression nuts PVC hose 1/4 inch copper tubing Pipe clamp Coupling Compression sleeve Shutoff valve Packing nut Latex tape Small plumber's wrench Drill Drill bit
Instructions
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1
Examine the back of your refrigerator to locate the water connections. For help, refer to the refrigerator manual.
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2
Attach one end of the PVC hose to the water connections on your refrigerator. Use a wrench to tighten the compression bolt and wrap the connection with latex tape.
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3
Locate the water shut-off valve near your refrigerator. Often this is located behind the refrigerator. If there is no water valve, you will need to tap into an existing water line. Go to step six for this procedure.
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4
Attach the other end of the tube to the water valve. Tighten the compression bolt and wrap with latex tape.
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5
Turn on the valve faucet.
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6
Locate a cold-water pipe nearest your refrigerator. If your home has a basement, check on the ceiling directly under the refrigerator. Turn off the cold water.
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7
Securely tighten a pipe clamp around the cold-water tube and attach a packing nut to clamp. Turn the packing nut until it taps into the cold-water tube. Attach the copper tubing to the valve on the packing nut using a compression nut. Wrap the fitting with latex tape.
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8
Drill through the floor directly under the refrigerator. Use a drill bit just slightly larger than the copper tube. Feed copper tube through hole.
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9
Attach the other end of the PVC tubing to the copper pipe with a compression nut and wrap with latex tape.
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10
Turn on the cold-water supply, as well as the shut-off valve located on the packing nut.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Dispose of the first few batches of ice to ensure that all dirt and debris is removed from the water line.
Before drilling, ensure the area you are drilling into is free from obstructions.
