How to Hook Up an Icemaker

Even if your refrigerator comes with an automatic icemaker, you will need to connect it to a water supply for it to make ice. While this is not a particularly difficult job, it requires some knowledge of plumbing and the use of tools.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Compression Nuts
• Knife Or Scissors
• T-valves
• 1/4-inch Copper Or Plastic Tubes
• Drill Bits
• Variable-speed Drills
• Drill Bits

1. Read the instruction manual that came with your refrigerator. Specific instructions for hooking up the icemaker may be included.

2. Locate the pipe nearest the icemaker that carries cold water. Most often, this is the cold water pipe that connects to the kitchen sink.

3. Install a t-valve in the main cold water line - not on the 3/8-inch faucet tubes - so that there are two outlets: one to the sink and one to the icemaker supply line.

4. Turn off the water.

5. Put a sleeve and compression nut over the line that will supply the icemaker in order to tightly connect it to the water line.

6. Turn the water back on, and, holding the end of the tubing in the sink or over a bucket, flush the line to remove any debris. Turn the water off again.

7. Snake the line from the water source to the icemaker connection, drilling holes in the backs of cabinets if you have to in order to push the line through.

8. Find the icemaker inlet from the refrigerator and attach the other end of the line using another compression nut.

9. Turn the water back on.

10. Throw away the first few containers of ice to be sure the line is completely clean before you use the ice.

Tips & Warnings

• If your old refrigerator had an icemaker and you are purchasing a new refrigerator, use the old tubing to connect it to the icemaker if it is still in good condition.
• Leave several feet of extra line so that you can move the refrigerator or the icemaker for cleaning.
• You can buy kits that contain all of the materials necessary for hooking up an icemaker. Ask at your hardware supply store.
• If you don't feel you're up to the task, a plumber can hook up the icemaker for you.

on 11/22/2005 I use a cheap under-the-sink water filter instead of the refrigerator filter (which costs about $30). It's easier to replace, and it lasts 6 months. It also filters the cold water for the sink, and it only costs about $10.

on 11/22/2005 When running the water line through rough holes, first insert a slightly larger hose through the hole(s), then feed the water supply line through that hose. This protects the smaller line from punctures on rough surfaces. Saves repairs in the future.