How to Hook Up a Copper Water Line for a Refrigerator

Refrigerator add-ons such as water dispensers need a separate water line.

Ice makers and drinking water dispensers are among those household conveniences that need a low-volume but dependable supply of water. New homes often have plumbing hookups for these appliance add-ons in the refrigerator alcove, but an older home may require a retrofit to provide the hookup. This does not require hiring a professional plumber, however, since the development of a plumbing fitting designed with the do-it-yourselfer in mind.

Things You'll Need

• Saddle valve
• Drill and 3/8-inch bit
• ¼-inch flexible copper tubing
• Small bucket
• Adjustable wrench
• Pipe straps
• Compression fitting

Instructions

1. Locate a plastic or copper cold-water supply line near the refrigerator. The most likely locations are in the basement or crawl space under the kitchen, or in the cabinet underneath the sink. Any cold-water supply line will suffice, so choose the one closest to the site of the refrigerator.

2. Plan a route from the supply line to the site of the refrigerator. You will want to keep the supply line hidden behind cabinets and under floors as much as possible.

3. Drill 3/8-inch holes wherever the route of the tubing passes through cabinet partitions, walls or floors. The closest hole to the refrigerator should be no more than 1 inch from the back wall of the space. This reduces the likelihood of crushing or crimping the pipe when the appliance is moved for cleaning or repairs.

4. Thread flexible copper tubing through the holes and along the planned route, beginning at the end nearest the refrigerator. Leave 4 to 6 feet of tubing, still coiled, on the refrigerator end of the run of tubing.

5. 

   The supply line need not be cut when a saddle valve is used to make a connection for an ice maker.

   Turn off the water to the supply line. Clamp the saddle valve around the supply pipe and complete the installation according to the packaging directions. A saddle valve first seals around an existing pipe, and then pierces a small hole in the pipe to allow water to flow.

6. Test the connection to confirm that water flows when the valve is opened. Be certain to turn the water back on if necessary. Let water flow into a small bucket for a few minutes to clean the connection of any debris. Turn the valve off.

7. Attach the tubing to the saddle valve with the supplied connection, usually a compression fitting requiring an adjustable wrench to tighten.

8. Secure the flexible copper tubing to walls and floor with pipe straps to prevent sagging.

9. Connect the ice maker's supply line (usually plastic) to the end of the copper tubing with a compression fitting. This fitting is usually included with an ice maker installation kit.

10. Turn the saddle valve on and inspect all new connections for leaks. Follow the manufacturer instructions for flushing the ice maker and its supply lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider installing an in-line water filter if the ice maker doesn't have a built-in filter, especially if you get your water from a well.

• Some jurisdictions prohibit use of saddle valves. Check with your local building department before using this device.

• Do not connect an ice maker to a hot-water supply line. Doing so wastes energy, increases the likelihood of hard water deposits in the lines, and can shorten the life of the rubber seals on the saddle valve.

References

• The Natural Handyman: Using saddle valves to install appliance water supplies
• BobVila.com: Installing an Ice Maker (video)
• Appliance Aid: Water line installation helps