How to Install an Ice Maker Water Supply Line

Hook up your ice maker water supply line so you can enjoy a cold glass of water.

Once you plug in your new refrigerator, the only thing left to do is hook up the ice maker. Installing an ice maker water supply line is plumbing made simple; the process requires common tools, inexpensive materials and entry-level plumbing skills. Learn how to hook up your appliance's ice maker water supply line and save money by doing it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Ice maker installation kit
• Pipe dope or thread-seal tape
• Saddle valve
• Adjustable wrench
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove the refrigerator's water inlet from the ice maker installation kit. Apply pipe dope or thread seal tape to the refrigerator-side male threads of the inlet. Press the doped or taped threads against the refrigerator's corresponding female threads, usually located near the bottom of the refrigerator. Twist the inlet to engage the threads. Turn the inlet until hand tight.

2. Remove the water supply tube, compression nut and ferrule from the ice maker installation kit. Slide the compression nut onto the tube with the nut's threads facing toward the open end of the tube. Insert the ferrule into the open end of the tube. Insert the ferrule and tube into the open end of the inlet. Press the compression nut against the inlet and twist to tighten the nut onto the inlet.

3. Locate a cold water supply pipe near the refrigerator. Close the saddle valve's shut-off handle. Place the saddle valve over the water supply pipe. Tighten the valve's bolts with an adjustable wrench until the valve's needle pierces the water supply pipe and the valve sits snug against the pipe.

4. Stretch the supply line tube to the saddle valve. Cut the tube to length with scissors.

5. Remove the saddle valve's compression nut and ferrule. Slide the nut over the tube with its threads facing the open end of the tube. Insert the ferrule inside the tube and slip the tube into the saddle valve's opening. Press the nut against saddle valve's threads and twist the nut to tighten.

6. Tighten the saddle valve's nut with an adjustable wrench. Return to the refrigerator inlet. Fully tighten the inlet and inlet compression nut with an adjustable wrench.

7. Turn the saddle valve's shut-off handle to the on position.

Tips & Warnings

• Many ice makers require an in-line water filter between the valve and inlet

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Plumbing Repair Tools
• Utah State University: Basic Plumbing Skills
• Georgia Insurance Information Service: Ice Maker Hose

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish