How to Hook Up the Water Supply to a Refrigerator Ice Maker

The ice and water dispenser is often located on the freezer door.

Many refrigerators have a built-in automatic ice maker, as well as an in-door ice and water dispenser. The automatic ice maker and in-door water and ice dispenser are connected to a water supply valve, located behind the refrigerator. A copper tube is used to transport the water from the water supply valve the to the refrigerator. Prior to turning on the water supply, it is important to ensure that all of the tubes are securely connected, without any leaks.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Copper water line
• Coupling

Instructions

1. Disconnect the power to the refrigerator by turning off the breaker.

2. Pull the refrigerator out from the wall so that the rear is accessible.

3. Connect the copper tubing to the refrigerator. Thread the coupling onto the threaded end of the copper water line. Screw the nut on the end of the copper water line onto the outside threads of the coupling to secure the connection. Insert the end of the plastic water line from the refrigerator into the coupling as far as it will go, then screw the nut on the plastic water line onto the coupling to secure the connection. After the nuts are tightened by hand, use an adjustable wrench to tighten each connection two additional turns.

4. Insert the bulb on the end of the copper water line into the water supply valve as far as it will go, then secure the connection using the nut on the end of the copper water line. Again, tighten the nut by hand, then turn the nut two times using the adjustable wrench.

5. Turn the water supply valve clockwise to turn on the water flow. Inspect the connections for leaks.

6. Push the refrigerator back into position if no leaks are found, then restore power to the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• A small number of refrigerators connect using compression fittings, rather than a coupling. To connect the water line to the refrigerator, remove the valve inlet plug, then insert the end of the copper tubing into the valve inlet as far as it will go. Screw the nut on the end of the copper water line onto the threading on the outside of the valve inlet on the refrigerator to secure the connection. Tighten the nut by hand, then turn the nut twice using the adjustable wrench.

References

• Maytag: Water Supply Hookup