How to Hook Up an Automatic Ice Maker to the Refrigerator
An automatic ice maker helps ensure you have ice available at all times. If your refrigerator did not come with an automatic ice maker but has the necessary connections, you can install one yourself with only a few common tools. Prior to installing your ice maker, confirm that you have a water-supply line near your refrigerator and that you are comfortable completing all of the installation steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- ¼-inch hex-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Water inlet tubing
- Scissors
- ¼-inch compression nut
Instructions
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1
Pull your refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it from the outlet to disconnect the electrical supply.
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2
Remove all shelving and any ice trays from the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.
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3
Remove the white plugs protecting the water-feed tube and electrical outlets on the back wall inside your freezer using a ¼-inch hex-head screwdriver and flat-head screwdriver.
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4
Connect the tube extension that came with your ice maker to your freezer's internal water-feed tube.
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5
Attach the mounting screws and brackets included with your ice-maker installation kit to your ice maker.
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6
Connect the ice maker's electrical cord to the outlet on the back wall inside your freezer.
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7
Mount the ice maker by placing the mounting brackets attached to it in Step 5 into the predrilled holes on the side wall inside your freezer. The mounting holes will be located on the same side as the water-feed tube and electrical outlet.
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8
Align the fill-tube extension installed in Step 4 with the fill tray of your ice maker.
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9
Secure the ice maker to your freezer's wall with the included self-tapping screw.
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10
Place any shelves you removed for installation back into your freezer and align the included ice-collection tray so the left side is even with the lower bracket of the ice maker.
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11
Remove the water-inlet plug from the back exterior of your refrigerator using a flat-head screwdriver. Connect one end of inlet tubing to it by sliding it over the metal connector.
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12
Run the inlet tubing you connected in Step 11 down the back exterior of your refrigerator and mount it in place using the included clips. Cut the inlet hose with scissors once it is mounted and you have the required amount of tubing.
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13
Connect the inlet hose to the water valve located on back exterior corner of your refrigerator with a ¼-inch compression nut. Use your hands to snug the nut in place.
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14
Attach your water-supply line to the water-valve connector located on the back exterior corner of your refrigerator.
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15
Return your refrigerator to its normal position and turn the water supply connected in Step 14 to the "On" position. Inspect all of the connections, both in and outside of the freezer, for any leaks.
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16
Plug in your refrigerator's power cord if no leaks are discovered.
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17
Lower the arm of your ice maker to turn it on.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with the manufacturer of your appliances for instructions specific to your model of refrigerator and ice maker.
Discard all of the ice made in the first 24 hours of use. This will help ensure that the system is purged and the ice is safe for consumption.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
