To hook up a refrigerator ice maker, you will need to connect a line of plastic or copper tubing to a cold water line to carry water to the refrigerator. Plastic tubing is less expensive and easier to install than copper.
What kind of tubing do you use for an ice maker?
Decide what tubing material you want to use for your water supply line. The tubing should have a diameter of 1/4-inch and can be copper line, braided steel line or plastic tubing. Many professionals prefer copper line, but plastic tubing is commonly sold as part of ice maker installation kits.
Why cant you use vinyl tubing for ice makers?
Answer: Youre right to be concerned, because plastic tubing to an ice maker is susceptible to cracking and splitting. The constant flow of hot air from the compressor fan in the essentially unventilated space behind the fridge blows over and around the tubing — and eventually makes it quite brittle.
Can you use plastic water line refrigerator?
Sometimes referred to as poly, plastic tubing is flexible and easier to install than rigid copper tubing. Plastic also allows the refrigerator more freedom to move with less fear of damaging the tubing. However, plastic is not as durable as copper, and the tubing can still get damaged and spring a leak.
Does a fridge need a water line to make ice?
A water line allows you to make ice in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that feature built-in water dispensers or automatic ice makers need to be connected to a water source. Fridges without ice makers or water dispensers dont need any type of water source to function properly.
What is PE tubing?
Poly tubing, often referred to as PE tubing or polyethylene tubing is a flexible, lightweight, durable and corrosion resistant plastic that can be used for a wide range of liquid, gas and fluid transfer applications. Polyethylene tube is completely safe and is one of the most common PE tubing materials in the world.
What is the best water line to use?
Copper. Copper pipes are probably the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. They provide superior corrosion resistance, great material to be used for hot and cold water, and it can be managed easily.
How do you add water line to ice maker?
1:074:56How to run a water line to your refrigerator, freezer or ice makerYouTube
How far can you run ice maker line?
There is no maximum length, you can run the line as long as needed to reach a main water line. You can also use 1/4 O.D. (outside dimension) copper tubing with a flared end, approximately 8 ft coiled into 3 turns that are 10 in diameter.
How long does polyethylene tubing last?
High-density polyethylene pipe delivers strong, long-lasting performance with a light weight and price tag. Conservatively expected to last 50-100 years by the Plastic Pipe Institute.
What is the best water pipe to run underground?
Although there are many options for underground water pipes, HDPE pipes and PEX pipes are generally the best choices for an underground water line. These durable pipes are resistant to corrosion and rusting, ideal for running an underground water line.
Can I pour water into ice maker?
Pour about 4 ounces of water into the mold of your ice maker and wait at least two hours. If it makes ice, then youve confirmed the problem is in the water supply and not the ice maker itself. About 13 to 14 ounces of water should pour into the cup in this amount of time.
How do I force my ice maker to cycle?
How to Force an Ice Maker to CycleOpen the freezer door to remove the ice bin from below the ice maker.Empty the ice from the bin. Press the ice maker toggle switch to the On setting if it is not already activated.Pop off the front cover of the ice maker with the tip of a flat-blade screwdriver.More items •26 Sep 2017
Do you need a water line for ice maker?
A water line allows you to make ice in your refrigerator. Refrigerators that feature built-in water dispensers or automatic ice makers need to be connected to a water source. Fridges without ice makers or water dispensers dont need any type of water source to function properly.