How to Install a Refrigerator Water Line

A refrigerator water line is essential to any model that has an ice maker, water dispenser, or both. This water line is connected to the rear of the refrigerator from a cold-water supply line. Whether you’re replacing a broken one or putting a new one in, installing a water line is an easy project that requires only a few tools and some time.

Step 1 – Locate the Closest Cold-Water Supply Line

To connect the refrigerator to a water line, first find a close cold-water supply line. This line could be one from the basement, the kitchen sink, or elsewhere.

Step 2 – Drill a Hole for the Water Line

Pull the refrigerator out from the wall, so that you have enough room to work. Then, drill a hole through the side of a cabinet or through the floor to thread the line through, depending on where your supply line is located.

Step 3 – Connect the Water Line to the Refrigerator

Next, wrap the threads on the water-line connector that is on the back of the fridge with thread-seal tape to lubricate the threads. Once the tape is on the threads, connect the water line to the threaded section. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut onto the refrigerator.

Step 4 – Connect the Water Line to a Water Supply

Connect the line with a piercing valve clamp and close it around the pipe. Then, tighten the screws to secure the valve to the pipe.

Connecting to a Kitchen Supply Line

Keep in mind that if you are going to be installing the water line onto the kitchen water supply, make sure the line sits before the shut-off valve, so that you will not shut the water off to the fridge when working on the sink.

Step 5 – Connect the Water Line to the Valve

Wrap some thread-seal tape onto the threads of the piercing valve. Then, connect the water line to it. Tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.

Step 6 – Pierce the Water-Supply Line

With the water line to the refrigerator connected to the piercing valve, turn the knob on the valve to pierce the copper tube. This will puncture the water pipe. You should hear the water starting to go through the water line. Once you know the water is running, back the knob out so the water can run freely.

Step 7 – Tighten Any Connections

Ensure that no connections are leaking, and tighten any that are. If your fridge has a door water dispenser, now is the perfect time to clean it. Then, turn on the water to the fridge and set it back into its original position.