Method 3. Measure the space you have available to install the ice maker. Using a tape measure, find out the height, length, and width of the space you have chosen to install your ice maker. This will help you narrow down what model of ice maker to purchase. To allow for proper ventilation, plan to leave a clearance of at least 5 inches 13 cm between the back of the cupboard and the machine. You should also leave a clearance of 2—3 inches 5. An ice maker would be well-located under your kitchen cabinet to the side of your sink or refrigerator.
Choose an ice maker that best fits your needs. Under-counter ice makers are available in a large range of sizes with different production and storage capacities. Smaller models generally yield less ice and are less expensive. Shop for a model of ice maker with a drain pump. A drain pump is a pump that pulls waste water away from different sources, including ice makers, and brings it to a kitchen drain. Most models of ice maker come with a drain pump installed, which makes the installation of an extra, gravity drain unnecessary.
Invest a bit more money in your ice maker to make sure it has a drain pump installed, which will ensure that it functions better, requires less installation work, and is less likely to leak. You can purchase an ice maker at a hardware store or department store. Attach the ice maker to your cold water line with a compression fitting.
Run your cold water line from the pipe to the back of your under counter ice maker. Gently insert the copper piping into the fixture on your ice maker. Carefully tighten the compression fitting to secure the connection. To make this connection simple, drill dime-sized holes into the sides of your cupboard with an electric drill to easily thread the copper tubing through it.
Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from any wood particles that may fly into the air while you do this. Put the ice maker into its place under the counter. Under-counter ice makers are typically very heavy, so have a friend or family member help you move it if necessary. Once the cold water line is attached, lift the ice maker and gently fit it into its designated spot. As you move the ice maker, be sure to slowly pull the piping out through the holes in the sides of your cupboard to keep it from getting stuck under the machine.
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. You Might Also Like How to. How to. More References 1. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 5. Updated: May 13, Categories: Refrigerators and Freezers. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 13, times. Did this article help you? Yes No. Cookies make wikiHow better. This ensures all the parts you put together will stay together, without spraying water everywhere, which is generally the preferred outcome.
Insert one end up to the mark, then the other end; the fitting can be rotated after everything is together with no negative consequences. No biggie, just one more minor step. With the T fitting installed, your quest to install an ice maker line is in the home stretch. This will make it much easier to do repairs in the future, in case the tubing gets damaged and springs a leak, or requires other servicing.
To get started, just install a short length of pipe into your T fitting; three or four inches long is plenty. For SharkBite, again make sure you mark the depth settings on the pipe, and just push it into place. The fastest and easiest way to install the shutoff valve is to use a SharkBite valve. The only thing left to do is to connect the compression fitting on the end of the ice maker tubing to the shutoff valve, and connect the other end to your fridge.
One thing to consider before you turn the water on: Most modern refrigerators with water dispensers or ice makers have a water filter. Turn the water on slowly, and check for leaks. There should be instructions with your fridge, but in general run a few pitchers of water through the dispenser, or let the ice maker fill the bin at least a couple of times and dump the cubes, to make sure you have nice clean ice, ice baby. Let me know when the daiquiris are ready! He is currently semi-retired, but continues to take on little projects, such as the total renovation of an old farmhouse.
Yes, he is a slow learner. Future projects include a teardown restoration of his BMW motorcycle, and designing and building a kick-ass playhouse for his grandsons. Phil loves spending time outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, cool tools, and a cold IPA when beer o'clock rolls around.
Are you kidding me? All of the rules and regulations on plumbing out there and this is how the majority of households run water to their fridge? Oh my God, plumbing is horrible. I swear, plumbing is the worst of the trades—how many thousands of years old is the concept of running water through a tube and it never has changed since the greeks!
No one makes the right fitting. Sorry, been trying to get this hooked up for over a week now and really frustrated as usual….
Thanks, David. Sorry, no plans for a video at present. Good luck! I used the shark bit connector for mine. Much less work and a lot less likely to burn my hoise down soldering copper pipe! Good article! Thanks, Matt! The SharkBite connectors are definitely a lot faster and easier to install. 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. Additionally, plastic tubing has been known to add a slight plastic taste to the drinking water. Some users might feel that copper tubing adds a metallic taste, but this is less common. Installing a water line needs to be mapped out beforehand regardless of the type you choose. Determine the length needed to connect the refrigerator and add 6 to 8 feet, giving the line slack so it can coil comfortably behind the refrigerator.
Once off, flush the remaining water from the sink by running the faucet until it stops. Tapping into the sink will depend on whether your sink has a shutoff valve.
If it has a valve, use a wrench or pliers to disconnect the sink water supply line from the cold water shutoff valve. Be prepared for some standing water to spill out. Attach a tee fitting to the shutoff valve.
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