How to Install a Refrigerator Water Line

The most common types of water lines for refrigerators are made of braided stainless steel, plastic or copper 1/4-inch tubing. Flexible and easy to install, all these materials work well in tight spaces. Plastic water lines are budget friendly but copper tubing lasts longer. Braided stainless steel is very durable but requires a higher upfront investment than either of the other options. When choosing a water line for your refrigerator, choose an option based on your budget, ease of installation and its durability.

Knowing how to install a refrigerator water line starts with choosing the right tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tape measure
• Tube cutter
• Adjustable wrench
• Hole saw
• Power drill
• Screwdriver
• Water pitcher or bucket
• Tee fitting stop valve
• 1/4-inch water supply tube
• Nylon cable clamps
• Sealing tape

Tip: Many professionals prefer copper line, but plastic tubing is commonly sold as part of ice maker installation kits.

Figuring out how to install a refrigerator water line starts with where to tap into your home’s cold water supply. See if your kitchen is plumbed for refrigerators with
ice and water dispensers. If there’s an existing cold water supply line extending from the wall or up from the floor, connect the supply valve to the refrigerator valve with your 1/4-inch water line supply tubing.

You can also tap into your sink’s cold water supply through its shut-off valve or water pipe. Or you can connect to a water pipe in the floor or wall of your kitchen.

• If there isn’t a cold water supply line already set up, tap into one that feeds the sink or dishwasher.
• If the sink or dishwasher isn’t a good choice, tap directly into a nearby water supply line.

Water lines for refrigerators often run through cabinets, above storage shelves and behind drawers. To make the job easier and prevent mistakes, plan before installing a refrigerator water line.

• Map the shortest path from the designated water supply line to the rear of the refrigerator.
• Make sure your path doesn’t conflict with any wiring or other plumbing.
• Get enough tubing to cover the installation path plus an additional 6 to 8 feet. This allows the slack you need to move the refrigerator and maintain the line.

Tip: Consult your refrigerator's manual for specific instructions on how to disconnect a water line from a refrigerator if you are replacing it.

Before you install a refrigerator water line, turn off the water first.

• If you’re connecting your refrigerator water line to your sink, use the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink.
• If you’re connecting to a water pipe, shut off your home’s main water supply.
• Turn on the faucet at the sink to flush out any water in the line before starting the project.

Tip: Put down cardboard under the refrigerator to make it easier to move. This will also prevent floor scratches.

If your sink has a shut-off valve, you can tap into it using a tee fitting.
The tee fitting should fit the threads of your valve. The third outlet should have an outside diameter of 1/4-inch for the refrigerator water line.

• Disconnect the sink water supply line from the cold water shut-off valve by using a wrench or pliers to unscrew the tube’s connection nut.
• Catch any standing water in the supply line in a small pan and dry the area with a sponge.
• Attach the tee fitting to the shut-off valve.
• Tighten the fitting by hand and secure it using pliers.
• Connect the sink water supply line to the tee fitting.
• Connect the refrigerator water line to the third outlet of the tee fitting.
• Skip Step 6 and go to Step 7 for next step.

If your sink does not have a shut-off valve, tap into the line through the sink’s piping and install a valve for the refrigerator water line. Make sure the valve’s inlets match the diameter of your pipes. They should have an outlet with a 1/4-inch outside diameter for the refrigerator water line.

• If you’re using a self-tap saddle valve, attach the valve to the pipe. Don’t pierce the pipe until the water line has been connected to the back of the fridge.
• If you’re using a stop tee valve, you’ll need to remove a section of the sink’s water supply pipe. Mark the section you plan to cut.
• Cut the section of pipe using pipe cutters.
• Deburr the exterior and interior of the cut pipe ends using a deburring tool or a metal file.
• Securely attach the new valve to both pipe ends.
• Go to Step 7 below for next step.

In some cases, you’ll need to locate and tap directly into your home’s water supply line. Here’s how to install a refrigerator water line through a floor or wall.

• Find where in the floor or wall is the nearest water supply line to your refrigerator.
• Cut a square hole in the wall large enough to access the cold water supply line and work through. Install an access panel over this hole in case maintenance is needed.
• Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the pipe to run the tubing through.
• Install a stop tee valve.
• Go to Step 7 below for next step.

Safety Tip: Avoid any wiring or other plumbing when drilling.

Now that you've decided on your water supply, it’s time to uncoil and run your water line tubing.

• Starting at the water supply location, begin feeding the tube along the path you planned out in Step 3.
• As you go, drill holes that are large enough for the line and connector to go through the cabinets, floors or any other obstacles as needed.
• Every 2 to 3 feet, use a nylon or cable clamp to secure the line to the cabinet or floor joist.
• Make sure to keep the refrigerator water line from kinking along the way.

Here’s how to connect a water line to the back of the fridge:

• Wrap the threads on the water line connection at the back of the refrigerator with sealing tape. This will make sure there’s a tight seal and prevent leaks.
• Use a wrench to attach the end of the water line to the refrigerator’s connection.
• Make sure the nut is tight enough to prevent leaking.

• Attach the water line to the 1/4-inch outlet on the water supply valve.
• Tighten the connector nut with a wrench.
• If using a piercing valve, now’s the time to turn the knob to drive the needle into the pipe and pierce the side. After you turn the water back on, back the needle out by turning the knob in the opposite direction.
• Double-check the connections at both the water supply and the refrigerator.
• Tighten any connections that need securing.

• Turn your water supply back on.
• If your refrigerator has a water dispenser, run out one or two gallons of water through the new line. Discard that water.
• If your water line also supplies an ice maker, discard the first two or three batches of ice your refrigerator makes.

Tip: Consider using the water or ice for cleaning or watering plants to avoid wasting it.

Keep your refrigerator's new water line performing well and prevent problems with regular maintenance.

• Inspect the water line and connections from time to time for leaking. Dripping or puddles can mean you may need to tighten connections or replace the line.
• Gently vacuum or dust the water line coils regularly.
• Slow or no water or ice can mean a clogged filter. Replace any built-in water filters.
• Insulate the water line with foam to prevent it freezing in low temperatures or cold climates.
• Use a bleach and water mixture to clean mold from inside or outside the water dispenser.