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.
Can you use polyethylene tube for icemaker?
As long as it is the milky white polyethylene, and not clear vinyl, it is OK as far as water quality . In fact, if the water is RO filtered, you must use plastic and not copper.
What is ice maker tubing made of?
Copper and plastic are two common materials for an ice maker water line, which is vital for refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers. Both copper and plastic are suitable materials to get the job done; however, they both have their pros and cons.
What is the best material for a refrigerator water line?
The best material for your refrigerator water line is braided stainless steel , however, that can cost a lot of money. Between plastic and copper, it really depends on preference. Copper is strong but it corrodes and gets kinked. Plastic is a good choice, but it’s not nearly as strong as copper.
Why can’t you use vinyl tubing for ice makers?
Answer: You’re 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.
Is polyethylene tubing safe for drinking water?
By and large, HDPE is reported to be one of the “good” plastics, safe for use with food and water . ... PPRC found no evidence of any widespread health problems related to the use of HDPE in food and beverage or potable water applications.
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.
Is ice maker line same as water line?
The ice maker supply line is a small plastic, copper, or stainless steel water line that feeds directly into the ice maker. ... If the filter is clogged the ice maker will make fewer and smaller ice cubes. To check if the filter or water line is clogged, place a cup underneath the water dispenser.
What is the best water line to use?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are a considered the best choice for underground water lines. What makes this type of piping so great? HDPE pipes are non-toxic, tasteless, and considered a green building material. The pipes are designed to be high crack- and corrosion-resistant.
Can refrigerator water lines be reused?
You can replace your plastic water line with a copper tee fitting, a high-quality shutoff and a braided steel supply line in a half hour—and never have to worry about leaks again. ... Close the shutoff and turn the house water back on to check for leaks.
How long are fridge water lines?
The other notable difference is the length of tubing as a fridge supply can be 10′ to 25′ depending on where you are connecting from where a toilet or sinks are usually 12” or so. Braided tubing is fitted at both ends with the proper fittings, so all you have to do is tighten the line to your connections.
Can a fridge make ice without a water line?
You can still enjoy an automatic ice maker and water dispenser without having a water line. ... Although it’s convenient to get water and ice directly from the refrigerator, purchasing a refrigerator without a water line or reservoir doesn’t mean you can’t have homemade ice or chilled and filtered water.
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.
Is polyethylene toxic to humans?
Plastics #1 Polyethylene terephathalate (PET or PETE) & #2 HD Polyethylene (HDPE) are not only bad for our environment but can be potentially toxic to humans too , these are also known as single use plastics, and may leach when exposed to UV, heat and over time from natural breakdown.
What is the safest pipe for drinking water?
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won’t leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper’s intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
