Importance

• When you purchase a new refrigerator or free-standing ice maker, the ice maker line is installed inside the appliance but must be connected to a home's water line to function. The appliance company does not usually provide the tools or parts needed to finish installing the line. Besides the appropriate fittings, you may also need a water supply line, wrenches and screwdrivers.
  
  

Shutoff Valve

• The shutoff valve is installed between the home's water supply and the water supply line leading to the ice maker. The valve, when turned off, stops the water supply from coming into the tubing if there is a leak or when you need to turn the supply off to move or repair the appliance. The valve may attach to the tubing with clamps. When tightening the clamps, do not overtighten them or you might damage the tubing.
  
  

Compression Parts

• A compression nut and sleeve connect the water supply line and the ice maker inlet valve. Slide the nut first and then the sleeve onto the water supply line as far as each will go. Tighten both fittings by hand. Use a wrench to tighten the fittings if they feel loose at all, but do not overtighten the nut or sleeve.
  
  

Warnings

• Hook an ice maker only to a cold water line with water pressure between approximately 20 and 120 pounds per square inch (psi). Do not install water tubing in spaces where the temperature falls below freezing. Copper tubing is most often recommended for the water supply line; plastic tubing is more likely to become damaged and leak. Do not use a self-piercing shutoff valve in the installation.