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7
Connecting the Refrigerator
to a Water Source
Read all directions carefully before you begin.
IMPORTANT:
■ If operating the refrigerator before installing the water
connection, turn ice maker to the OFF position to prevent
operation without water.
■ All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing
code requirements.
■ Use copper tubing and check for leaks.
■ Install copper tubing only in areas where temperatures will
remain above freezing.
■ It may take up to 24 hours for your ice maker to begin
producing ice.
Tools required:
■ Standard screwdriver
■ ⁷⁄₁₆ in. and ¹⁄₂ in. open-end wrenches or two adjustable
wrenches
■ ¹⁄₄ in. nut driver
■ ¹⁄₄ in. drill bit
■ Hand drill or electric drill (properly grounded)
NOTE:
Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a
¹⁄₄ in. (6.35 mm) saddle-type shut-off valve, a union, and copper
tubing. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve
complies with your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing-
type or ³⁄₁₆ in. (4.76 mm) saddle valve which reduces water flow
and clogs more easily.
Cold water supply
The ice maker water valve contains a flow washer which is used
as a water pressure regulator. The ice maker needs to be
connected to a cold water line with water pressure between 30
and 120 psi. If a problem occurs, call your utility company.
Connecting to water line:
1.
Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2.
Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long
enough to clear line of water.
3.
Locate a ½ in. to 1¹⁄₄ in. (12.7 mm to 3.18 cm) vertical COLD
water pipe near the refrigerator.
NOTE:
Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure
must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the
bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This
also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.
4.
To determine the length of copper tubing you will need,
measure from connection on lower left rear of refrigerator to
water pipe. Add 7 ft. (2.1 m) to allow for moving refrigerator
for cleaning. Use ¹⁄₄ in. (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter)
copper tubing. Be sure both ends of copper tubing are cut
square.
5.
Using a grounded drill, drill a ¹⁄₄ in. hole in the cold water pipe
you have selected.
1. Cold Water Pipe
2. Pipe Clamp
3. Copper Tubing
4. Compression Nut
5. Compression Sleeve
6. Shut-Off Valve
7. Packing Nut
6.
Fasten shut-off valve to cold water pipe with pipe clamp. Be
sure outlet end is solidly in the ¹⁄₄ in. drilled hole in the water
pipe and that washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten
packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws carefully and
evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten
or you may crush the copper tubing, especially if soft (coiled)
copper tubing is used. Now you are ready to connect the
copper tubing.
7.
Slip compression sleeve and compression nut on copper
tubing as shown. Insert end of tubing into outlet end squarely
as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end
with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.
8.
Place the free end of the tubing into a container or sink, and
turn ON main water supply and flush out tubing until water is
clear. Turn OFF shut-off valve on the water pipe. Coil copper
tubing.
Connecting to refrigerator:
1.
Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a compression
nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut. Do
not overtighten. Use the tube clamp on the back of the
refrigerator to secure the tubing to the refrigerator as shown.
This will help prevent damage to the tubing when the
refrigerator is pushed back against the wall. Move to step 2.
2. Turn shut-off valve ON. Check for leaks.
Tighten any
connections (including connections at the valve) or nuts that
leak.
1. Tube Clamp
2. Copper Tubing
3. Compression Nut
4. Valve Inlet
3.
The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer. If
local water conditions require periodic cleaning or a well is
your source of water supply, a second water strainer should
be installed in the ¹⁄₄ in. (6.35 mm) water line. Obtain a water
strainer from your nearest appliance dealer. Install at either
tube connection.
4.
Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.