new water line for new fridge?

[rpearlberg]

We are getting a new refrigerator delivered next week. Is there any need to replace the water line (for ice maker and water dispenser)? I can just use the old one, right?

Should I replace the plastic water line with braided steel, or just leave as is?

 

[jim whitney]

If you have city water and the plastic has a couple of years on it I,d replace it . The chlorine in city water tends to remove the polymer in the plastic and make it brittle .

 

[sixty4]

If it was me, yes. I would also remove the saddle valve at the same time.

 

[flat350]

If it were up to me I would replace the saddle valve,cut it out and replace it with a tee and a 1/2" x 1/4" compression stop.Those saddle valves are junk,have a habit of collecting deposits in them and failing at just the right time.

 

[rpearlberg]

We do have city water, and it's been there for at least five years (before we moved in). Is this something I can do on my own? Just unscrew the plastic line and replace with braided stainless?

 

[bczygan]

We do have city water, and it's been there for at least five years (before we moved in). Is this something I can do on my own? Just unscrew the plastic line and replace with braided stainless?

You need to do more than that. As described above, cut the main line and replace the saddle connection with a T etc.


Bill

 

[Semohandyman]

If you’re installing an icemaker forget about using a traditional saddle tee valve. They clog and leak, and they’re almost impossible to shut off completely after several years of use. Install a sweat or compression tee with a 1/4-in. shutoff valve. Here is an example of the valve. Many big box stores carry the valve.
http://www.siouxchief.com/products/supply/specialized-supply/sweat/add-a-line

 

[four.cycle]

story:
Two years ago we had a bit of a problem here. Replaced roof, all floors, entire bathroom.
While examining samples of various types of laminate flooring at the flooring store, I saw a diagram of a floor plan laying on the salesman's desk and asked him about the large area in the center of the house outlined in red.
"Oh," he said. "Refrigerator with ice maker. That's what keeps me in business."

Replace all lines. Replace all valves. If you can find something better than braided steel, go for it.

Lines are cheap.

Floors get real spendy.

bath_01_110713 by ski.mohawk, on Flickr

 

[Boomer343]

The valves on the fridge will be quick closing so can cause hammering in the line. With plastic line it causes a whipping action that can cause the line to break at the connections.

I have soft copper lines and a water hammer arrestor to our ice maker but it is a built in sub zero unit.

 

[rpearlberg]

Thanks! It's a kitchenaid with ice maker and water dispenser. What would be the best line/pipe to use? Braided steel?

 

[RAYJAY]

would not even run the 1/4" line.... run 1/2 pex to a Ice Maker Outlet Box and then use a small braided hose from box to fridge will last for ever

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Sioux-Ch...-Box-Standard-Pack-1-2-Female-Sweat-Lead-Free

 

[nadogail]

I frequently use a two outlet angle stop from a sink cold water supply.

If the piping is access able I install a tee and a separate angle stop for the ice maker.
One of my rentals has four angle stops under the kitchen sink. They are hot and cold water, hot water for the dishwasher and cold water supply for the ice maker.

For the Ice maker supply line, nothing beats a single length of 1/4" copper tubing.

 

[dave*99]

would not even run the 1/4" line.... run 1/2 pex to a Ice Maker Outlet Box and then use a small braided hose from box to fridge will last for ever

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Sioux-Ch...-Box-Standard-Pack-1-2-Female-Sweat-Lead-Free

Do this.

 

[rpearlberg]

Do this.

seems overkill for a refrigerator ice maker...

 

[Worsedog]

seems overkill for a refrigerator ice maker...

The overkill is not for the ice maker. It's to protect the house from leaky plumbing.

 

[rpearlberg]

The overkill is not for the ice maker. It's to protect the house from leaky plumbing.

understood. would this be the same as having the valve coming off the pipe and then running the line from that valve to the ice maker?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Is there a reason? Yes. Beyond the "old" plastic that has been mentioned, saddle valves are a code violation most places...

Tommy

 

[saltracer]

Make a new tie in with a 3/8 ball valve and run 3/8 PEX to refrig ( they make a wall recess box with PEX ready shut off valve ) troubles are over