Discover the Best Way to Connect a New Refrigerator

Getting a new refrigerator for your home in Little Rock, AR can be exciting until you realize modern versions with features such as water dispensers and ice makers require a plumbing connection. There’s no need to panic, however, as it doesn’t take a kitchen plumbing genius to set these devices up.

With a bit of planning and effort, connecting a new fridge can be a breeze for homeowners. Here’s a step-by-step guide detailing the best way to connect a new refrigerator.

Setting Up the Water Dispenser

Right away you need to locate the nearest cold-water supply. In a kitchen, it’s normally found under the sink.

Sometimes you might get lucky, and there will be a water supply directly behind the area your fridge is meant to be installed.

In this case, all you have to do is make a direct connection with the appliance. After this, follow these steps.

Step 1: Plan Out Where the Piping Goes

It’s crucial to map out exactly where the piping will run. Every kitchen is different, so you need to know if you can run it through the cabinets or you will be forced to install it under the floor. Take precise measurements, so you know exactly how many materials you need. Make sure the piping can round corners with ease.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water

Shut off the water at the supply valve and run a faucet until all of the water runs through. This will minimize any leaking while you make the connections.

Step 3: Connect an Adapter to the Water Supply

There are three types of adapters you can use to connect your fridge with the water supply: a soldered tee-fitting, a compression tee-fitting, and a saddle valve. Most DIY kits you buy come with a saddle valve. We can’t recommend using them. Saddle valves aren’t long-term solutions and are often bad quality.

Many states don’t allow licensed plumbers to install them. Instead, we recommend using a tee-fitting. Soldered tee-fittings, made by hand, are stronger than pre-made compression tee-fittings, but both will work just fine.

Next, disconnect the kitchen sink faucet from the water supply, connect the tee-fitting to the supply and then connect the faucet to the tee-fitting. This gives both the fridge and faucet access to the water.

Step 4: Attach Piping to Tee-fitting and Refrigerator

It’s finally time to complete the process. Attach the piping to the final connection in the tee-fitting and run it along toward the back of the fridge to link it with the appliance. Turn the water back on and make sure there aren’t any leaks at the tee-fitting and along the piping. Once you’ve confirmed the connections are sound, run a few gallons of water and make a bunch of ice to test them and make sure you’re getting clean water.

Setting Up the Ice Maker

One great thing about modern fridges is water dispensers, and ice makers operate using the same water line.

By creating the connection outlined above, you have access to both devices.

Advantages of Professional Installation

Don’t feel bad if you’re confused about kitchen plumbing and setting up your new refrigerator.

Asking for a technician to help when installing a new appliance can actually be beneficial.

It ensures everything will be done smoothly and give you peace of mind knowing you will soon be able to enjoy your new gadget.