How to Install a Water Line for a Refrigerator

Steps to hook up the water line to the fridge ice maker and water dispenser

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10

Running a water line to a refrigerator to supply its ice maker and drinking water dispenser has never been easier. Most modern refrigerators use convenient (and less kink-able) 1/4-inch flexible water supply tubes in lengths from one to 20 feet and convenient Add-A-Tee adapter fittings that can be installed anywhere an existing shutoff valve exists. This type of fitting is easy to install and is less prone to leaking than a saddle valve fitting (older models).

In most cases, the water line can run from a kitchen faucet water supply line through the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator. If running the line through the cabinets is not feasible, you might need to run it through the floor and up to where the fridge is located.

Tip

Before getting started, check behind your fridge to see if a water line and shutoff valve are already there—either extending out of the wall or sticking through the floor. Connect a 1/4-by-1/4-inch flex supply tube to the shutoff valve and the fridge.

Water being poured from refrigerator into glass cup with ice

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Before You Begin

Before gathering supplies and embarking on this project, it helps to be familiar with the two main items you'll be using.

  • Add-A-Tee adapter: This is an ideal plumbing fitting for connecting water lines. It simply threads onto the outlet of a standard fixture shutoff valve, like the one you have under the kitchen sink. The fitting has a 3/8-inch outlet port connecting the faucet line and a smaller, 1/4-inch port connecting the flexible water line to the fridge. Add-A-Tee fittings come in a few different sizes and can be connected to 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch water supplies. For a standard kitchen sink shutoff valve, you need a 3/8-by-3/8-by-1/4-inch Add-A-Tee.
  • Flex water supply tubes: You also need a 1/4-inch flex water supply tube that is long enough to run from the Add-A-Tee to the refrigerator, plus several feet to pull out the fridge without yanking on the water line. Measure the distance carefully, and buy a supply tube with plenty of length for the job. These tubes are available in tough plastic nylon mesh or braided steel. Braided steel is considerably more expensive but stronger and worth the investment. Water leaks can cause significant (and very costly) damage.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rag or bucket
  • Two pairs of tongue-and-groove pliers or two adjustable wrenches

Materials

  • Add-A-Tee adapter
  • 1/4-inch flexible water supply tubing with compression connectors

Instructions

Materials and tools to install a water line to the refrigerator

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

How to Install a Refrigerator Water Line

  1. Turn off the Water

    • Locate the fixture shutoff valve on the cold water supply line under the kitchen sink.
    • Close the shutoff valve by turning it clockwise until it stops. If it has a lever-type handle, turn the lever perpendicular to the water pipe.
    • Turn on the cold water at the kitchen faucet to release pressure in the water line.
    Water supply line shut off underneath kitchen sink

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Disconnect the Faucet Water Line

    • Place a rag or small bucket under the supply valve to catch water draining from the supply tube.
    • Disconnect the faucet supply tube from the valve using two pairs of pliers or two adjustable wrenches. Use one pair to hold the valve body securely to prevent it from moving. Use the other pair to loosen the compression nut on the supply tube.
    Faucet supply tube disconnected from valve

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Connect the Tee Adapter

    • Thread the Add-A-Tee adapter onto the outlet port of the shutoff valve, tightening by hand at first.
    • Finish tightening the adapter with two pliers, using one pair to hold the valve and the other to tighten the adapter.  
    Tee adapter added to top of outlet port of the shutoff valve

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Connect the Faucet and Refrigerator Supply Tubes

    • Reattach the faucet supply tube to the 3/8-inch outlet on the Add-A-Tee.
    • Tighten the connection with pliers, as before.
    • Attach one end of a 1/4-inch flexible supply tube onto the 1/4-inch outlet on the adapter and tighten it with pliers. 
    Refrigerator supply tube connected to the tee adapter

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Connect the Supply Tube to the Refrigerator

    • Run the new supply tube to the back of the refrigerator.
    • Connect the end of the tube to the 1/4-inch water supply fitting on the fridge.
    • Tighten the connection just slightly more than hand-tight using pliers.
    Water supply tube connected to back of refrigerator

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  6. Turn on the Water

    • Open the shutoff valve under the sink by turning the knob counterclockwise or the lever so it is parallel to the water pipe.
    • Check for leaks at all connections.
    • Push the refrigerator into place.
    • Confirm that the water dispenser and ice maker are working correctly.
    Water turned on by turning shutoff valve under kitchen sink

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  7. Prep the Refrigerator

    Flush out several gallons of water from the dispenser to purge the water line of air and any contaminants that may be in the line. If you have an ice maker, throw away the first two batches of ice.

Why Not Use a Saddle Valve?

The saddle valves that were once commonly used to make water supply connections to refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances are rarely used due to the valves' tendency to leak. If you have this fitting, replace it with a standard fixture shutoff valve or install a special adapter tee with a shutoff valve to splice into the straight run of the water pipe.

FAQ
  • Is it hard to install a refrigerator water line?

    Connecting a water line to a refrigerator is straightforward. You can complete it in about an hour. 

  • Is it expensive to install a refrigerator water line?

    A professional usually charges less than $200 to connect a water line to a refrigerator. On average, the national price to install a water line ranges from $75 to $130.

  • Should you install a refrigerator water line yourself or hire a professional?

    If the line has to travel far to the refrigerator or go through walls or floors, consider hiring a professional. Otherwise, connecting to a nearby water line is a simple task.

  • What type of line is used for refrigerator water?

    Not all refrigerator water lines are made of the same materials. The 1/4-inch diameter tubing can be made of copper, braided steel, or plastic. 

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  1. How much does a refrigerator cost to install? HomeAdvisor.