Dec 15, 2016
When you install a new refrigerator, it's a good idea to hook up the ice-maker at the same time. If it's for yourself, you'll have an added convenience that would take more effort to add later. If you'll be showing the house, you'll be able to demonstrate that the refrigerator is not only up and running, but also has a functional added perk. There are a couple of ways to attach a PVC pipe to an ice-maker's water line, but you won't know which approach to take until you know what type of pipe makes up the ice-maker's line. Nonetheless, this is not a difficult task and anyone with moderate do-it-yourself experience will be able to get the job done.
Determine how much of a water line there is. If there is no water line, or if only the basics are there -- like a line valve coming off the pipe -- then you'll need to install the entire water line. Use a water line installation kit, available at any hardware store. The kit will give you all the valves and hardware needed to run a line up to the point where the PVC pipe is. You can choose either plastic pipe or copper pipe, whichever one you're more comfortable working with. Once the pipe is run up to the PVC connector, or if the majority of the water line is already in place, you can proceed.
Connect a plastic waterline pipe to PVC with a barbed PVC fitting. Snip off a bit of the plastic pipe with scissors and take it to a hardware store to gauge the correct size when buying the fitting. The barb on the end of the PVC fitting must fit snugly inside of the snippet of plastic pipe. Attach the fitting to the PVC pipe with PVC cement. Coat the inside of the PVC pipe and the outside of the fitting with the cement, insert and press them together. Insert the barbed end of the fitting into the plastic pipe, then clamp it securely with a hose clamp and a screwdriver.
Connect a copper waterline pipe to PVC using a plastic pipe and a barbed fitting. Select a small piece of plastic pipe that will push over the copper water line and fit snugly. Place a clamp over the plastic pipe and tighten it firmly to make a watertight seal. As instructed in the previous step, select a properly sized barbed PVC fitting and cement it to the PVC pipe. Insert the barbed end into the plastic pipe and secure it snugly with a hose clamp.
Water line installation kit (if no line exists)
PVC barb adapters
Scissors
PVC cement
Hose clamp
Screwdriver
Plastic pipe
Because this is a low-pressure line, if possible, use plastic piping if you're getting a kit. Plastic is more flexible and easier to run, won't kink and is resistant to hard water deposits.
Always turn off the main water line if you need to tap into it for an ice-maker line.
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