How do you hook up an ice maker?

Question

We bought a used side by side whirlpool fridge. How do we go about hooking up the built in ice maker? 10 pts. for step by step instructions!

Answer 1

This is an easy project. First check the connection to the ice maker. It should be a 1/4 compression thread. Go to a good hardware store and purchase an ice maker installation kit. This will come with the tubing, valve, and fittings you need. Attach the saddle valve from the kit to an existing water line (normally 1/2 copper under sink). Then run the tubing to the fridge and hook up to fridge with compression nut from kit.

Answer 2

When you buy the new ice maker it will have the step by step instructions included. You will need to tap into your water line with a saddle valve and run the 1/4" copper tubing to the back of the refrigerator. Newer houses already have the line ran with a cut-off valve installed. The ice maker will have a plug and the refrigerator will also, behind a panel in the freezer. So you remove the plug and plug in the two plugs and then hang the ice maker on the hooks. Taht's about what it takes. good luck.

Answer 3

If I understand you - the fridge already has a icemaker and what you want to do is run a stainless flexible tubing (not copper) from the water valve on the back of the fridge to a water source, like a stub coming out of the wall behind the fridge or hook it to your cold water line under the sink. You can either tap it with a saddle valve or replace the shut off valve with one that has a connection to hook up the tubing
(a better deal) and the guys at the hardware store can find the valve that you are looking for.

Answer 4

If you go to Home Depot or Lowe's you will find an installation kit for ice makers. The kit will contain step by step instructions and pictures!

Answer 5

I called a plumber. Worked like a charm, and I didn't skru anything up.