Connecting the Refrigerator to a Water Source

Connecting the Refrigerator

to a Water Source

Read all directions carefully before you begin.

IMPORTANT:

■If operating the refrigerator before installing the water connection, turn ice maker to the OFF position to prevent operation without water.

■All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.

■Use copper tubing and check for leaks.

■Install copper tubing only in areas where temperatures will remain above freezing.

■It may take up to 24 hours for your ice maker to begin producing ice.

Tools required:

■Standard screwdriver

■M\zn in. and Z\x in. open-end wrenches or two adjustable wrenches

■Z\v in. nut driver

■Z\v in. drill bit

■Hand drill or electric drill (properly grounded)

NOTE: Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a

Z\v in. (6.35 mm) saddle-type shut-off valve, a union, and copper tubing. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing- type or C\zn in. (4.76 mm) saddle valve which reduces water flow and clogs more easily.

Cold water supply

The ice maker water valve contains a flow washer which is used as a water pressure regulator. The ice maker needs to be connected to a cold water line with water pressure between 30 and 120 psi. If a problem occurs, call your utility company.

Connecting to water line:

1.Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.

2.Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long enough to clear line of water.

3.Locate a ½ in. to 1Z\v in. (12.7 mm to 3.18 cm) vertical COLD water pipe near the refrigerator.

NOTE: Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure

must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4.To determine the length of copper tubing you will need, measure from connection on lower left rear of refrigerator to water pipe. Add 7 ft. (2.1 m) to allow for moving refrigerator for cleaning. Use Z\v in. (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing. Be sure both ends of copper tubing are cut square.

5.Using a grounded drill, drill a Z\v in. hole in the cold water pipe you have selected.

1.Cold Water Pipe

2.Pipe Clamp

3.Copper Tubing

4.Compression Nut

5.Compression Sleeve

6.Shut-Off Valve

7.Packing Nut

6.Fasten shut-off valve to cold water pipe with pipe clamp. Be sure outlet end is solidly in the Z\v in. drilled hole in the water pipe and that washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws carefully and evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten or you may crush the copper tubing, especially if soft (coiled) copper tubing is used. Now you are ready to connect the copper tubing.

7.Slip compression sleeve and compression nut on copper tubing as shown. Insert end of tubing into outlet end squarely as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.

8.Place the free end of the tubing into a container or sink, and turn ON main water supply and flush out tubing until water is clear. Turn OFF shut-off valve on the water pipe. Coil copper tubing.

Connecting to refrigerator:

1.Attach the copper tube to the valve inlet using a compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut. Do not overtighten. Use the tube clamp on the back of the refrigerator to secure the tubing to the refrigerator as shown. This will help prevent damage to the tubing when the refrigerator is pushed back against the wall. Move to step 2.

2.Turn shut-off valve ON. Check for leaks. Tighten any connections (including connections at the valve) or nuts that leak.

1.Tube Clamp

2.Copper Tubing

3.Compression Nut

4.Valve Inlet

3.The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer. If local water conditions require periodic cleaning or a well is your source of water supply, a second water strainer should be installed in the Z\v in. (6.35 mm) water line. Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer. Install at either tube connection.

4.Plug in refrigerator or reconnect power.