For DIY'ers... how to repair torn plastic water line to fridge? October 22, 2014   Subscribe We just bought a new fridge w/ice maker. The installation guys weren't able to install the ice maker line, since the line was torn (our last fridge didn't have an ice maker, but there was one behind the fridge.) The spare one they brought was too short, so they suggested I repair the one already in place. I tried, and failed. A refrigerator water line should last for many years, but if it begins to leak it’s time to replace it with a new one. Many home improvement and hardware stores offer kits made of copper tubing, or flexible braided or plastic piping. The choice is yours, but the copper tubing typically lasts longer. The installation kits include all the fittings you need. Since you are replacing an old line, you may not need to use all the fittings in the kit. You must pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access water line connections on it. Unplug the electrical cord for the refrigerator.

The project won’t take long to complete, so you don’t need to remove food from the refrigerator. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall so you can access the water line on the back of it. It’s a good idea to ask someone to help you move the refrigerator. Take care not to damage the floor as you move the refrigerator away from the wall. Turn off the cold water supply under the sink. Run water out of the faucet to drain the line. Loosen the compression nut on the saddle valve under the sink, using an adjustable wrench, to disconnect the old water line from the water supply. The saddle valve is two pieces of metal strapped on a pipe. It has a small handle on the top of it. Do not disturb the saddle valve itself, only the compression nut attached to the water line. Loosen and remove the compression nut on the back of the refrigerator. Pull the water line free of the refrigerator. Pull all of the old line away from the cabinets and dispose of it. Thread the water replacement line through the cabinets so you have enough line to reach the cold water connection.

You should have several extra feet of water line, which you leave behind the refrigerator for now. Push a compression nut from the assembly kit onto the end of copper tubing that connects under the sink. Slide a ferrule tube from the assembly kit of a copper line onto the end of the tubing as well. Connect the compression nut to the saddle valve. Tighten it by hand then tighten it one-quarter turn with an adjustable wrench. Plastic tubing also uses a ferrule tube, plus it has a short plastic sleeve that fits into the end of the tubing to keep it from crushing. Wrap the threads of the saddle valve with Teflon tape before connecting them with the compression nut if you are using braided line. Repeat the previous step with the connection on the back of the refrigerator. Turn water back on to the refrigerator line and check for leaks. Tighten compression nuts no more than one-quarter turn at a time until the leak stops. Coil excess line in large loops behind the refrigerator as you slide the refrigerator back into position.

Plug the refrigerator back into its outlet. Move it away from the wall with the assistance of a helper so you don't damage the floor. Turn off the wall water supply valve. Loosen and remove the compression nuts on the wall supply valve and the connection on the back of the refrigerator, using an adjustable wrench. Set the old line aside for disposal. Slide a compression nut onto the end of copper or plastic tubing along with a ferrule. Mud Tires Buy 3 Get 1 FreePress the plastic sleeve into the end of plastic tubing.Hardwood Flooring Tax CreditThese items are in the assembly kit. Custom Bathroom Mirror Los AngelesAttach the compression nut to the wall supply valve. Tighten it by hand, then turn it one-quarter turn with an adjustable wrench.

Repeat this process for the connection on the refrigerator. Turn the water back on and check for leaks. If necessary, tighten the compression nuts slightly. Plug the refrigerator into its outlet and push back into position. As you do, coil the extra line so it rests behind the refrigerator. Things You Will Need Adjustable wrench Refrigerator water line kit Teflon tape Tip Suggest a Correction 1/4 in. x 25 ft. Poly Ice Maker Kit 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. x 120 in. Stainless Steel Ice Maker Supply Line 1/4 in. x 15 ft. Copper Icemaker Installation Kit 1/4 in. x 1/4 in. x 12 in. Compression x Compression Stainless Steel Icemaker ConnectorO.D. x 1/4 in. O.D. x 120 in. Stainless-Steel SureDry Ice Maker Connector Ice Maker Water Supply Kit (Universal)I.D. x 10 ft. PVC Icemaker Supply LineCompression x 1/4 in. Compression x 72 in. Braided Polymer Icemaker/Humidifier ConnectorBraided Stainless Icemaker Connector Water Supply Kit (Universal)Compression x 96 in. Compression x 84 in.

What if I don't know my model number? General Electric WR02X11330 Connector UnitDetailsGE WR17X2891 Plastic Tube for Refrigerator FREE Shipping on orders over $49. DetailsGE WR17X11440 Water Tank Dispenser Assembly for Refrigerator 1.5 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches 4.7 out of 5 stars #13,626 in Home Improvements (See top 100) #1,844 in Home Improvement > Appliances > Large Appliance Accessories 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) See all 71 customer reviews DocGuy - Paul Pehrson See all 71 customer reviews (newest first) Used on my GE refrigerator. The one shipped wasnt manufactured properly, this one fixed the leak. No more leak in the front of my frigidaire refrigerator! I used this to splice my leaking water line vs replacing the entire line. Parts used:- LG ELECTRONICS 5210JA3004K- General Electric WR02X11330 Product works as intended and is only for one-time use. fits on my GE refrigerator. Don't know how to review a line coupler, so I will just say that it works as expected