Ice makers have quickly become the must-have appliance in kitchens all over the country.
Providing us with ice-cold refreshments all year round and protecting us from the embarrassment of running out of ice at a party.
Installing them can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t the best at DIY or have never done it before. But before you descend into panic mode, we have the perfect solution!
Keep reading to find out how to install an ice maker relatively stress-free!
Cold water line
Before we go into those methods, a refrigerator or under the counter ice maker are the most common; you will need to install a dedicated cold water line if you do not already have one.
To do this, you will first need to find the closest cold water source, the nearest cold water pipe to your ice maker’s desired location.
This could be under a sink, below the floor, or in a wall. You might need to drill to find these, in which case seek the help of a professional, so you don’t end up drilling through a pipe like I accidentally did!
Once located, turn off the main water valve and open the cold water faucet to drain your water pipe. The main water valve can be found on a perimeter wall or an outdoor water meter.
Next, you will need to add a saddle valve to a cold water pipe’s clean spot. This will supply a low-pressure stream to the water pipe. Ensure the area is clean before adding the saddle valve and tightening the clamps, so it grips the pipe.
Then, slowly turn the handle of the valve clockwise; if you feel any resistance, keep turning the valve firmly until the needle pierces through the pipe. You should notice less resistance once this happens.
You will now need to attach .25 inches of copper piping using a compression joint. Place one end into the valve opening and screw a small compression joint on to secure the connection.
Be sure to measure the distance between the ice maker and cold water pipe to ensure the tubing’s correct length. It is good to allow roughly an extra 6-8 feet of tubing for cleaning and any maintenance.
Once the saddle valve and copper piping are attached, turn the water back on. Be sure all the connections are secure before turning the main water valve back on.
To finish, open the saddle valve to rinse through the copper piping. Place a bucket at the end of the piping and allow enough water to fill the bucket before closing the valve.
A refrigerator ice maker
The most common ice makers are found in our refrigerators, but they don’t always come installed these days. This is usually so the appliance can be sold at a reduced price or give people the choice of an included ice maker.
Your refrigerator may come with an ice maker uninstalled, or you may need to purchase one. Be sure that the ice maker you select is compatible with your refrigerator.
If you are installing an ice maker already in your refrigerator, find its location before you begin.
If your freezer is older than ten years, the ice maker and copper tubing will likely be in the freezer. Newer models often have the ice maker in the refrigerator door.
Once located, make sure your fridge is positioned where you can access the back of it. You may need some help moving it. You will need to run the cold water pipe towards the back of your refrigerator.
To ensure that the pipe does not get damaged, try and run it against the bottom of walls or cupboards where it can be stored safely. Any extra tubing can be coiled neatly behind your fridge too.
To attach the piping to your ice maker, you will need to use a compression fitting. These are made up of an outer nut and inner ring, which join two pipes together.
Your ice maker may have already come with a compression fitting for a cold water outlet. Instructions to install this can be found in your refrigerators manual.
If you no longer have it, try typing your fridges model number online as many manuals are now available online.
If your ice maker does not have a compression fitting, the manual will again advise the appropriate size fitting you will need to purchase to install the piping.
Once the compression fitting has been completed, you can use nylon cable clamps to attach the copper tubing to your face firmly.
You will need a screwdriver to attach the clamps to your fridge. We recommend using .25-inch wide clamps and standard no.10 screws to do this.
Under-counter ice maker
First, you will need to measure the space available to install the ice maker.
When measuring the area, you will need to allow for ventilation; aim for at least 5 inches between the back of the cupboard and the machine.
It is also a good idea to leave around 2-3 inches between the top of the counter and the icemaker and the enclosure sides.
The best place for an under the counter is next to a sink or refrigerator for convenience and access to any pipes if needed.
Once you have your ice maker selected and ready to go, you will need to attach the ice maker to your cold water line with a compression fitting. To do this, run the cold water line from the pipe to the back of your ice maker.
You can do this by drilling dime-sized holes into the side of your cupboard to thread the copper tubing through it. Remember to wear protective gear to ensure that any wood fragments do not damage your skin or eyes.
Insert the copper piping to the fixture on your ice maker; take care when doing this. Once fitted, tighten the compression gently to make sure the connection is secure.
After the connection is secured, put the ice maker in its place under the counter. These can be heavy appliances to move, so be sure to ask for assistance if necessary.
When moving the machine into its position, you may want to pull the piping through the holes in the cupboard you have drilled to prevent them from getting stuck under the ice maker.
Final word
Installing your ice maker does not have to be a difficult task.
Once your cold water line has been set up, either method should not take you long to complete.