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Connecting Refrigerator to Water Supply

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Before Beginning

These instructions assume you have an existing water supply connection for the refrigerator. If necessary, call a qualified plumber to install a water supply line for the refrigerator.Turn the icemaker OFF if the refrigerator will be used before the water line is connected.Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where the ambient temperatures fall below freezing.Connect to potable water supply only.To prevent burns and product damage, only connect the refrigerator water line to a cold water supply.Wear eye protection during installation to prevent injury.

Water Pressure

You will need a cold water supply.Models with water filter:20 - 120 psi (138 - 827 kPa)Where reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to a cold water supply:40 - 60 psi minimum to reverse osmosis system (2.8 kgf/cm2 - 4.2 kgf/cm2, or less than 2 - 3 seconds to fill a cup of 7 oz capacity)If the water pressure from the reverse osmosis system is less than 20 psi or 138 kPa or 1.4 kgf/cm2 (takes more than 4 seconds to fill a cup of 7 oz or 198 cc capacity):Check to see if the sediment filter in the reverse osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill after heavy usage.If the water pressure remains low, call a licensed, qualified plumber.All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.

Supplies Needed

PEX Tubing, ¼ in. outer diameter, to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. Be sure both ends of the tubing are cut square. To determine how much tubing you need, measure the distance from the water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply pipe. Then, add 8 feet (2.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about 8 feet [2.4 m] coiled into 3 turns of about 10 in. [25 cm] diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.½ in. or adjustable wrench.Flat-blade and Phillips screwdrivers.The hookup line cannot be white, plastic tubing. Licensed plumbers must use only Cross Link Polyethylene (PEX) tubing.Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about 8 ft. coiled into three turns of about 10 in. diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.

Connecting Water Line to Refrigerator

Connect the tubing to the shutoff valve.If using PEX tubing, connect the fittings on both ends of the tubing to the shutoff valve. Make sure the tubing is fully inserted into the valve. Tighten the compression nut securely.Packing NutShutoff ValveFittingFlush out the tubing into a bucket.Flush out the tubing coming from the home water supply until the water is clear. Shut the water off at the water valve after about one quart of water has been flushed through the tubing.Before making the connection to the refrigerator, be sure that the refrigerator power cord is not plugged into the wall outlet.Remove the flexible plastic cap from the water valve on the refrigerator.Place the compression nut and ferrule (sleeve) onto the end of the tubing as shown. If you are using a PEX connection kit, it may already have the required fittings.Insert the end of the PEX tubing into the connection as far as possible. While holding the tubing, tighten the fitting.Tubing Clamp¼ in. Tubing¼ in. PEX TubingRefrigerator ConnectionTurn the water on at the shutoff valve.Tighten any connections that leak.Check to see if leaks occur at the water line connections.Make sure the house water valve is fully open. If it is not open completely, the icemaker and dispenser may not work properly.