In our last article we talked about ice makers and how convenient a tool they are in your kitchen. Over the course of our next two blog articles we will be going over the steps on how to install an ice maker. In this weeks post we will be going over the steps on how to prep for the ice maker installation. If you are proficient with plumbing our next few blog articles will provide you with the steps in how to complete this install. However, if you are not fully confident with your plumbing skills please contact Caldwell Plumbing and set up a appointment for one of our fully licensed professionals to complete this project for you.
Required Tools & Materials
- Putty Knife
- Electrical Tape
- T-FItting
- Electric Drill
- 1/2″ drill bit
- Screwdrivers
- Nut Drivers
- Needle-Nose Pliers
- Ice Maker Kit
- Adjustable Wrench
Step #1: Locate Cold Water Supply
The first step is to locate the cold water supply lines. In most cases the supply line can be found right below the kitchen. In order to gain access to this supply line you will need to drill a hole in the floor directly behind the refrigerator using your electric drill and 1/2″ drill bit. One the drill bit is through the floor do not pull it out just yet.
Step #2: Thread The Tubing
With the drill bit still in the floor navigate yourself to the basement and locate the hole where you can see the drill bit poking through. From below, fasten the plastic ice maker tubing to the end of the drill bit. Use electrical tape to secure the tube to the drill bit and then from above pull the bit back up through the floor carefully.
Step #3: Installing A Compression Tee Valve
Before starting this step be sure to shut off the water supply. Once off you can open the nearby facets to drain what is left in the line. Next, cut into the cold water pipe and install a compression tee valve. Make sure that it is secure by tightening all of the nuts and then close the valve as well as the near by faucets that you recently opened. You can now turn the water supply back on and test for any leaks.
Step #4: Connect The Tubing
Make sure that you give yourself about 6′ of slack on the tubing that you pulled up through your floor and cut with a knife. The 6′ will allow you to slide the fridge in and out of its current location in the future. From below, slide a nut and a ferrule onto the the tubing, slide the tubing over the valve and then slide the ferrule tight against the valve and tighten the nut to secure. Lastly you want to connect the tubing to the refrigerator using another nut and ferrule. Be sure to keep the access tubing kink free and coiled behind the fridge.
Let Caldwell Plumbing Help
Check back with us next week for part 2 of this series on how to install an ice maker. Alternatively if you would like Caldwell Plumbing to install a bidet for you please book an appointment with Caldwell Plumbing today. We provide plumbing service to Durham, the GTA, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and Toronto.
