Can plumbers install a plumbed fridge

Who Can Install A Plumbed Fridge?

There's nothing better than a plumbed-in refrigerator with ice and water dispensing capabilities. With a built-in refrigerator, you'll always be able to get your hands on a cool beverage without the need for homemade ice cubes. There's a lot more to installing a water-connected refrigerator than just placing it in the kitchen.

In this article, we'll explain how to connect a water line to your plumbed refrigerator, how much it will cost, and how to do it. Therefore, it is imperative to note that this is best handled by a professional. Getting a new plumbed fridge installed is as simple as calling a plumber to set up an appointment and start the process. Read on to learn more about plumbed fridge installations.

Considerations For Fridge Plumbing Installation

There are a few key considerations to remember when installing a piped water dispenser and ice maker refrigerator (plumbed fridge) in your home.

Refrigerator room requirements

In general, refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers have a higher interior volume. It might be challenging to obtain a fridge-freezer with these qualities in older houses. Based on the shape and size of the refrigerator, some may hold more food than others. It pays to do your homework to ensure you acquire the right-sized fridge. It's essential that you don't sacrifice functionality for the sake of a luxurious look.

Your refrigerator's location

Next, you'll want to find out whether a plumber can run a water line to where you or a professional will install the fridge. Running a water line from your kitchen sink to your refrigerator is the most common way to do this in a new kitchen. To hide the water line, a plumber may run it through the walls, ceiling, floor, and even within cupboards. This connection may be challenging to set up if any obstructions stand in the way.

A water connection might be connected during the rough-in phase of a significant kitchen remodel or when constructing a new kitchen from the start.

Plumbing fittings space

Does your refrigerator have enough room to accommodate all of the necessary plumbing fixtures? You will require some additional connections in order to install an ice and water dispenser, such as:

• Mini stop tap
• Water filter
• Pressure limiting valve

Installing these and maintaining enough clearance will require consulting with your plumber. The plumbing may also be installed in a cabinet adjacent to the fridge if there is enough room for it. More room for these fittings ensures that you'll always have easy access to the stop tap in the event of a leak or broken pipe.

Changing the water filter is also going to be a lot less complicated. In Australia, there are strict rules regarding DIY plumbing. Even a seemingly straightforward activity might be prone to errors at various stages if you're a novice. Your kitchen might be in jeopardy due to shoddy fridge installation, which could lead to a variety of plumbing issues.

The expense of repairing DIY errors might end up costing you more than hiring a professional plumber, to begin with. Consequently, if your fridge has broken down and you need to have a new plumbed fridge installed, you'll need to hire a qualified plumber.

Three-Part Guide To Plumbing For A Refrigerator

If you have the skills to handle plumbing jobs, then these tips will be helpful for you in installing a plumbed fridge. Nonetheless, it is best to leave this to a professional plumber to avoid water lines and connection complications. One of the most challenging aspects of this process is finding an existing water pipe to tap into and linking copper tubing to the fridge. Here is a three-part guide to follow to properly install a new fridge in your home.

Part One

• The most challenging part of installing a refrigerator water line is getting a 1/4-inch (6.3mm) O.D. (outside diameter) flexible copper tubing into the cold-water line. Purchasing an ice maker installation kit from home centres or certain hardware shops is not recommended. There is plastic tubing and a saddle valve in most (which does not fulfil local plumbing codes, which can dry, split and leak over time). More permanent valves and copper tubing are best for greater water flow and lower leak risk, which may cause considerable damage.
• Find the cold-water source closest to the refrigerator; whether it's beneath the kitchen sink, in the wall, or even in the ceiling and connect it to the fridge.
• Install a new water line for the refrigerator beneath the kitchen sink and under the cupboards in the kitchen. To prevent tube damage, store the tubing above and behind drawers wherever feasible. You should check for air ducts, electrical wires, pipes, and other potential obstacles before drilling through floors or walls.
• Next, check how many feet of 1/4-in. (6.3mm) O.D. flexible copper tubing you'll need for the water line to the refrigerator. The additional coiled tubing behind the refrigerator will allow you to remove it for cleaning and maintenance.
• Choose from three alternatives for connecting your refrigerator's water lines: a standard tee fitting that's soldered or one of the compression or saddle valves. Installing a conventional 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) copper tee is recommended by plumbers, who recommend removing a part of the cold-water line. Tee fittings that are made of the same material as the pipes you already have are the best option.

Part Two

• Cut the copper pipe and install a 5/8-in. (15.8mm) O.D. compression tee instead if you don't want to solder (but don't use it within walls since it's unsafe and doesn't comply with plumbing standards). To make compression joints simpler to tighten, coat the threads with pipe compound.
• Regarding dependability, a saddle valve made for 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) copper tubing is the least reliable alternative. Screwing the valve in will puncture the pipe's outer wall, making it possible to shut it off. When you retract the rod, water seeps into the tube via a small hole. Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend drilling a hole in the pipe and then attaching the saddle valve. However, some appliance installers insist on using saddle valves, even if they claim they function. Check your user manual for further information.
• Turn off the main water valve and open the sink and a lower-level faucet to drain the pipe's water supply. After that, remove a short bit of the cold-water pipe and attach a copper tee to it using solder. Splice a 3- to 4-inch (76-101 mm) length of copper pipe into the tee beneath the sink, then solder a water supply stop valve on the other end of the copper pipe. Close the new valve and only open the water system when the assembly has cooled to inspect the fittings for leaks.

Part Three

• Then, design a tubing path through all of the cabinets, taking care to avoid abrupt twists that might kink the tubing, and drill 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) holes as necessary between the cabinets. Ensure the end of the tube is level on the floor before you begin unrolling it to the length you need to fit through a cabinet's drawers and shelves. The coiled section of the tube may now be snagged backwards, beginning from the fridge.
• After that, use a compression joint to connect the 1/4-inch (6.3mm) refrigerator water line to the stop valve. Using 1/4-in. (6.3mm) nylon wire/cable clamps secure the tubing to the cabinet backs every 2 to 4 feet (0.6-1.2 metres). Once you've reached the last cabinet, there's no need to use clamps; just connect the tubing to the floor near the refrigerator's water line hook-up. The tube should, however, be fastened to the fridge.
• Ensure that the new tubing is flushed before connecting it to the fridge by putting a gallon of water through it into a bucket. Follow the specific instructions in the user manual to connect the tubing to the refrigerator.
• Compression fittings are often included with the purchase of a fridge. You'll want to keep at least 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 metres) of coiled tubing behind the fridge after you're done cutting the tubing to its final length.
• Ensure the end of the tube is squared off before you begin cutting. Install the compression fittings, then use a pipe compound to grease the refrigerator fitting's threads before screwing the tubing on.

Important Note: Hand-tighten the fitting, then use a tiny wrench to tighten it three-quarters of a turn on both sides. Open the new stop valve and look for leaks in the complete refrigerator water line piping system once it has been installed.

The Cost To Have A Plumbed Fridge Installed

The cost of installing a plumbed fridge might vary significantly from one home to the next. When it comes to jobs like these, a thorough site examination is essential. With no upfront fees, some plumbers offer interest-free payment options. This implies that you won't have to pay a penny upfront for a plumbed-in refrigerator.

Even if you're looking for a top-of-the-line, energy-efficient refrigerator with all the bells and whistles, these plans will work for you. You should opt for highly skilled and experienced plumbers who can connect your refrigerator's water supply on the spot.

Space For Stop Tap, Valve, And Filter

A small stop tap, water filter, and pressure limiting valve must all be considered during the installation of a plumbed fridge. Behind the refrigerator or within an interior compartment are two places where they may be positioned.

Your plumber can help you establish whether the plumbing installation is suitable for your fridge based on its dimensions and the minimum space necessary around it (some models require a 50mm gap).

Alternatively, the plumbing might be housed in a closet adjacent to the fridge, saving space and improving functionality. The plumber may cut a hole in the side of the cabinet and run a water line from there to the refrigerator. In the event of a rupture or leak, you will be able to turn off the stop tap with simplicity, and replacing the water filter will be a breeze.

Non-Plumbed Fridges

Even if your kitchen doesn't have a plumbed-in refrigerator option, you can still reap the same advantages by using alternative techniques. There are several refrigerators that include water dispensers you can manually fill. The most significant drawbacks here are manual refills, waiting for the fridge water to cool, and dealing with a 'fridge taste.'

You can get fast iced water by installing an instant tap at your kitchen sink instead. As a result, you'll have immediate access to cold water and the option to add a hot water system as well.

It's also a good idea to get a power surge protector along with your new plumbed fridge. If there is a power outage or surge, the electricity won't harm your fridge. Because the Monster Power Surge Protection outlet is at the bottom, it won't protrude into the power socket.

Hire A Plumber To Install A Plumbed Refrigerator

Anyone without existing water connections to their fridge can have a reliable plumber install the water connections so that you or a professional can connect the fridge's plumbing to it. A plumber can help you connect your plumbed fridge to a sink in your kitchen or basement, no matter where it is located.

The water line may need the drilling of holes beneath the sink, which plumbing experts are prepared to handle swiftly and effectively. Thus, don't hesitate to contact a plumber to help install your plumbed fridge and ensure everything works perfectly.