Choosing the Right Water Line The most common types of water lines for refrigerators are made of braided stainless steel, plastic or copper 1/4-inch tubing. Flexible and easy to install, all these materials work well in tight spaces. Plastic water lines are budget friendly but copper tubing lasts longer.
Plastic tube works great. Just make sure it is listed for potable water. It should say on the package or label.
Copper is superior in every way but PEX is easier and cheaper. On longevity alone Copper is rated for 50-70yrs vs 25-40yrs for PEX.
You'll be fine with the plastic. Since it's new it will last as long as copper will. I always suggest plastic line to homeowners when they are replacing their icemaker line or installing it new. Just like buying a Chevy or Ford, your preference. But the plastic is just as good to run the water.
Rubber would be a bad choice of line to run to the fridge. Use either copper or polyethylene tubing designated for potable/ culinary water use.
What size line is used when installing a refrigerator water line? When it comes to installing your new refrigerator, the tubing used to connect the water supply to your unit should have a ¼-inch diameter. This will enable the tubing to connect to the refrigerator's supply fitting.
Wrapping the fridge's fitting with plumber's tape first will help ensure a tighter seal. Tighten the connection first by hand, then with pliers. This is the point where you'll check for leaks and ensure the refrigerator's water dispenser (and eventually the ice maker) is functioning.
PVC pipes. If you only want pipes for cold water applications, go for PVC pipes.
While water supply lines to refrigerators can be made of different materials like copper, plastic types and braided stainless steel, the good news is with adapters, most ice-maker supply lines should be able to connect to most refrigerators.
It has become expensive, can still corrode based on pH levels of water, and in cold climates, frozen water can cause copper pipes to burst.
How Often Should You Replace Your Refrigerator Water Line? There's no set time frame for replacing your refrigerator water line, but it's generally a good idea to have it checked every few years. However, if you notice any of the signs listed above, it's a good idea to have the water line inspected as soon as possible.
Copper is usually preferred for water supply lines and heating systems but plex is most often used for drain or waste lines because copper corrodes over time. Ultimately, it's up to the homeowner to decide where to spend the construction budget.
Refrigeration copper tubing stands as the optimal choice for refrigeration systems, and it's not hard to see why. The first advantage is its excellent thermal conductivity. Simply put, copper tubes transfer heat more efficiently than many other materials.
PEX or PVC Tubing
Plastic tubing is not vulnerable to corrosion, and it resists scale buildup, which helps maintain water quality. Additionally, it is less prone to bursting in freezing conditions compared to rigid materials like copper.
Depends on where the refrigerator is going in relation to the sink. If its close you may be able to go through the cabinet under sink. If it's more involved you'll need some minor plumbing.
If you have high water pressure, PVC pipe is the best option. It's often used for the home's main water supply line for this reason. It's also a lightweight material that's much easier to work with than galvanized steel or copper.
PVC is most commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. It is not recommended for use in potable water lines because it can leach chemicals into the water.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
Plastic water lines are budget friendly but copper tubing lasts longer. Braided stainless steel is very durable but requires a higher upfront investment than either of the other options.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
The higher the schedule, the thicker the walls. Schedule 40 is the most common PVC type. Schedule 80 PVC is thicker and stronger, which enables it to handle higher pressures. Usually, PVC is only used for cold water pipes since hot water can eventually break down the plastic material.
Answer: You're right to be concerned, because plastic tubing to an ice maker is susceptible to cracking and splitting. The constant flow of hot air from the compressor fan in the essentially unventilated space behind the fridge blows over and around the tubing — and eventually makes it quite brittle.
Braided Stainless Steel
Braided tubing is a very dependable and sturdy product that does not cut or kink easily, and there have been no reports of foul-tasting water, unlike the plastic plastic option we discuss next. This stainless steel tubing comes with fittings on both ends, so all you have to do is tighten them.
When Not to Use Plumber's (Teflon) Tape. Using plumber's tape on PVC, copper, or PEX pipe threading is usually not recommended. Those fittings often have a gasket or O-ring to create a seal between the two pipes. Also, avoid using this threading tape on fluid power (hydraulic) systems.
Run the new supply tube to the back of the refrigerator. Connect the end of the tube to the 1/4-inch water supply fitting on the fridge. Tighten the connection just slightly more than hand-tight using pliers.