How to Hook Up a KitchenAid Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Locate the closest source of cold water to the refrigerator. This could be the kitchen sink or in the wall behind or adjacent to the refrigerator, depending on how your house is plumbed. You'll need enough copper tubing to stretch between this water source and the connection on the back of your refrigerator, with enough extra to allow you to pull the refrigerator out for maintenance.

Expose the water line. If it's under the sink, you may need to use a hole saw to drill a hole in the side of the cabinet between the refrigerator and the sink. If the water line is in a wall, use a small handheld drywall saw to cut a 6-by-6-inch access hole.

Cut off the water at the shut-off valve and then drain the water from the lines by opening nearby faucets. Cut out a 2-inch section of water line with the hacksaw.

Fit a copper tee into the space left by the section of line you removed and solder it in place.

Solder a short piece of pipe and then a water supply stop valve to the copper tee.

Slip a compression fitting over one end of the copper tubing. Fit the end of the tubing over the end of the water supply stop valve and tighten the compression fitting.

Turn the water supply back on and flush the new line briefly before connecting it to the refrigerator. Shut off the water again after flushing the line.

Turn the ice maker switch to the "Off" position. Unplug the refrigerator. Push the refrigerator out from the wall so you can comfortably work behind it.

Locate the valve inlet on the back of the refrigerator. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location of this inlet, which may vary by model. Remove the plug from this inlet.

Slip the compression nut over the end of the copper tubing. Fit the copper tubing over the valve inlet and tighten the compression nut to secure.

Turn on the water and check for leaks.

Plug in the refrigerator. Slide it back into place. Turn the ice maker to the "On" position.