Do I Need a Particular Copper Tubing for the Water Line to a Refrigerator?

Standard Size

• Copper tubing comes in a variety of sizes. Because the line needs to run from the water supply shutoff valve, often under a nearby sink, to the back to the refrigerator, it needs to be flexible. The recommended type of copper tubing for this purpose is 1/4-inch or 6.35mm outside diameter copper tubing. This size copper line is ideal because it is slightly flexible and easy to maneuver around cabinets and other obstacles in the path between the refrigerator and the water source. It is also the standard size that can be hooked directly into most refrigerator water inlets.

Cutting the Tubing

• The copper tubing will have to be soldered into place to form waterproof joints at the stop valve and any other taps made into other pipes. Cutting the copper tubing carefully to make sure it is a square cut will make it easier to fit into the opening of the other components in the plumbing system. In addition, the refrigerator end needs to be cut squarely in order to fit tightly into the water inlet on the appliance and prevent leaking at the connection.

Length

• You’ll need a considerable length of copper tubing to install the line. Measure the distance between the refrigerator and the shutoff valve joint. Do not measure a direct distance but measure the entire route the line must take, including any twists and turns. After you have that measurement, add up to 7 feet to the total so that the line will have plenty of slack at the refrigerator end for cleaning if necessary. You may need to put the refrigerator end in a nearby sink and run water through the line to clear it out.

Other Common Tubing

• You do not have to use copper tubing at all for running a water line to a refrigerator. In fact, many people choose less expensive, easy to install plastic water line available in home improvement centers. Although this type is widely used and available, it is not typically recommended for a water line. Using properly sized and cut copper tubing for this project will improve water flow and reduce the chance of leaks. If you use plastic, there is less water flow, and the material can dry out, split and leak over time.