Copper Vs. Plastic Icemaker Line

Role and Function

• Refrigerators typically utilize 1/4-inch water lines. These lines carry water from a saddle valve on your main water pipe to the back of the refrigerator, where it connects to a valve that delivers water to the icemaker and water dispenser. Typically, icemaker water lines tap into the main water line as close to the refrigerator as possible, although some construction requires longer lines to reach plumbing that's installed in tough-to-reach spots. Icemaker lines connect to the saddle valve and the refrigerator using compression fittings, which rely on pipe threads to seal the connection. For this reason, icemaker lines can be made out of copper or plastic.

Copper Icemaker Lines

• Copper icemaker lines are the most durable of the options. Copper pipe is long-lasting, resists rust and rarely corrodes with regular use. However, copper is the most expensive option for your icemaker supply line, usually costing about double a plastic line. Copper icemaker lines are easily bent, however, as they are much more rigid than plastic lines. Copper lines also freeze more easily, as the metal surface is more conductive of cold temperatures.

Plastic Icemaker Lines

• Plastic icemaker lines actually are made out of a braided nylon and PVC material that is much stronger than traditional plastic tubing. Because icemaker lines sit untouched for years behind refrigerators, it must be designed to withstand corrosion. Braided plastic lines last longer and resist corrosion better than regular PVC plastic supply lines. Always purchase supply lines that are marked specifically for refrigerators to ensure you are buying the correct type of supply line. Plastic lines are also more flexible than copper ones, making them easier to install behind tight spaces where the line may bend. However, plastic lines can still kink if not installed correctly.

Making A Selection

• Ultimately, there is not one correct choice when it comes to the type of material you choose for your icemaker supply lines. Copper is an excellent choice if the water valve that connects to the main supply line is located near the back of the refrigerator, while plastic lines may be a better choice for applications with a longer layout. Copper will last the longest of the two materials, but costs roughly twice as much. Either way, make sure to tighten the connection points and make sure there are no bends or kinks in the line as you move the refrigerator back against the wall. This will help ensure the proper function and performance of either material.