How to Connect Plastic Tubing to a Compression Fitting in a Refrigerator Ice Maker

The ice maker in your refrigerator relies on a water supply from a water supply valve, often located on the wall behind your refrigerator, or under your kitchen sink. The water supply valve is connected to the refrigerator's water inlet valve using a water supply line, which is constructed of either plastic or copper. When using a reverse osmosis system, it is often necessary to use a plastic water supply line. While many plastic water supply lines include a compression nut on each end that is used to form the watertight seal between the lines and the valves, some lines require the installation of a ferrule and compression nut. The ferrule is inserted into the water supply line and forms a watertight seal at the valve. Additionally, a brass ferrule keeps the shape of the plastic water supply line, ensuring that it is not crushed when the compression nut is installed.

Things You'll Need

• Ferrule
• Compression nut
• Adjustable wrench

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn off the main water supply.

   • 2

     Slide the compression nut over the end of the plastic water supply line, with the threading facing the end of the line.

   • 3

     Insert the ferrule to the end of the plastic water supply line.

   • 4

     Insert the water supply line with ferrule into the water inlet valve on the refrigerator, or into the water supply valve. Screw the compression nut onto the threading by hand until tight.

   • 5

     Use an adjustable wrench to turn the compression nut one-quarter of a turn, to further tighten the connection.

   • 6

     Turn on the main water supply.