How to Run a Water Pipe to a Refrigerator

Unplug the refrigerator if it has already been connected to an outlet, and turn off the water supply to your home. Place a bucket beneath the nearest tap connected the pipe into which you plan to drill the water connection, and let the water flow until the tap runs dry. The pipe should be vertical, not horizontal.

Measure the amount of flexible copper tubing required to reach the refrigerator from the pipe and add 7 feet to the total so the appliance can be safely moved for cleaning. The piping should be 1/4-inch outside diameter to provide a good flow to the appliance.

Drill a 1/4-inch hole in the cold-water pipe and place the shut-off valve into the hole. A C-shaped piece of metal goes on the opposite side of the pipe, level with the hole. Firmly tighten the screws provided to fasten the shut-off valve to the pipe using the C-shaped clamp. Don't tighten too much — you will crush the pipe.

Slide the compression sleeve and nut from the water connection kit over the end of the copper piping. Insert the piping into the shut-off valve and tighten the compression nut to hold the water pipe in place. Place the free end of the piping into a sink, turn on the water supply and open the shut-off valve until water begins to flow. Close the shut-off valve.

Attach the end of the piping to the refrigerator using the remaining compression sleeve and nut from the installation kit. Remove the plastic retaining plug in the back of the appliance, slip the sleeve and nut over the end of the pipe, insert it into the refrigerator and tighten the compression bolt. The exact design of the connection at the back of the appliance varies between brands and models.

Turn the water on at the shut-off valve and check for leaks before reconnecting the power and pushing the refrigerator back into position. The water is ready for use in a few hours; the first ice takes about 48 hours to appear in the bucket inside the freezer.