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How to Connect the Ice Maker in a Frigidaire Refrigerator

Denise Brown

While most city codes require that a licensed plumber install the necessary connections at the water supply line, connecting a Frigidaire's ice maker to the water line is a process you can do with just a few tools. Before you begin the project, turn off the power to the refrigerator to avoid any chance of electrical shock. You'll need an installation kit with copper or stainless steel braided tubing to complete the process.

  1. Turn off the water supply to the sink. Let the water run from the faucet to flush water from the line.

  2. Connect the water supply to the braided tubing using the connector the plumber installed. Tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench. Do not over tighten the connection.

  3. Set the open end of the tubing inside of a bucket. Turn the water supply on. Open the valve to the ice maker line. Allow some water to run through the line to flush it out. Turn off the valve to the ice maker line.

  4. Locate the water inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator. Remove and discard the plastic cap that covers it.

  5. Slide the brass compression nut that comes with a copper supply line installation kit over the water supply line. Push the ferrule, or sleeve, from the kit onto the line. Insert the water supply line into the water inlet valve on the back of the refrigerator approximately 1/4 inch. Slip the ferrule into the valve inlet and use your fingers to tighten the compression nut. Turn the nut 1/2 turn more with the adjustable wrench. Skip the assembly of the nut and ferrule if you are using stainless steel tubing as they are already on the tubing. Set the compression nut over the valve inlet and finger tighten it. Tighten 1/2 turn with the adjustable wrench.

  6. Loosen the screw that holds the steel clamp on the back of the refrigerator. Slide the copper tubing inside the clamp and re-tighten the screw. Skip this step if you are using stainless steel tubing.

  7. Create a coil with 2 1/2 loops from excess copper tubing. Arrange it on the back of the refrigerator so it can't rub against anything. This is not necessary if you use stainless steel tubing.

  8. Turn the water supply valve on again. Examine both the water supply connector and the water inlet valve on the refrigerator for leaks. Tighten the respective connectors a bit more, if necessary. Plug the refrigerator into its power source. Slide the refrigerator into position.

  9. Prime the water supply line by holding a glass under the water dispenser. Allow water to flow into the glass for approximately 4 minutes. Empty the glass as it fills. Skip this step if your refrigerator doesn't have a water dispenser on the door.

  10. Turn the ice maker on if the green light is not visible above the "Ice Off" indicator on the operator panel. Press and hold the button until the light turns green. On some models you lower the metal bar beside the ice maker to start its operation.