How to Hook up the Ice Maker & Water System on a Kenmore Refrigerator
Hooking up the ice maker and water dispenser on Kenmore refrigerators is a basic task that anyone with a little plumbing knowledge can do. Use a braided stainless steel ice maker hose (available at most hardware stores) to make the connection. You can complete this project in about half an hour, using common hand tools.

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Attach the ¼-inch-by-¼-inch coupling to the plastic tube found on the back of the refrigerator that ends with a ¼-inch compression fitting. Using the wrench, tighten "finger tight" plus two turns.
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Attach one end of the braided steel ice maker hose to the coupling. Tighten "finger tight" plus two turns.
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Screw the fitting on the other end of the ice maker hose to the ice maker valve on the wall. Again, tighten "finger tight" plus two turns.
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Turn the valve on and check for leaks. If you find a leak, tighten the compression nut until the leak stops.
Things You Will Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Braided steel ice maker hose
- ¼-inch-by-¼-inch compression coupling
Tip
- If you don't have an ice maker valve, call a plumber and have one installed. Many ice maker installation kits contain a saddle valve that clamps onto an existing copper water line. While saddle valves work, they can be problematic and have a limited lifespan.