View Full Version : Connection under sink for water line to refrigerator
mpjredsox
Aug 27, 2008, 02:26 PM
I bought a water install kit from Sears 1/4"tubing, and it sounds like they want the saddle valve installed above the water turn off valve, however I do not have a solid pipe after the turn off valve, just a flex line. Can this valve be placed below the turn off valve of the cold water side. ( this because is says to turn off water and empty line by turning on faucet.) What should I do.
hkstroud
Aug 27, 2008, 06:44 PM
Install the saddle valve beneath the stop valve (you have no other choice). You then use the saddle valve to turn off water to the ice maker (I assume that this is for a ice maker) .
Should you have to drain the ice maker line (I can't imagine why), you would disconnect the line from the saddle valve.
Some people install ice makers on the hot water line. Says that it gives them clear ice cubes.
mygirlsdad77
Aug 27, 2008, 07:10 PM
The reason for them wanting you to place the self tapper above the stop is because self tappers have a tendency to leak and or not shut off. Not a problem as long as your main water shut off works. I would stick to the cold side, even though hot water freezes faster than cold, believe it or not. Hot water would cause more humidity in your freezer, possibly leading to interior ice build up.
afaroo
Aug 27, 2008, 11:59 PM
You also can replace your angle valve with the double out let it is much better than the saddle valve, see the amage below, Gooe luck.
John
speedball1
Aug 28, 2008, 04:48 AM
I would stick to the cold side, even though hot water freezes faster than cold, believe it or not. Hot water would cause more humidity in your freezer, possibly leading to interior ice build up.
NOT SO!!
Both cold and hot water reach ambient room temperature sitting in the supply line waiting to be drawn into the ice meker. There's no difference in the temperature between hot and cold when it reaches the ice maker so Girlsdads statement is misleading.
The real reason we connect a ice maker line to the hot side is that when the water sets up in the water heater it "deoxygenates". All that means is that the water loses the air bubbles as it sets and less air b ubbles mean a cleared cube. Bottom line? Cold water = a milky ice cube, hot water= a clearer ice cube.
Milo Dolezal
Aug 28, 2008, 08:32 AM
Saddle valves should not be used. You can actually buy at Home Depot an attachment that you screw on top of the angle stop. You connect your sink supply on top of this attachment and icemaker line to its side. This is much better way to go - besides, of course, following Afaroo's advice with the double angle stop.