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dominator · Mar 6, 2008, 10:43 PM

Hello, I was wondering if someone could help me out. I bought a fridge that has water dispensing unit and I want to plumb it in. I bought an install kit that came with small copper pipe as well as a saddle valve. I have 1/2 inch aquapex run throughout my house, I was wondering is the saddle valve going to work even though it is meant for copper pipe? or is there something I have to use?

Thanks

speedball1 · Mar 7, 2008, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by dominator

Hello, I was wondering if someone could help me out. I bought a fridge that has water dispensing unit and I want to plumb it in. I bought an install kit that came with small copper pipe as well as a saddle valve. I have 1/2 inch aquapex run throughout my house, I was wondering is the saddle valve gonna work even though it is ment for copper pipe?, or is there something I have to use?

thanks

That saddle valve will only work on copper pipe. You'll need to cut in a Pex tee,(see image) and pipe over with tubing. For a peek at Pex fittings click on,
Fittings for pex pipe or pex pipe fittings - 18k -
Good luck, Tom

dominator · Mar 7, 2008, 09:10 AM

Just from looking at the picture though, I understand how to splice in the tee, but the tubing going to the fridge is small 1/4 copper tubing.

massplumber2008 · Mar 7, 2008, 10:00 AM

Dominator... you just need to purchase the correct fitting for your application.

They may not have 1/2" or 3/4" pex tee x 1/4" compression tubing readily available so you would need to order a tee that is close as possible and then adapt down from there.

Most likely the tee fitting will be a (1/2" compression tubing readily available so you would need to order a tee that is close as possible and then adapt down from there.

Most likely the tee fitting will be a (1/2") pex x 1/2" female (socket thread) tee... then adapt over to that with a 1/2") pex x 1/2" compression straight adapter. Wherever you get the tee you can also get that adapter or similar. Then install tee, and install threaded adapter with a good 6 wraps of teflon tape, and then install the 1/4" tubing... that should do it for you.

Hope this helped... Mark

dominator · Mar 7, 2008, 10:15 AM

OK thanks. One more question, is there a certain way I should cut the aquapex like with a specific tool or does it matter?

massplumber2008 · Mar 7, 2008, 10:24 AM

All pex types have cutters they sell with their brand of pex pipe. In this case, wherever you buy the supplies you will probably also need to rent some tools from them.

Wirsbro type aquapex requires either a STRETCHING TOOL or a CRIMPING TOOL.. so check with your supplier.

PEX is super great stuff... but if never worked with or if you have trouble finding the tools... let me ask you... IS THERE A COLD WATER COPPER WATER PIPE ANYWHERE IN YOUR HOUSE? How about over by the water meter.. Get right back.. have one more idea.

dominator · Mar 7, 2008, 10:36 AM

Hey, yup there is copper that come up from my hot water tank, then it turns into pex

massplumber2008 · Mar 7, 2008, 10:53 AM

Well... I don't like saddle valves at all... I will not use them... but if you want to, you can just drill a hole the same size as the piercing valve needle of saddle valve (about ten inches from cold water inlet to heater) and then install saddle valve. Again.. I am not a fan of any of this as a professional... but it will work for you.

So, shut water to heater, de pressurize tank by opening a faucet and drain a few gallons water off at heater and install the valve. That should do it. Let me know if this helped! Talk soon... Mark

dominator · Mar 7, 2008, 10:40 PM

OK thanks, one more question when I tighten the sadle valve, how tight do I want the bolts? like how much space should be between the ends of the upper and lower saddle?

massplumber2008 · Mar 8, 2008, 04:05 AM

Hey Dominator... the valve should be tightened so the space is the equal between upper and lower saddle on BOTH sides. Don't overtighten such that the arms of the valve start bending.

Good luck. If this helped, please RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you