[chromo]

Hi all, I recently moved into a house where I did not have contact with the previous owner. As a result of this, there are many issues that I need to address, with little knowledge of them. I bought a new fridge that does not require a water line for ice, the previous fridge had one. The technician who installed the fridge wasn't a very good one, so he cut the copper line, and put a cap on it. However, a couple of days ago, I noticed there was water leaking from underneath the fridge, and went searching for where the pipe is connected to the main. I was in the laundry room this morning, and saw a filter connecting through a pipe, a "Sears Ice Maker Filter" Model No: 329.347400. Making an a** out of myself by assuming it was the pipe leading to the fridge, which was conveniently located over a washbasin, I decided to cut the pipe. It is a clear pipe, made of either rubber or silicone. My reasoning was, if there was water coming out, I'd simply push the pipe towards the drain so it would drain out. I cut the pipe, and water burst out, with a very strong pressure. It became difficult to control, so I ran to shut the main water valve off. Now, I've tried Gorilla tape, and every other duct tape at hand, nothing stops water from leaking at the two points where I reconnect the two cut ends of the pipe. I have to leave the main water off, it shoots out water when I turn on the valve even a little bit. I fear that this pipe may have filtered water the entire house. The other huge issue is, it goes through the wall, I have no idea how to find out where. So here I am, on Christmas Eve, no plumbers available, without running water. Can anyone please help me find out what kind of filter this thing is, and how to put it back together to the way it was? I'm desperate right now. Thanks!

[robertva]

Until someone with a better idea comes along:

I'm thinking the clear tube may be soft vinyl.

If there's very much remaining on each side of cut may be able to insert a piece of rigid metal (maybe copper) tube into both ends and clamp with metal clamps similar to what used to be used on automobile hoses. Possibly less reliable would be a combination of friction and a tight nylon cable tie where the vinyl overlaps the rigid tube.

Don't know if any places like discount department stores (like K-mart or Walmart) might still be open to sell such things though.

Either way, see what's available at a place like Home Depot as soon as you can catch them open.

[Milo Dolezal]

Sorry about the situation. Let's see what we can do in the meantime...

1. see if there is a valve somewhere where this tube connects to the main/ there should be one / we always install one
2. kink the cut piece of tube / fold over the cut piece and tie it with wire
3. Home Depot sells tons of various plugs etc. Cut of small piece of tubing and take it with you to HD. Talk to the expert there. Or buy quick connect plastic coupling designed to join two ends of plastic tubing.

Let us know how you did...

[KISS]

The exploded view of the filter is at Parts & Accessories | Shop & Find Lawn & Garden, Appliance Parts at Sears PartsDirect | SearsPartsDirect.com.

OK, you have 20/20 hindsight. Never do things unless a store is open. I can't offer any McGyver suggestions because I don't know what you have lying around.

Some refrigeration businesses will open up for you at a premium price.

[chromo]

Well, I had a 3/8 inch thick metal tube (it says 'nipple') lying around, it's way too thick for the cut tube, but it was all available. Anyway, I tried to join the two pieces through it, and then I put gorilla tape around it to seal it, but unfortunately, this too failed, as when I turned the main valve on again, water began leaking out as the tape was displaced due to pressure. As for the valve for it, I've tried looking, I see the pipe goes into a wall, can't find where it exits towards the main though. At this point, it's nearly 9 o'clock on the east coast, no stores open, so I guess I'll have to wait it out until tomorrow morning with the water shut off, and hope I can find a home depot or store of the sort open. If not, I'll have to invite the plumber over, even if he takes my wallet with him considering it'll be Christmas day...

[Milo Dolezal]

Chromo: I am sure there is an angle stop valve somewhere. Plastic tubing does not attach directly to copper or galvanized pipe. Look for it in following places:

1. Under the kitchen sink
2. At the water heater
3. In the laundry
4. If you have basement, trace the pipe and look there
5. Under the bar sink