Find a suitable cold water source, shut off the water, attach a saddle valve, screw by valve into the pipe by drilling a hole in it, add a copper tubing and a small compression joint. Turn on the water when 100% sure all the connections are secure, open the saddle valve, and the water will start filing the ice tray. Read on to see detailed instructions on how to install an ice maker, and an undercounter ice maker as well.
Step-by-Step Installation of Ice Makers
Install the dedicated cold-water line first, then install the ice maker kit. The next steps that should be taken for the whole installation process are listed below.
Step 1 – Check Out Where the Nearest Cold-Water Source Is
Locate the water source closest to where the ice maker is going to be placed (under the counter/sink, etc.). In some cases, drilling a hole through the floor to find the pipe would be necessary.
Step 2 – Shut Off the Water
Before you start working on your ice maker installation, shut off the water by turning off the main valve. Afterward, open the cold-water faucet in order to drain the pipe.
Step 3 – Add a Saddle Valve
Consider attaching a saddle valve on the cold-water pipe, to a clean spot. Use a wet cloth to wipe the pipe before attaching the saddle valve. Make sure the clamps are tight enough to make the machine stable as it stays on the pipe.
Step 4 – Make a Hole in the Pipe by Screwing the Valve in
Turn the valve’s handle in a clockwise direction. Keep turning it slowly even if a certain degree of resistance is present. That’s just a sign that the needle is making a hole in the pipe.
Step 5 – Add Copper Piping
Introduce one end of a 0.25 copper tubing into the valve opening. Then, put on a small compression joint to ensure the connection stays secure. Once you’re done with this, measure the space between the cold-water pipe and the ice maker and determine the necessary length of the copper tube.
Step 6 – Turn on the Water
Turn on the water when you finish attaching the copper piping and saddle valve and onc the connections are fully secure.
Step 7 – Open the Saddle Valve
Grab the handle of the saddle valve and turn it counterclockwise to open the valve. Then, put the end of the copper tube into a large bucket and allow some water to fill it. Close the valve afterward.
Step 8 – Install the Ice Maker Kit
8.1 Mount the Solenoid Valve
Drill a hole in your refrigerator’s cabinet frame, mount the solenoid valve, and secure the connection with two ½-inch screws. Locate the 2-pin solenoid connector underneath the fridge and insert it over the valve solenoid terminals.
8.2 Attach the Water Supply Line
Use the compression fitting to attach the water supply line to the top of the solenoid valve, then screw it in place using a couple of screws and a crescent wrench. Locate the water outlet on the bottom of the solenoid valve, then attach the plastic fitting to it. Use adhesive clips to hold the water line in place and to direct the water line to the back of the freezer. Lastly, puncture a hole in the paper cover on the back of the freezer using a screwdriver.
8.3 Install the Factory Fill Tube
Find a place on the back of your refrigerator that’s covered with tape. Take off the tape and you’ll see a hole the fill tube should be installed into. Double-check if you should cut the fill tube to fit and cut it to the right length if needed. Screw the fill tube into the hole using a drill with a hex head. Attach a clamp to the fill tube to make sure it doesn’t leak.
8.4 Mount the Ice Maker to the Freezer Wall
Plug in the wiring harness of your ice maker into the harness at the back of your freezer’s wall. Next, locate a small hole at the back of your freezer’s wall and attach the extension tube right there. Hang the ice maker over the holes on the side of the freezer’s wall while making sure the reservoir and the extension tube match perfectly. Screw in the mounting screws and install the ice bucket. Plug the unit on and switch the water heater on so you can start producing ice.
How to Install an Undercounter Ice Maker?
Installing a unit from our undercounter ice maker reviews is very different, comparing to a refrigerator ice maker. Follow these steps to do it right:
Step 1 – Measure the Available Space
Before installing an ice maker, make sure there is enough space to fit it in. Take a tape measure and check out the length, height, and width of the spot where the ice maker is supposed to go in. Don’t buy the unit before you take the measurements.
Ideally, you will make sure that you have at least a 5-inch clearance between the unit and the back of the cupboard to ensure proper ventilation.
Step 2 – Pick the Right Model
There is a wide range of amazing ice maker models on the market, so choose the one that suits your needs the most. Keep in mind that these machines come with different capabilities and in various sizes and thus, come with various price tags.
Step 3 – Make Sure the Chosen Model Has a Drain Pump
Drain pumps can be very useful because they get rid of wastewater from various sources. Therefore, look for an ice maker that has such a pump. This will ensure you have a unit that operates more efficiently and save the user from a longer installation process.
Step 4 – Attach the Unit to the Cold-Water Line
Take a copper pipe and insert it into the ice maker fixture, but not before you run the cold-water line from the pipe to the back of the unit. Then, tighten the compression fitting. This will make the connection secure.
Step 5 – Position the Ice Maker
Finally, place the unit in its designated spot. Keep in mind that these machines are not the lightest and it would be best to have multiple persons around to move them. Attach the water line to the machine before you fit it. After this, pull the piping out through the side holes of the cupboard to ensure it doesn’t get stuck under the unit.
Final Thoughts
Installing an ice maker can be easy as long as you know the steps you should go through. So, follow these instructions and you’ll get to enjoy an ice-cold drink in no time.
