So you’ve just bought a nice new ice maker/filtered water fridge and you want to learn how to plumb it. Well, you’re in safe hands! At DCM Plumbing we’ve plumbed a few fridges in our time and while we can show you how to plumb yours, it’s almost always best left to the professionals, especially if the water supply isn’t nearby – it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. 

DCM Plumbing is the best plumber on the Gold Coast. We are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs. With over 900 5* Google reviews and 35 years of experience, we are known as the best for a reason. Got a blocked drain? Need help with leak detection? Want to learn how to clear a blocked drain? We can help.

Can you plumb a fridge yourself?

Well, unfortunately – and perhaps surprisingly – not really. In Queensland, there are strict regulations on who can perform plumbing work and plumbing a fridge yourself can not only void the warranty of your fridge but also cause insurance claim issues if any problems were to arise, so best leave it to a professional. 

In fact, in a worst-case scenario, you could be looking at penalties for breaching plumbing law, going so far as prosecution in court and on-the-spot fines. 

If after reading all that you’d still like to plumb it yourself, we’d be remiss in not giving you the best chance of success, but be warned. Here is how to plumb in a fridge:

How to plumb in a fridge

Here is a six-step process that will walk you through how to plumb in a fridge yourself:

  1. First, shut off the water supply by turning off the valve that provides water to the sink. Then, look under the sink and locate where it is connected to the waterline. 
  2. Insert a T-shaped valve, dividing the waterline into two separate connections. One connection will supply water to the sink and the other will be used for the fridge freezer. If the water tap is directly connected to the waterline, remove the tap and connect the T-shaped valve over it. 
  3. Connect one end of the valve to the waterline and the other end to the sink or water tap. In the centre, there will be a hole left where you can attach the piping for the fridge. 
  4. Secure the pipe with an O ring and connect the braided water supply tube to the valve. If the waterline goes under the sink, you might need to drill a hole in the cabinet to let it pass through to the sink. 
  5. Finally, connect the pipe to the refrigerator by pushing the other end of the pipe onto the connection at the back of the freezer and securing it with an O ring. Use tape for extra security before pushing the fridge into position. 
  6. Turn the water supply back on, and let the water flow into the fridge’s inbuilt water tank. Test the water dispenser by flushing 8-10 glasses of water through it and check for leaks in the pipework.

If that sounds like too much work for you or your fridge doesn’t have a handy water supply next to it, then leave it to a professional. If you’re on the Gold Coast, contact us today and we will be more than happy to plumb your fridge for you. Don’t risk it!