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.
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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:
What Type of Fridge Needs Plumbing?
Not all fridges require a water connection, but certain models do need to be plumbed in for full functionality. If you are purchasing a new fridge, it’s important to check whether it needs plumbing before installation.
Fridges That Require Plumbing
- Fridges with Ice Makers – Models with a built-in ice maker need a water connection to automatically produce ice. Without plumbing, you would have to manually fill ice trays.
- Fridges with Water Dispensers – Refrigerators with a built-in water dispenser require a direct water line to supply filtered water on demand.
- Fridges with Built-In Water Filtration Systems – Some fridges come with an internal filtration system that connects to a water supply.
- Smart Fridges with Water and Ice Features – High-end smart fridges often include both ice makers and water dispensers, requiring professional plumbing.
Fridges That Do Not Require Plumbing
- Standard Refrigerators – Basic fridge models without water dispensers or ice makers.
- Manual Ice Maker Fridges – Some fridges have an ice-making compartment where you manually pour water into a tray rather than connecting to a plumbing system.
How to plumb in a fridge
Here is a six-step process that will walk you through how to plumb in a fridge yourself:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Our licensed plumbers are ready to assist with installation, troubleshooting, and repairs. Contact us today for expert advice and service!
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