Are you wondering about installing a refrigerator with an ice maker? Is it possible, and if possible, how? Well, it depends on its structure. Though not all, many freezers come with configurations that allow you to insert an ice cube processor in the frozen section. So how to install a refrigerator with ice makers? It is as straightforward as playing football on an empty field.
However, if your refrigerator has the option to install ice makers, you are good to go. Installing requires some basic steps. Hence, never hesitate to assemble this yourself. But if you don’t take any risk, hire a professional.
Retailers sometimes offer refrigerators at a lower price without pre-installed ice makers. You may come to like this add-on in the future. If the fridge has the proper hookups, adding an ice machine is a simple DIY task.
10 Steps To Install A Refrigerator With Ice Maker: Do It Easily
Adding an appliance for making ice to a refrigerator is possible if its configuration accommodates the necessary mounting holes, water line input ports, and electrical wiring.
It would be better to have a consultation with the brochure of the specific refrigerator model before proceeding with the installation. Following this step-by-step guide, you can install a refrigerator with ice makers.
Step 1: Things To Be Needed
Collect some primary materials and hardware to get the job done hassle-free. As it is an electrical process, you should be concerned about safety. So here are the primary tools and safety gears for completing the job safely:
- Nut driver;
- Screwdriver;
- Adjustable wrench;
- Drill;
- Water Line;
- Water Valve;
- Pliers;
- Razor Knife;
- Ice Making Kit by the manufacturer;
- Non-conductive hand gloves;
- Goggles, etc.
Step 2: Take Out The Entrance Plugs And Remove The Covers
Firstly, separate the fridge from the power source at the wall socket. Next, open the door to the freeze and take away any racks.
Use a straight-blade screwdriver to carefully pull out the back-sided plastic plugs and side parts of the refrigerator walls. In their respective pairs, you’ll find holes for mounting the ice maker on each side of the box.
And the large-scale cap you see on the back side is the wire cover plate. The water-fill tubing will enter the rear of the refrigerator via the spherical plug, which serves as the Entrance point.
Step 3:Uncover The Opening For The Water Supply
Mark out the sticker on the rear side of the freeze where you will set up the water supply tube. At this point, a blade knife will be helpful to cut through the label in the shape of an X.
After bending the sticker to fit into the aperture, remove the foam insulation plug. This works as a temporary separation between the room ambiance and the cool fridge air. To reveal the opening, take it out.
Step 4: Connecting the Ice Machine’s Wire
The third step starts with locating the wire connection link to successfully install the wiring for the ice-making device. There will be a connector wiring loom in the giant hole you revealed at the backside of the refrigerator.
Remove the wire harness by inserting it through the hole, then attach it to the ice processor’s saddle. These two wire harnesses will connect with a click and hold. Remove the enfolding plate from the aperture in the wire trappings and replace it.
Step 5: Setup The Ice Machine
Install the two ascending screws inside the bolt apertures on the fridge cabinet’s edge and then partially tighten each screw. After you put on the hook in the ice-making box, remember to draw the mounting screws using a tightening tool.
Find the leveling bracket as an L and connect it up on the ice-making unit’s base while setting off the screws a little slack. When fastening the leveling bracket down, hold on to the level of the ice-making box. Set up the ice-making tray, then adjust the on/shut-off valve to the low-lying posture.
Step 6: Place The Water Infusing Tube In Its Slot
After making a hole in the rear of the fridge, feed the water-fill tubing through it. After being set in place, the tube’s end will resemble a curved moon pointing “U” upward. This spout will draw out inside the frozen state, unloading in the water-infused cup of the machine.
As pushing the tube into position, please give it a quarter turn towards the left; then, move it right rearward to secure it. Once placed in the fill tube, put the circular foam pipe insulator over the water infuse tube, pressing firmly.
Step 7: Join The Water Supply Lines
Connect the plastic tube to the end threaded fitting of the water fill tube by tightening the end connection. Fortify securely the compression nuts using pliers, but remember not to stress the plastic joint excessively. Keep unrolling the remaining tube’s length and leave it dangled toward the ground.
Now tighten the water tube to the freezer’s backside using the adhesive clamps. Remove the backing and equally place them on the refrigerator, and clamp the tube to ensure it reaches the fridge floor. Pull out the refrigerator’s water valve by removing the bottom rear panel and punching a hole in the perforated area.
Insert the tubing’s end into the water valve’s inlet port by pushing it in. Ensure it is securely fastened by giving it a good tug.
Step 8: Join The Water Valve Cable Harness
You will find a white-colored plastic two-wired connector on the right-hand side of the appliance’s base. Remove it from its packaging, attach it to the electrical connection on the water valve, and snug the harness over the terminals. No additional supply of electricity is required.
Step 9: Install The Water Control Valve
With mounting screws inserted in the appliance’s pre-instructed rear holes, adjoin the water valve to the refrigerator’s frame. Replace the rear cover, once attached to the device. Pass out the water faucet crossing the back cover’s excavation.
Step 10: Bringing An End To The Installation
After installing the ice machine, all that is left is to route the water serving line through a pipe that supplies cold water toward the water channel fitting located on the fill valve’s peak of the freezer. In most cases, this consists of a bendable tube made from either copper or plastic measuring one-quarter of an inch in diameter, and a fixture shutdown valve linked to a freezing water line controls it.
Test the functionality of the appliance for making ice-cube after plugging into the freeze and starting up the water supply. But remember that the fridge needs to return to its ideal temperature before the machine can work for making ice.
Consider These Things To Install A Refrigerator With An Ice Maker
Ice machines are popular due to their convenience. That’s why you’ll find them standard on most modern refrigerators. If your one doesn’t have an ice machine, or if the one it does have is broken and non-viable for replacement, you may add one.
Generally, ice makers come pre-installed with the necessary piping, wiring, and space for installation. However, keep in consideration the following facts while installing an ice-making appliance:
- Water Line Connection:
Though ice makers need electricity and water, no technical wiring is required to install one. But it will help if you hook into an external water supply. Some people connect the fridge to the kitchen faucet’s cold water pipe.
- Finding The Appropriate Ice Maker:
The top latest configured freezers have the facilities and the side mounting bracket for an ice-making box—all you need to do is find the right one compatible with the refrigerator’s model.
- Finding The Model Number Of Fridge:
You can find your fridge’s model number on the wall, door, or freezer’s ceiling. Model numbers on the fridge compartment ceiling are hard-to-read. Holding a mirror underneath the sticker will flip the number. Better yet, take a smartphone picture of the sticker. Tilt the camera as if taking a selfie to place the phone. Take a picture, and then spin to check out the results.
- Preparation For Starting Installation:
Besides preparing the installation place, one must ensure you are ready with all the necessary things for the task.
5 Tips To Install A Refrigerator With An Ice Maker: Easy And Simple
Whether the icemaker is newly installed, replaced, or looking forward to making the first cubes ever, the following tips are helpful:
Tip 1:Use Protector Cap And Remove It Before Inserting Ice Maker Cable
A protection cover over the ice-making container gives the appearance of two separate prong receptacles. A cap protects this container at all times. It gives the idea of a receptacle with two distinct prongs, which is interesting. Before attempting to plug in the cable of the machine for producing ice for the very first time, please make sure to remove the lid.
Tip 2: Low Water Filling Cycle Is Common; Don’t Need To Worry
Most of the time, a low initial water-filling cycle will result from the presence of air trapped in the inlet waterways. It is an ordinary matter for the icemaker to go through two complete processes as it tries to fill. The following fill can have a little bit of excess water. This is thought to be a one-time event that fits the regular pattern.
Tip 3: It’s Normal To Take A Bit Longer Starting Time For The Icemaker
The ice-making machine won’t start working immediately after inserting the plug. It must reach the ice mold’s internal temperature of approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit before the cycle begins.
Tip 4: Maintain Fridge Temperature Perfectly
For an ice-making machine to operate correctly, the fridge’s inside temperature needs to remain suitable. As the freezer’s temperature is directly responsible for determining how quickly the ice processor makes ice, maintain the optimal temperature between 50 degrees water and 70 degrees air.
Tip 5: Throw Away The First Round Of Ice
It is essential to empty the water dispenser of several gallons’ worth of water to rid the water line of any air and other contaminants present. It would be best to throw away the icemaker’s first two batches of produced ice.
Related Questions:
How Do You Hook Up A Fridge With An Ice Maker?
First, insert the ice-making device into the freezer cabinet by inserting the two mounting screws halfway into the screw holes. One can use a nut driver to secure the machine to the wall by screwing in these mounting screws.
Now, look for the L-shaped leveling bracket and attach it to the ice-processing machine’s base, but be sure to leave the screws a little slack. Adjust the machine’s leveling bracket’s tightness while holding the appliance in place. Put its tray in place and set the lever upside down to the bottom.
Do You Need A Water Line For A Fridge With An Ice Maker?
If any fridge at home doesn’t have a water dispenser or does not require the use of it, installing a water line in a freezer is not mandatory. Also, other refrigerators distribute freshwater from a tank that doesn’t require plumbing.
However, the appliance will need running water nearby for a traditional ice maker to plug into the fridge. The latest refrigerators usually have pre-built-in water and ice dispensers. However, not all freezers require a water line.
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Water Line For A Refrigerator Ice Maker?
If the ice machine breaks down, the repair costs may range from around $90 to $250 based on the severity of the issue. On the other hand, if the ice machine is out with repair and requires replacement, this ends up costing somewhere around $300 and $420.
However, some newer stand-alone versions cost considerably more. Since the average cost to install a new refrigerator is $1,500, each alternative is more cost-effective than buying a new appliance.
How Do You Run A Water Line To Ice Maker?
This project needs a bucket or rag, an Add-a-Tee adapter, pliers, adjustable wrenches, and a compression-connected water supply tube to run a water line to the ice-making box. Pause the water flow by shutting off the valve. Then activate the faucet’s cold water line by turning the knob to the right. With the use of a wrench and plier, detach the faucet supply. Place the rag or bucket beneath the supply valve to hold the draining water from the tube.
Place the Tee adapter on the shutoff valve’s outlet port and tighten it. Reaffix the faucet tube on the T adapter’s outlet and fasten it. Now run the newly installed water line back to the fridge and tighten it using pliers. Turn on the knob of the sink’s shutoff valve and make sure there’s no leakage in the connections.
Do Ice Makers Require A Drain?
Drains are necessary for under-the-counter ice makers since the ambient temperature in these appliances is not sufficiently low to retain the stored ice frozen. On the other hand, refrigerators hold their ice cubes in the frozen section, eliminating the need for drainage in the appliance.
Portable or compact ice makers don’t require any drainage either because they recycle the melted ice from their storage bins into fresh ice cubes as the ice melts.
Final verdict:
However, one should also be aware that saddle valve usage for making water line connections is no more common in several communities. Due to its tendency to leak, the shutoff valve or tee adapter takes it over.
So, this was all about installing a refrigerator with an ice cube maker. An initial purchase of a fridge without this machine integrated with it can be less expensive. But, it’s essential to perform the later ice maker DIY installation process securely and adequately.
References
Emley, D. (2003). Refrigerator Repair (7th ed.). E B Marketing Group. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=B7TNog8dXZwC
Gerhardt, Allen, N. S. (2022, March 24). How To Do A Fridge Repair. Forbes. Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/how-to-repair-a-refrigerator/
