Connecting to the House Water Supply

• 1). Unplug the refrigerator, then turn off the water supply to the house. Locate the water pipe nearest the refrigerator. This might be under the kitchen sink, or you may need to go into the basement.
  
  
• 2). Measure the distance from the water pipe to the back of the refrigerator with a tape measure, then add 7 feet. The extra allows for moving the appliance out for cleaning. You'll need that length of 1/4-inch copper tubing.
  
  
• 3). Run a faucet long enough to clear the water from the pipes, then drill a 1/4-inch hole in your chosen pipe with your drill. Fix the shutoff valve to the pipe with a pipe clamp, making sure the outlet is securely in the drilled hole. Tighten evenly and carefully to create a tight seal.
  
  
• 4). Slide the sleeve into the copper tubing and the compression nut over it. Insert the end of the tubing into the shutoff valve outlet, then use the adjustable wrench to tighten the compression nut.
  
  
• 5). Flush the tubing by placing the far end of the line in a sink or bucket, then turning on the main water supply. Turn off the shutoff valve to the copper line when the water runs clear.
  
  

Connecting to the Refrigerator Ice Maker

• 1). Unscrew the plastic cap from the valve at the back of the refrigerator. This is usually in the lower right corner behind the rear panel. Slide another compression nut and sleeve onto the copper supply line, then place the line into the refrigerator valve. Finger-tighten the nut, then gently tighten with the wrench.
  
  
• 2). Secure the copper line to the rear panel with a small clamp and screw to hold it in place, then coil the excess line at the back of the refrigerator.
  
  
• 3). Turn on the water supply at the shutoff valve and check for leaks. Plug in the refrigerator, then turn on the ice maker.