A refrigerator plumbed in with an ice maker and a filtered water dispenser is the epitome of luxury. Do not wait for cold water to arrive at home. A fridge that has a plumbed-in connection allows you to access this refreshing beverage. It’s more involved in installing a refrigerator with a water supply than just plugging it into it.
With our many years of plumbing expertise, we’ve seen it all in refrigerator plumbing. We’re here to help you to teach the ins and outs of putting in a water connection to your refrigerator, the factors required in terms of cost, and how to go about it.
Fridge Plumbing Installation Things to Consider
Before installing refrigerators with an integrated water dispenser and an ice maker, consider some things.
Allowable Space for Your Fridge
Ice makers and water dispensers tend to make refrigerators larger than those without them. It can be challenging to locate refrigerators with these features that will fit into older houses.
Are you in search of a french door design? A bottom-mounted or top-mounted refrigerator? Specific strategies and sizes may provide more capacity than others. It’s essential to do some study to find the appropriate refrigerator. It isn’t a good idea to sacrifice performance for fancy features in your refrigerator.
Where Your Refrigerator Gets Located
If you’ve discovered a refrigerator that is a good fit for your kitchen, the next thing to inquire about is whether a plumber could connect water to the fridge’s location.
This line can be challenging based on the appliances on the other side. In the case of already-used kitchens, this typically means running water lines from the sink to the refrigerator. A plumber could run the line of water through the walls, into the roof, underneath the flooring, and in cabinets to hide it.
Suppose you’re planning a major kitchen remodeling project or making one from scratch. In that case, a water line could get installed when roughing in the area.
Space for Plumbing Fittings
You can connect the water line from your fridge’s position; however, is there enough space for all the necessary fittings? There’s room for other fittings to insert an ice dispenser and water maker.
- mini stop top
- water filter
- pressure limiting valve
You’ll have to talk to your plumber to determine whether there’s enough room to install them while also giving enough space for clearance.
If you have the space, you could also put the plumbing inside a cabinet close to the refrigerator. It will give you plenty of room for fittings, such as access to the shut-off taps in the event there’s a burst or leak in the pipe. Switching the water filter is also a lot much more accessible.
Power Surge Protection
The plumbing in your refrigerator will cost more than a fridge that doesn’t have these features, and you’ll need to ensure your fridge is secured. It’s a good idea to invest in surge protectors so that if your refrigerator suddenly loses power or is hit by an unexpected surge, it won’t be damaged.
Based on the type of surge protector, this could make your fridge stand away from the wall because the power cord gets pushed further. When choosing your fridge’s size, you’ll have to make room for the extra space or opt for a surge protector, which gets placed at the bottom rather than the front.
No-Plumb Fridge Options
A refrigerator plumbed-in is only feasible in some kitchens. However, you can still get the same benefits using alternative methods. Many non-plumbed refrigerators have water dispensers that can get filled manually. The most significant drawbacks here include the necessity of manually refilling and waiting for the water to cool; sometimes, the water will develop a fridge-like taste.
If you’re looking for quick chilled water, install an instant faucet at the kitchen sink. It will give you access to chilled water immediately, and you can even install hot water.
How Do You Plumb a Fridge?
There are strict guidelines when it comes DIY plumbing. It means that you cannot install a plumbing system for your fridge.
Suppose you need to be more knowledgeable. What may seem like an easy task can lead to problems at many points. A poor installation of your fridge could expose you to various plumbing issues that can cause chaos within your home. Repairs to your DIY errors could cost more than if you’d initially hired a licensed plumber to set up your refrigerator.
Suppose it’s time to replace your refrigerator because your current one gets broken. In that case, you must find a licensed and experienced plumber.
Get a Freezer Plumbing Expert Today!
Contact the Ottawa Plumbing Service team at (613) 317-1682 or mail at info@ottawaplumbingservice.com to arrange a quality fridge plumbing installation in your home today.
