Water Line Installation; Installation Instructions - GE 21 Owner's Manual And Installation

INSTALLING THE WATER LINE
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Recommended copper water supply kits are WX8X2, WX8X3 or WX8X4,
depending on the amount of tubing you need. Approved plastic water supply
lines are GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing (WX08X10002,
WX08X10006, WX08X10015 and WX08X10025).
When connecting your refrigerator to a GE Reverse Osmosis Water System,
the only approved installation is with a GE RVKit. For other reverse osmosis
water systems, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
If the water supply to the refrigerator is from a Reverse Osmosis Water
Filtration System AND the refrigerator also has a water filter, use the
refrigerator's filter bypass plug. Using the refrigerator's water filtration
cartridge in conjunction with the RO filter can result in hollow ice cubes
and slower water flow from the water dispenser.
This water line installation is not warranted by the refrigerator or
icemaker manufacturer. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize
the risk of expensive water damage.
Water hammer (water banging in the pipes) in house plumbing can cause
damage to refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or flooding. Call a
qualified plumber to correct water hammer before installing the water
supply line to the refrigerator.
To prevent burns and product damage, do not hook up the water line to
the hot water line.
If you use your refrigerator before connecting the water line, make sure
the icemaker power switch is in the 0 (off) position.
Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where temperatures fall below
freezing.
When using any electrical device (such as a power drill) during
installation, be sure the device is double insulated or grounded in a
manner to prevent the hazard of electric shock, or is battery powered.
All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code
requirements.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
• Copper or GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing kit, 1/4" outer
diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. If using copper,
be sure both ends of the tubing are cut square.
To determine how much tubing you need: measure the distance from the
water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply pipe. Then
add 8 feet (2.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about 8 feet
[2.4 m] coiled into 3 turns of about 10 inches [25 cm] diameter) to allow
the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.
GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing Kits are available in the
following lengths:
2' (.6 m) – WX08X10002
6' (1.8 m) – WX08X10006
15' (4.6 m)– WX08X10015
25' (7.6 m)– WX08X10025
Be sure that the kit you select allows at least 8 feet (2.4 m) as described
above.
26

Installation Instructions

(ON SOME MODELS)
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
NOTE: The only GE approved plastic tubing is that
supplied in GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing
kits. Do not use any other plastic water supply line
because the line is under pressure at all times. Certain
types of plastic will crack or rupture with age and cause
water damage to your home.
• A GE water supply kit (containing tubing, shutoff
valve and fittings listed below) is available at extra
cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories,
800-626-2002.
• A cold water supply. The water pressure must be
between 20 and 120 p.s.i. (1.4–8.1 bar).
• Power drill.
• 1/2" or adjustable wrench.
• Straight and Phillips blade screwdriver.
• Two 1/4 " outer diameter compression nuts and
2 ferrules (sleeves)—to connect the copper tubing to
the shutoff valve and the refrigerator water valve.
OR
• If you are using a GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator
Tubing kit, the necessary fittings are preassembled to
the tubing.
• If your existing copper water line has a flared fitting
at the end, you will need an adapter (available at
plumbing supply stores) to connect the water line to
the refrigerator OR you can cut off the flared fitting
with a tube cutter and then use a compression fitting.
Do not cut formed end from GE SmartConnect™
Refrigerator tubing.
• Shutoff valve to connect to the cold water line.
The shutoff valve should have a water inlet with a
minimum inside diameter of 5/32" at the point of
connection to the COLD WATER LINE. Saddle-type
shutoff valves are included in many water supply kits.
Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve
complies with your local plumbing codes.
(CONT.)