Water Line Installation; Installing The Water Line; Before You Begin; What You Will Need - GE 20 Owner's Manual

Installing the water line.

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

Before You Begin

If the water supply to the refrigerator is from a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration
System and the refrigerator is equipped with a built-in filtration system, it is not
necessary to use the refrigerator's 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 feeler arm is kept in the STOP (up) 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 insulated or wired in a manner to prevent the hazard of electric shock.
All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.

What You Will Need

To determine how much copper 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 (244 cm). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing [about 8
feet (244 cm) coiled into 3 turns of about 10 inches (25 cm) diameter] to allow the
refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation.
A water supply kit (containing copper tubing, shutoff valve and fittings listed below) is
available at extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories, 800-626-2002.
Cold water supply. The water pressure must be between 20 and 120 p.s.i. on models without
a water filter and between 40 and 120 p.s.i. on models with a water filter.
Power drill.
Copper tubing, 1/4" outer diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. Be sure
both ends of the tubing are cut square.
Do not use plastic tubing or plastic fittings because the water supply line is under
pressure at all times. Certain types of plastic tubing may become brittle with age and
crack, resulting in water leakage.
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.
If your existing 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.
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.
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