5
Water Supply Requirements
Gather the required tools and parts before starting installation.
Read and follow the instructions provided with any tools listed
here.
TOOLS NEEDED:
■
Flat-blade screwdriver
■
1/4" Nut driver
■
7/16" and 1/2" Open-end or
two adjustable wrenches
■
1/4" Drill bit
■
Cordless drill
IMPORTANT:
■
Connect to potable water supply only.
■
All installations must meet local plumbing code requirements.
■
Do not use a piercing-type or 3/16" (4.76 mm) saddle valve
which reduces water flow and clogs more easily.
■
Use copper tubing and check for leaks. Install copper tubing
only in areas where the household temperatures will remain
above freezing.
■
For models with water filters, the disposable water filter
should be replaced at least every 6 months.
Water Pressure
A cold water supply with water pressure of between 35 and 120
psi (241 and 827 kPa) is required to operate the water dispenser
and ice maker. If you have questions about your water pressure,
call a licensed, qualified plumber.
Reverse Osmosis Water Supply
IMPORTANT:
The pressure of the water supply coming out of
a reverse osmosis system going to the water inlet valve of the
refrigerator needs to be between 35 and 120 psi (241 and
827 kPa).
If a reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to your
cold water supply, the water pressure to the reverse osmosis
system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa).
If the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than
40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa):
■
Check to see whether the sediment filter in the reverse
osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.
■
Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill
after heavy usage.
■
If your refrigerator has a water filter, it may further reduce
the water pressure when used in conjunction with a reverse
osmosis system. Remove the water filter. See “Water Filtration
System.”
If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed,
qualified plumber.
Connect the Water Supply
Read all directions before you begin.
IMPORTANT:
■
Plumbing shall be installed in accordance with the
International Plumbing Code and any local codes and
ordinances.
■
The gray water tubing on the back of the refrigerator (which is
used to connect to the household water line) is a PEX
(cross-linked polyethylene) tube. Copper and PEX tubing
connections from the household water line to the refrigerator
are acceptable, and will help avoid off-taste or odor in your ice
or water. Check for leaks.
If PEX tubing is used instead of copper, we recommend the
following Whirlpool Part Numbers:
W10505928RP (7 ft [2.14 m] jacketed PEX),
8212547RP (5 ft [1.52 m] PEX), or
W10267701RP (25 ft [7.62 m] PEX).
■
Install tubing only in areas where temperatures will remain
above freezing.
■
If you turn on the refrigerator before the water line is
connected, turn off the ice maker to avoid excessive noise or
damage to the water valve.
Connect to Water Line
1.
Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2.
Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long
enough to clear line of water.
3.
Find a 1/2" to 1¹⁄
4
" (12.7 mm to 31.8 mm) vertical cold water
pipe near the refrigerator.
IMPORTANT:
■
Make sure it is a cold water pipe.
■
Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure
must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the
bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This
also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.
4.
Determine the length of copper tubing you need. Measure
from the connection on the rear of the refrigerator to the water
pipe. Add 7 ft (2.1 m) to allow for cleaning. Use 1/4" (6.35 mm)
O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing. Be sure both ends of
copper tubing are cut square.
5.
Using a cordless drill, drill a 1/4" hole in the cold water pipe
you have selected.
6.
Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe
clamp. Be sure the outlet end is solidly in the 1/4" drilled hole
in the water pipe and that the washer is under the pipe clamp.
Tighten the packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws slowly
and evenly so the washer makes a watertight seal. Do not
overtighten.
Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or
of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before
or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction
may be used on disinfected waters that may contain
filterable cysts.
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
A. Cold water pipe
B. Pipe clamp
C. Copper tubing
D. Compression nut
E. Compression sleeve
F. Shutoff valve
G. Packing nut
