Installation Instructions
11
INSTALLING THE WATER LINE
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
O
(off)
position.
Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where
temperatures fall below freezing.
All installations must be in accordance with local
plumbing code requirements.
WARNING –
Connect to potable water
supply only.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
•
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
′
(2.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about
8
′
[2.4 m] coiled into 3 turns of about 10
″
[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
′ (0.6
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
′
(2.4 m)
as described above.
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. (1.4–8.2 bar) on models
without a water filter and between 40 and 120 p.s.i.
(2.8–8.2 bar) on models with a water filter.
•
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. Install the
shutoff valve on the nearest frequently used drinking
water line.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
(CONT.)
