10
Water Supply Requirements
(on some models)
Gather the required tools and parts before starting installation.
Read and follow the instructions provided with any tools listed
here.
TOOLS NEEDED:
NOTE: Your refrigerator dealer has a kit available with a
¹⁄₄
"
(6.35 mm) saddle-type shutoff valve, a union, and copper tubing.
Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with
your local plumbing codes. Do not use a piercing-type or
³⁄₁₆
"
(4.76 mm) saddle valve which reduces water flow and clogs more
easily.
IMPORTANT:
■
All installations must meet local plumbing code requirements.
■
Use copper tubing and check for leaks. Install copper tubing
only in areas where the household temperatures will remain
above freezing.
Water Pressure
A potable cold water supply with water pressure of between
30 and 87 psi (207 and 600 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 30 and 87 psi (207 and 600 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 Water Supply
(on some models)
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.
■
For Australia and New Zealand: If water pressure exceeds
599 kPa (87 psi), a pressure-limiting device must be fitted by a
licensed plumber.
Tools needed:
Gather the required tools and parts before starting installation.
■
Flat-blade screwdriver
■
⁷⁄₁₆
" and
¹⁄₂
" open-end wrenches or two adjustable
wrenches
■
¹⁄₄
" nut driver
Connect to Water Line
IMPORTANT: If you turn the refrigerator on before the water line is
connected, turn the ice maker OFF.
1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long
enough to clear line of water.
3. Use a quarter-turn shutoff valve or the equivalent, served by a
¹⁄₂
" copper household supply line.
NOTE: To allow sufficient water flow to the refrigerator, a
minimum
¹⁄₂
" size copper household supply line is
recommended.
■
Flat-blade screwdriver
■
⁷⁄₁₆
" and
¹⁄₂
" Open-end or two
adjustable wrenches
■
¹⁄₄
" Nut driver
■
¹⁄₄
" Drill bit
■
Cordless drill
A. Bulb
B. Nut
C. Copper tubing (to refrigerator)
D. Household supply line (½" minimum)
A
B
D
C
