Have you noticed recently that your refrigerator water dispenser isn’t flowing well or the icemaker isn’t working. It’s usually your refrigerator water pipe or water valve if your refrigerator icemaker or water dispenser stops working. In this post I’ll be briefly discussing the various options for running water to your refrigerator. And what I consider the best options.

Types of Refrigerator Water Valves

First we’ll discuss the refrigerator water valve. It’s the usual culprit when water flow has slowed or stopped. The most common style is an appliance installers favorite and plumber least favorite. It’s the saddle valve.

Saddle Valve

The Self-piercing saddle valve is a very common style water shut off. It’s usually installed by appliance installers. The reason is that it’s easy to install. There’s no need for a plumber and little liability since you don’t have to shut off the home water system or know how to join water pipes. You simply clamp the valve around a copper water pipe and turn the needle valve handle off all the way. Doing this pierces the water pipe. Opening the valve then allows water to flow. The problem with these valves is that the opening is so small that hard water deposits tend to close it off over the years. And they’re pretty fragile. As a plumber I dislike them.

Quarter Turn Water Shut Off

A plumber will always prefer to install a quarter turn water valve. They come in a few different styles. But the most common are the angle stop/straight stop or in wall icemaker box. The quarter turn valves are normally a style that has a brass ball with a hole in it. As you turn the handle on it aligns the hole in the ball with the flow of the water. They tend to be longer lasting and much easier to use. They also last a lot longer!

Refrigerator Water Pipes

Refrigerator water pipes vary by materials. These are usually called refrigerator water tubing. And can be plastic, flexible braided materials or copper. Appliance installers have they’re preferences as would a plumber.

Plastic Water Tubing

Plastic water tubing is preferred by the appliance installers mainly because manufacturers use it. It looks clear or opaque and is usually made of polyethylene. They come in the cheapest installation kits. I don’t like them because they will tend to dry out and sometimes crack.

Braided Water Pipe

Braided refrigerator water pipe is a good options. I prefer the stainless steel braided water tubing. It costs a bit more. But I feel it lasts longer. It can also come in other materials. Some people might be sensitive to the taste of rubber that can sometimes be sensed. It’s inner core is a rubber tubing. It’s great for the diy crowd since it is so easily installed.

Copper Water Pipe

Copper water tubing is my preferred type of refrigerator water pipe. It lasts the longest. Copper is antimicrobial. Which means mildew won’t grow inside it. It also doesn’t affect the taste of the water. It can be kinked if not installed correctly. But this is why a plumber will leave three loops of a coil. This leaves enough room to pull your refrigerator out. And when you push it back it acts like a spring.

If you’re replacing your refrigerator and can’t shut the water off or your refrigerator water stops call us, your Lee’s Summit Plumber. At Advocate Master Plumbing a master plumber will answer the phone. And that same master plumber will arrive at your door. We don’t just service the Lee’s Summit area. We live here. This is a small family owned and operated plumbing business with over 30 years experience.