Replace refrigerator ice/water line with braided stainless
Why it matters
Plastic 1/4-inch lines and saddle valves are the #1 source of silent kitchen and basement floods. A pinhole leak goes unnoticed for months, causing $5,000–$15,000 in hidden water damage and mold.
Stop forgetting to do this.
Hearth generates a personalized maintenance schedule so you never miss another replace refrigerator ice/water line with braided stainless.
How to do it
- 1
Turn off the main water supply at the meter or shut-off valve.
- 2
Pull the refrigerator away from the wall to access the rear water connection.
- 3
Locate the plastic supply line and the saddle valve (small clamp-on fitting on water pipe).
- 4
Disconnect the old plastic line from refrigerator inlet and saddle valve using a wrench.
- 5
Remove the saddle valve by unclipping it from the water pipe.
- 6
Install a new inline ball valve (1/4 inch) on the water pipe using appropriate fittings.
- 7
Connect new braided stainless steel line (1/4 inch) to ball valve and refrigerator inlet.
- 8
Turn water supply back on and check for leaks at all connections.