Help with installing fridge water line

[billyb0b]

I'm putting a fridge in the basement and have a normal looking supply line for it.




This is the water supply line kit that comes with the fridge. A normal 5 foot pex tube with fittings. I have this elbow looking copper fitting that obviously will not work with the pex tube water line. You can see the elbow fitting has a female end and it needs to be a threaded male end in order to work

Therefore.... is there a simple elbow type connection I can use for this water line connection so the fridge will site closer to wall??? Having the pex tube come straight out of the water tap will not allow me to put the fridge as flush to the wall as possible. I want an elbow there to give me a tighter space.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

In general, it is a bad idea to put refrigerators flush against the wall as most have radiators that require decent air flow.

 

[billyb0b]

In general, it is a bad idea to put refrigerators flush against the wall as most have radiators that require decent air flow.

indeed... it won't be completely against the wall... there will be 3-5" of space between the wall and fridge.

either way... i still need an elbow connection that will work :ninja:

 

[iamwiz82]

You want something like this: http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-12213/Detail Just pull off the compression fitting on the side and it will reveal threads.

 

[OCGuy]

That's easy. Install the elbow nozzle in to the U-filter, making sure it is at a 87 degree angle.

 

[BoomerD]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes. Get something like this:

or like this:

This is what I have connecting my fridge to the water supply)

You shouldn't use just copper...not flexible enough if you have to pull the fridge out...gotta clean back there occasionally...plus, my refrigerator is old enough that it doesn't have a built-in filter...it hangs on the back, so I have to pull the fridge once or twice per year.

 

[BoomerD]

You want something like this: http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-12213/Detail Just pull off the compression fitting on the side and it will reveal threads.

As long as both pieces have compatible threads...that will work great...and MUCH better than the copper "elbow" in the OP's pic.

 

[billyb0b]

You want something like this: http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-12213/Detail Just pull off the compression fitting on the side and it will reveal threads.

Pull off the compression fitting on the side of what to reveal threads?

 

[billyb0b]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes. Get something like this:

or like this:

This is what I have connecting my fridge to the water supply)

You shouldn't use just copper...not flexible enough if you have to pull the fridge out...gotta clean back there occasionally...plus, my refrigerator is old enough that it doesn't have a built-in filter...it hangs on the back, so I have to pull the fridge once or twice per year.

This will not work because both of those lines are still relatively stiff. Since the connection coming out the wall is almost completely perpendicular to the wall it will not allow me to push the fridge back as far as i want to.

 

[BoomerD]

This will not work because both of those lines are still relatively stiff. Since the connection coming out the wall is almost completely perpendicular to the wall it will not allow me to push the fridge back as far as i want to.

You'd still want to use an elbow such as iamwiz82 posted...but the white tube I posted is VERY flexible. (like a small diameter garden hose)

 

[iamwiz82]

You'd still want to use an elbow such as iamwiz82 posted...but the white tube I posted is VERY flexible. (like a small diameter garden hose)

Yep, you still want a no-burst type like BoomerD said. This is the same for everywhere in your house. After one burst line I use automatic shut off valves like this: http://www.watts.com/pages/whatsnew/floodsafe_connectors.asp. I have never had the chance to test one but one burst water line was enough for me to be afraid of another.:biggrin:

 

[Rubycon]

Pull off the compression fitting on the side of what to reveal threads?

The Oatey valve appears to have 1/4" NPT thread.

Compression fittings are garbage, if you want to work with cu directly learn to flare.

You can use a 90° bronze adapting elbow that will screw into the valve, accept that hose pictured which will run to the saddle valve on your cold water pipe if so equipped. A taste filter is highly recommended even if your water tastes ok because the ice often will acquire an obnoxious taste without one.

 

[iamwiz82]

Pull off the compression fitting on the side of what to reveal threads?

Right side of the photo is a 1/4" compression fitting screwed onto the elbow.

 

[bbhaag]

Bring the copper elbow to your local Ace or Tru Value and they should be able to set you up with the parts you need to adapt the pex line to the copper fitting.
You could probably find the right parts at a one of the box stores(Lowes, Home Depot. ect.) but usually the guys at your local hardware store will find it faster and it will only cost a few bucks more. Saving you a lot of time and headaches.

 

[OutHouse]

Compression fittings are garbage, if you want to work with cu directly learn to flare.

I hate, HATE compression fittings. i have yet to get one to work for me.

 

[billyb0b]

Is there anyone who makes/sells a 90 degree elbow that has as a 1/4" male connection and the other as a 1/4" female connection

 

[billyb0b]

Would this 90 degree elbow work with a 1/4" tube like the 2 posted above (the stainless tubeand white tube)? And work on the water pipe coming out of the wall?

 

[Howard]

I hate, HATE compression fittings. i have yet to get one to work for me.

Yor-Loks work fine for me, at least in stainless.

 

[bolomite]

Look for push-type fittings like John Guest or Sharkbite.

 

[bolomite]

I hate, HATE compression fittings. i have yet to get one to work for me.

My guess is over-tightening is the culprit; when you tighten too much, the ferrule will distort.

 

[billyb0b]

Would this 90 degree elbow work with a 1/4" tube like the 2 posted above (the stainless tubeand white tube)? And work on the water pipe coming out of the wall?