Technical > Home Improvement > Refrigerator water connection - saddle valve alternative

Since we moved into our new house in November, my wife has been nagging me to connect a water line to our "extra" refrigerator. The house I bought came with all new kitchen appliances. We brought the refrigerator we had in our old house and put it in the laundry room so we'd have additional fridge/freezer space for when we stock up on things that are on sale, and a place to keep surplus beer, soda, etc.

I am not a big fan of the self-piercing saddle valves and refused to use one. They don't meet code in some areas, and for good reason.

So, I've been procrastinating while I figured out the "right" way to do it.

At Ace Hardware today while I was actually there picking up something else I found this gem:

»www.acehomecenters.net/products/···995.html

I just popped it in place on the cold-water shutoff valve for the laundry sink and connected the 1/4" line that's attached to the back of the refrigerator.

It took me all of 5 minutes, a pair of adjustable wrenches, and some pipe sealant to get this done.

Now, it's one less thing I can get nagged about.

This seemed to be worth sharing, because even on a DIY job it's better to do it right.

And you're saying a saddle valve that millions upon millions of us are using are not doing it right? I strongly disagree. You are entitled to your opinion about saddle valves.

And you're saying a saddle valve that millions upon millions of us are using are not doing it right? I strongly disagree. You are entitled to your opinion about saddle valves.

Not sure what you mean by pop it in place. Did it replace the shut off valve? If not, how did you make room for it.

I did it the old fashion way. Cut the copper, put in a tee and added a shut off valve to the refrigerator.

That is nice as it goes after the valve and has the corresponding reverse-compression fitting,

WHat needed pipe dope? None of those fitting use dope or tape,

They don't meet code in some areas, and for good reason.

My utility sink has a stainless flex-line from the

my experience with them is that they are like short lived gate valves. They work fine if you never touch them. But if you ever operate them, . . .

And you're saying a saddle valve that millions upon millions of us are using are not doing it right?

It is not my opinion that many plumbing codes do not allow saddle valves. It is fact.

Most people would call an electrician to install a new outlet in a new location. Same with running a new water line. This is no different.