Connecting your ice maker to the water supply is essential for it to function correctly. Here's how to do it, based on the GE APPLIANCES IM1800 Ice Maker Kit User Manual:
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Prepare the Water Supply: Start by unplugging your refrigerator from the electrical outlet to prevent electric shock. Then, disconnect the refrigerator from the wall outlet and gather the parts from your water line kit.
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Connect the Water Supply Line:
- Attach the water supply line's end to your home's cold water line, behind the refrigerator. Place the shutoff valve in an easily accessible spot.
- Secure the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe clamp, tightening the screws until the sealing washer expands slightly. Avoid over-tightening.
- Run the tubing through a hole in the wall or floor, close to the wall behind your refrigerator or in an adjacent base cabinet.
- Connect the tubing to the valve by sliding the compression nut and ferrules (sleeves) for copper tubing onto the tubing's end. Then, attach it to the shutoff valve, making sure the tubing is fully inserted.
- Tighten the compression nut firmly. For plastic tubing, insert the molded end into the valve and tighten the compression nut by hand, then add one more turn with a wrench.
- Place the end of the water supply line into a sink or bucket and flush it with water until the water runs clear.
- Remove and discard the plastic cap from the water inlet valve.
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Final Steps:
- Ensure there's enough extra tubing to allow you to move the refrigerator away from the wall after installation.
- Before connecting to the refrigerator, ensure the power cord is not plugged in.
- Use a steel clamp to secure the water supply line to your refrigerator's back panel.
- Coil any extra water supply line behind the refrigerator, ensuring the coils don't vibrate or rub against anything.
- Open the shutoff valve to turn on the water supply and tighten any connections that leak.
- Finally, plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet.
Following these steps will help you connect your ice maker correctly, ensuring efficient ice production.
