Connecting your GE APPLIANCES ice maker to the water supply is essential for its operation. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the GE APPLIANCES IM1800 Ice Maker Kit User Manual:
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Prepare the Water Supply:
- Unplug your refrigerator from the electrical outlet to prevent electric shock.
- Remove the parts included in your water line installation kit.
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Connect the Water Supply Line:
- Attach the water supply line to your home's cold water line, located behind the refrigerator. Choose an accessible spot for the shutoff valve.
- Secure the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe using the pipe clamp. Tighten the clamp screws until the sealing washer expands slightly; avoid over-tightening.
- Route the tubing through a wall or floor hole (behind the fridge or in an adjacent cabinet), as close to the wall as possible.
- Connect the tubing to the valve by sliding the compression nut and ferrules (sleeves) for copper tubing onto the tubing's end. Then, connect 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 water supply line's end 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 the refrigerator to move away from the wall after installation.
- Confirm the refrigerator is unplugged before connecting to the water inlet.
- Secure the water supply line to your refrigerator's back panel with a steel clamp. Refer to the illustration in your manual for the exact location.
- Coil any excess water supply line behind the refrigerator, arranging the coils to avoid vibration or contact with other surfaces.
- Turn on the water supply using the shutoff valve and tighten any connections that leak.
- Finally, plug your refrigerator back into the electrical outlet. Following these steps will help you correctly connect your ice maker, ensuring efficient ice production from your GE APPLIANCES refrigerator.
