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Follow along with Plumber John in “Ice Maker Hook Up Repair”. This episode of “Tales From The Jobsite Plumbing Blog”

NC Master Plumber, LLC » “Tales From The Jobsite” Plumbing Blog » Valve Plumbing & Repair » Ice Maker Hook Up Repair

Ice Maker Hook Up Repair

An ice maker hook up, also known as an ice maker valve box is a great way to have convenience and safety in your kitchen’s plumbing system. It is a valve for your ice maker that is installed in a valve box recessed in the wall behind your refridgerator. This valve allows you to easily shut off the water supply to your ice maker.

sheetrock removed from two by four studs to expose leaking ice maker hook up valve box. PEX has been disconnected as preperation for replacement with new valve box. — Before

Common Reasons Why Ice Maker Hook Up Valve Boxes Fail.

As with all valves, eventually they will have a mechanical failure. When a valve leaks from the stem it has failed. After you close and open your valve always check to see it is not leaking from the stem. Another valve failure is when water does not completely shut off when you close the valve. When you experience valve failure you will need an ice maker hook up repair. I open the wall to expose the domestic cold water piping supplying the valve. Then I replace the valve or the entire valve box assembly.

Drywall removed to expose ice maker hook up valve box between two by four studs with PEX water supply. — After

Do You Have An Ice Maker Hook Up?

Homes built in the 90’s and after typically have an ice maker hook up valve box. Earlier construction might have a needle valve in the crawlspace. Look behind your refridgerator and see if you have an ice maker hook up. If not you probably have an ice maker cold water supply tube coming through your floor behind your refriderator.

Sheetrock removed from studs to expose leaking ice maker hook up valve box with broken handle — Leaking with broken handle

Do you Have a Code Prohibited Saddle Valve?

If you find you do not have an ice maker hook up but instead have tubing coming through your floor then you need to trace that supply tube to it’s connection to your cold water rough piping. At the point of connection there should be a valve. Check your home and see if this valve is a needle valve. A needle valve is prohibited by the code. It is a saddle valve that mounts on piping with a band-aid piece of rubber to seal it. The stem has a needle on the end. The pipe is punctured by the needle in order to tap into the water supply. This type of valve rarely works once installed. If you have a needle valve then you need an ice maker hook up valve box installed in your home.

Needle valve - saddle valve mounted on copper pipe in crawlspace. — A saddle valve is prohibited by the Code

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