Find out all the essential information when considering the purchase of a new fridge. Read our buying guide for the best advice.
Luxury is a plumbed fridge, boasting ice and water dispensers that add a touch of elegance to any home. No longer will you endure the agony of waiting for cold water; with a plumbed-in fridge, refreshment is just a moment away. However, the installation process for a fridge with a water connection is more intricate than simply plugging it in.
With over 15 years of plumbing experience, we’ve encountered every possible scenario when it comes to fridge plumbing. Our expertise lies in guiding you through the intricacies of installing a water connection for your fridge, including the associated costs and how you can tackle it yourself.
Fridge Plumbing Considerations
Before you decide to install a refrigerator with a plumbed water dispenser and ice maker, there are several factors you should take into account.
Space
Fridges equipped with water dispensers and ice makers are typically larger than those without. This can pose a challenge when trying to find a fridge-freezer with these features that fits into older homes.
Are you in search of a spacious full french door fridge? Or perhaps a bottom mount or top mount fridge? Different styles and sizes offer varying fridge capacities. It’s worth investing time in research to ensure you choose the right-sized fridge.
You wouldn’t want to sacrifice functionality, such as the ability to fully open the fridge door, for fancy fridge features.
Location
If you’ve managed to find the perfect fridge for your kitchen, the next question to consider is whether a plumber can easily connect it to a fresh water source. In most cases, for existing kitchens, this involves running a water line from the sink to your fridge.
A skilled plumber can expertly navigate through walls, ceilings, floors, and cabinets to conceal the water line. However, depending on the layout and existing appliances in your kitchen, this connection may pose some challenges.
On the other hand, if you’re undertaking a major kitchen renovation or building one from scratch, you have the advantage of installing a water connection at the desired location during the rough-in phase. This allows for a more seamless integration of your fridge into the overall design of your kitchen.
Plumbing Fittings
Is there enough space for all the necessary fittings if you decide to run a water line to your fridge? To install an automatic ice maker and water dispenser, you’ll need to make room for some additional fittings such as; mini stop top, water filter and pressure limiting valve.
Surge Protection
Investing in a feature-rich fridge may cost you more, but it’s crucial to safeguard your investment. One smart move is to purchase a surge protector. This device acts as a shield, preventing any potential damage in case of power outages or surges.
However, it’s important to note that depending on the surge protector you choose, it may cause your fridge to protrude from the wall due to the power plug. When selecting the size of your fridge, you’ll need to account for this additional space or opt for a surge protector with a bottom plug instead of a front one.
Can I plumb in a fridge myself?
In Australia, our DIY plumbing regulations are quite strict. Unfortunately, this means that you are not allowed to plumb your own fridge.
Although it may seem like a straightforward task, inexperienced individuals are prone to making mistakes at various stages. A poorly installed fridge can lead to a multitude of plumbing issues that could cause chaos in your kitchen. In fact, repairing the damage caused by your DIY blunders could end up costing you more than if you had initially hired a qualified plumber to install your fridge.
When your refrigerator finally gives up the ghost and you find yourself in need of a new one, it’s crucial to reach out to a licensed and skilled plumber.
