Having a refrigerator with a water dispenser and ice maker can be very convenient. However, there are times when you may need to shut off the water supply to the refrigerator, such as when changing the water filter, repairing a leak, or moving the fridge. The good news is that most refrigerators with a water line do have a shut off valve. Knowing where this valve is located and how to use it properly can save you time and trouble when servicing your refrigerator.
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Reasons for Shutting Off the Refrigerator Water Supply
Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to shut off the water to your refrigerator:
Changing the Water Filter
Refrigerator water filters need to be replaced every 6 months or so to keep water flowing cleanly and prevent buildup in the system. When removing an old filter and installing a new one, you’ll need to shut off the water first to avoid leaks.
Repairing a Leak
If you notice water leaking from the refrigerator connection point or dispenser, there is likely a loose fitting or cracked tubing. Shutting off the water allows you to inspect and repair leaks without water continuously flowing.
Moving the Refrigerator
When moving houses or rearranging your kitchen, you’ll need to disconnect the refrigerator from the water supply. This prevents putting strain on the tubing during the move. The shut off valve allows you to easily stop water flow.
Going on Vacation
If you’ll be away from home for an extended period, it’s a good idea to shut off the refrigerator water to prevent leaks while you’re gone. This provides peace of mind.
Plumbing Repairs
Any repairs or upgrades you need to make to the house plumbing system may require shutting off the refrigerator water temporarily. This allows you to work on the pipes without water flowing to the fridge.
Locating the Shut Off Valve
So where can you find the shut off valve for your refrigerator water line? There are two common places to check:
Under the Sink
The most convenient option is if a dedicated shut off valve was installed under the kitchen sink when the refrigerator was hooked up to the plumbing. This valve will be on the cold water supply line leading up to the sink.
Look for a valve between the sink pipes and the refrigerator water line. It may have a colored handle or label on it indicating it controls the fridge water. Turning this valve perpendicular to the pipe will shut off water.
Behind the Refrigerator
If there’s no separate valve by the sink, check behind the refrigerator itself. Look for the point where the water line connects to the copper tubing leading into the fridge.
There should be a basic shut off valve there that you can turn. It may be recessed into the wall so look closely. Shut it off by turning the handle so it crosses the tubing.
Main House Shut Off
In some cases, the fridge water line may not have its own shut off valve. If you can’t find one by the sink or behind the refrigerator, you can shut off the main water supply for the house until you are finished servicing the refrigerator.
Look for the main shut off valve where the water line enters your home, usually in the basement, crawlspace, or a garage wall. Just remember to turn the main water back on when you are done.
How to Shut Off a Refrigerator Water Supply Line
Once you’ve located the refrigerator shut off valve, here are the basic steps to shutting off the water:
1. Locate the shut off valve following the water line from the refrigerator to under the sink or behind the fridge. Look for a knob or handle you can turn.
2. Make sure the valve is currently parallel to the water line in the open position with water flowing.
3. To shut off the water, turn the valve handle clockwise so that it is perpendicular to the pipe. This stops water from passing through.
4. Confirm water flow has stopped by trying to dispense water or make ice.
5. When you need to turn the water back on, reverse the process by turning the valve handle counter-clockwise until it is once again parallel with the pipe.
6. Slowly turn on the water and check for any leaks before using the refrigerator dispenser again.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate shut off valve |
| 2 | Confirm valve is currently open |
| 3 | Turn valve clockwise to close |
| 4 | Check water flow stopped |
| 5 | Turn counterclockwise to open |
| 6 | Check for leaks before using |
It’s a good idea to turn the valve off slowly and gently to avoid damaging the equipment. And always double check that water flow is stopped before starting any refrigerator repairs.
Tips for Working with a Refrigerator Shut Off Valve
Follow these tips to safely use your refrigerator’s water supply shut off valve:
– Clearly label the valve with a tag for easy identification.
– Exercise the valve occasionally to ensure it turns smoothly when needed.
– Shut off the valve slowly to avoid water hammer pressure spikes.
– If the valve is stuck, spray lubricant on the valve stem and work it back and forth.
– Replace a faulty shut off valve rather than trying to force it open or closed.
– Close the valve at any sign of a water leak to prevent damage.
– Hire a plumber if you are uncomfortable working with supply lines.
– Communicate with household members when shutting off the refrigerator water to avoid confusion.
Taking these precautions will keep the refrigerator water valve working properly for years to come.
Shut Off Valve Troubleshooting
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues with the refrigerator shut off valve:
Valve handle is stuck: Try spraying penetrating oil or WD-40 on the valve stem. Allow it to soak in for 10-15 minutes. Then try slowly opening and closing the valve while applying pressure. The valve may need replacement if it does not loosen up.
Water keeps flowing when valve is closed: Make sure you are turning the valve handle completely perpendicular to the tubing. If water continues flowing, the valve seat may be worn out or damaged, requiring a new valve.
Leaking from valve handle: Tighten the packing nut on the stem of the valve handle. If this doesn’t stop the leak, the valve packing seal may need to be replaced.
Low water flow when valve is open: Check for kinks or crimps in the supply line. Flush debris from the valve by briefly turning it on and off. If flow is still low, mineral buildup may be constricting the valve.
Water drips from dispenser with valve closed: Some water may stay in the line between the valve and fridge. This should drain shortly after closing valve. If it persists, there may be a leak allowing water past the valve.
Being able to troubleshoot minor shut off valve issues can save the hassle and expense of a service call. But for any complex repairs, always contact a qualified plumber.
Replacing a Faulty Refrigerator Shut Off Valve
If the refrigerator water supply valve is leaking or can’t turn off the water properly, replacing the faulty valve is the solution. Here are the steps for this repair project:
Supplies Needed:
– Adjustable wrench
– Replacement valve kit compatible with your refrigerator
– Towels to catch water
Steps:
1. Turn off main water supply to house.
2. Open the fridge valve to release pressure and drain the line.
3. Disconnect the water line from the bad valve.
4. Unscrew the compression nut and remove old valve.
5. Install new valve with compression nut and ferrule.
6. Reconnect water line to valve outlet.
7. Turn on main water and check for leaks.
8. Flush water through dispenser 2-3 minutes.
Key tips when replacing the shut off valve:
– Carefully support tubing when removing valve to avoid kinks.
– Only hand tighten the compression nut initially when installing new valve.
– Make sure valve handle moves smoothly through full range of motion.
Installing a new refrigerator shut off valve takes less than 30 minutes. Just exercise patience and take care not to damage tubing.
Conclusion
Having an easily accessible refrigerator water supply shut off valve provides a quick and convenient way to stop water flow when servicing your fridge. Take time to locate the valve behind or near your refrigerator and familiarize yourself with how to operate it properly. This invaluable tool will save you time and headaches when repairs or maintenance are needed down the road. Knowing how to maintain and replace the valve as necessary will keep cool clean water flowing to your refrigerator’s dispenser and ice maker.