What type of tubing is used for a refrigerator water line?

When installing a water line to connect a refrigerator to a water source, choosing the right type of tubing is an important decision. The tubing selected needs to be durable, resistant to potential contaminants, and able to withstand the water pressure. There are a few main options to consider when selecting refrigerator water line tubing.

Copper tubing

Copper tubing is a popular choice for refrigerator water lines. Copper is durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand the water pressures involved. Here are some key advantages and considerations with using copper tubing:

• Durability – Copper is a strong, rigid metal that is not prone to cracking or punctures. This makes it ideal for the potential abuses a water line may endure under and behind a refrigerator.
• Resists corrosion – Copper does not rust or corrode as easily as many other metals. This helps maintain water quality and extend the life of the tubing.
• Withstands pressure – The thick walls of copper tubing enable it to easily withstand the water supply pressures involved.
• Sweat fittings – Copper tubing uses sweat fittings that form a tight seal. This helps prevent leaks.
• Cost – Copper is generally one of the more expensive options for refrigerator water lines.
• Inflexible – Copper tubing is rigid and not as easy to maneuver into place as flexible tubing options.
• Soldering – Installing copper lines requires soldering tools and skills. This makes installation more difficult than simpler compression or push-fit options.

Overall, the durability and leak resistance of copper make it a top choice. But the cost and installation challenges may deter some homeowners. Copper tubing comes in three main types:

• Type M – The thickest copper tubing walls, making it the most durable option.
• Type L – The most commonly used size for residential refrigerator lines.
• Type K – Thinner walls than Type L, but thicker than Type M.

1/4 inch or 3/8 inch copper tubing are common sizes to use.

Plastic tubing

Flexible plastic tubing has become a popular alternative to copper for refrigerator water lines. Options like PEX and polyethylene tubing are easy to install and inexpensive while still offering durability. Here are some considerations when using plastic tubing:

• Flexibility – The highly flexible nature of plastic tubing makes installation much easier. Tight spaces and obstructions are no problem.
• Resistance – PEX and polyethylene are resistant to corrosion, punctures, cracking, and freezing.
• Lower cost – Plastic tubing is significantly cheaper than copper.
• Simpler connections – Push-fit and compression fittings allow quick, simple connections without soldering.
• Not as durable – Plastic cannot match copper’s durability over the very long term.
• Potential leaching – There are some concerns that chemicals could leach from plastic tubing into the water over time.

Polyethylene and PEX tubing are rated to handle the typical water pressures in household supplies. 1/4 inch is a common size.

Polyethylene tubing

Polyethylene tubing is flexible, durable plastic. It is the same material used for water supply pipes in many newer homes. Benefits include:

• Very flexible – Polyethylene tubing is easy to install in tight spaces.
• Resistant to freezing – Can withstand freezing temperatures without bursting.
• Low cost – Polyethylene is one of the least expensive tubing options.

Look for polyethylene tubing rated for use with potable water. It is important to use the right specific type of polyethylene designed for residential water supplies.

PEX tubing

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a specialized type of flexible polyethylene designed specifically for water supply uses. Benefits of PEX include:

• High flexibility – Makes routing through obstructions simple.
• Heat resistance – Rated for hot water as well as cold.
• Resists buildup – Less prone to mineral deposits building up inside.
• Durable – Designed to last for decades.

PEX meets health codes for potable plumbing systems and its flexible nature makes it a good refrigerator line option.

Stainless steel tubing

Stainless steel is another material that can be used for refrigerator water lines. Benefits include:

• Corrosion resistance – Stainless steel does not rust or corrode.
• Durability – Very strong yet flexible tubing.
• Aesthetics – Provides an attractive, finished look.
• Cost – Comparable to copper tubing.

Stainless steel has excellent durability while also being easy to install. It can be a great choice when appearance is also a consideration. Like copper, it is one of the more expensive options.

Factors to consider

When deciding on which type of tubing to use, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Water pressure – Be sure the tubing can withstand the water supply pressure. Plastic tubing should be rated to handle typical residential water pressure.
• Exposure risks – Is the tubing exposed and prone to punctures or damage? Copper or stainless steel provide the most durable exteriors.
• Bends and joints – Look for flexible tubing if there are a lot of corners or obstructions to route the line around.
• Connections – Compression and push-fit styles allow for simple DIY connections. Sweat fittings on copper require soldering.
• Cost – Factor in the total cost including fittings and connections. Plastic is generally the least expensive option.
• Appearance – Stainless steel provides the most attractive, finished look if appearance is a factor.

Taking these factors into account will help determine the best type of tubing for your specific refrigerator setup.

Installation tips

Proper installation is key to creating a reliable, leak-free connection:

• Clean ends – Be sure pipe ends are clean and free of debris before inserting into fittings.
• Insert fully – Tubing should be inserted fully into the fitting or connection for a tight seal.
• Secure fittings – Compression nuts or clamps should be tightened according to manufacturer directions.
• Check seals – Carefully check that all connections and fittings form a tight seal with no drips or leaks before supplying water.
• Protect tubing – Avoid kinks and secure tubing carefully to minimize exposure that could cause damage.
• Slope downward – Run the tubing downward toward the refrigerator so drips will flow away from connections.

Following manufacturer instructions for assembly, connections, and leak testing will help ensure you have installed the line properly.

Conclusion

When installing a refrigerator water line, key choices include copper, plastic, or stainless steel tubing. Copper offers the ultimate in durability but is expensive and requires soldering. For ease of installation and lower cost, plastic polyethylene or PEX tubing are good alternatives that still provide longevity and leak resistance. Stainless steel gives durability plus aesthetics. Factors like bends, water pressure, exposure, and appearance help determine the best tubing type for the specific installation. With proper installation and connection techniques, any of these tubing choices can provide a reliable supply line.