Having an ice maker in your kitchen can make life so much more convenient. No more constant trips to the store to stock up on ice or struggling with plastic ice cube trays. With a built-in ice maker, you’ll have crisp, fresh ice ready and waiting anytime you need it.
Installing your own ice maker may seem intimidating, but it can actually be a straightforward DIY project. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully install an ice maker in your kitchen.
Benefits of an Ice Maker
Before jumping into the installation steps, let’s first go over some of the key benefits of having an ice maker:
- Endless supply of ice – No more running out! An ice maker produces ice automatically throughout the day so you’ll always have ice for drinks, parties, injuries, etc.
- Convenience – Just walk up to the freezer and fill your glass or bucket with ice. No struggling with trays or bags required.
- Saves money – Buying bagged ice from the gas station or grocery store adds up. With an ice maker, you’ll recoup the cost over time.
- Cleaner, better-tasting ice – Store-bought ice can absorb odors and flavors from the freezer. Ice makers produce fresh, pure ice.
- Space saver – A built-in ice maker maximizes freezer space that would otherwise be taken up by ice cube trays.
- Entertaining aid – Keep plenty of cold drinks chilled and refreshed when hosting parties and gatherings.
Pre-Installation Steps
Installing an ice maker requires careful planning and preparation:
Choose an Ice Maker Type
The most common ice maker types are:
- Built-in – Designed for installation inside a freezer. Requires access to plumbing and electricity.
- Freestanding – Self-contained unit with its own freezer compartment. Just plug it in and switch it on.
For permanent built-in convenience, a model that hooks directly to your water supply and freezer is best. Freestanding units work well for renters and don’t require kitchen remodeling.
Pick an Installation Location
Key factors to consider when choosing the install location:
- Water line access – The unit will need to connect to your kitchen’s existing 1/2-inch water supply line. Locate a close-by connection in the back or side wall.
- Good drainage – A nearby drain is needed to discharge melted ice water. The drain tube is normally 6 feet long.
- Ventilation – Leave a few inches of space around the unit for airflow.
- Freezer size – Measure your freezer dimensions to ensure adequate room for ice storage.
Prepare the Electrical Supply
Most ice makers plug into a 115V electrical outlet for power.
- Locate a grounded 3-prong outlet capable of handling 15-20 amps
- The outlet should be within 1-3 feet from the install location so that the short power cord reaches.
- If you don’t have an outlet in place, hire an electrician to install one ahead of time.
Purchase Necessary Parts/Tools
- Ice maker kit – Comes with the ice maker unit, hookup valve, tubing, fittings and instructions
- Water supply line – Minimum of 5-7 ft. length for hooking up the water
- Basic hand tools – Flathead screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, pliers, etc.
- Power drill & bits
- Teflon pipe tape
- Optional: Saddle valve for tapping into water supply lines
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Once you’ve completed the pre-work, roll up your sleeves and let’s get installing!
Below are the key steps involved:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valve for the water supply line you’ll be tapping into and turn it clockwise to shut off the flow of water. This allows you to safely modify the line without water gushing out.
Step 2: Tap Into Water Line
The next step is connecting the ice maker’s water inlet to your water supply line:
- Cut into the existing line with your utility knife (be sure water is fully shutoff!)
- Connect a T-fitting to integrate the new ice maker supply tubing
- If your supply line uses compression fittings, simply thread on the T-fitting
- For sweat copper lines, you’ll need to solder on the T-fitting using flux and tin snips
Alternatively, you can install a special saddle valve without needing to cut into any lines. This clamps onto the supply pipe and taps straight into it.
Step 3: Run Plastic Tube to Ice Maker
With the feed line ready at the water source, you can now route the plastic tubing over to the ice maker:
- Measure out the correct length of tubing needed to run from the tie-in point to the ice maker’s inlet connection
- Add an extra 2-3 feet for slack
- Cut the tubing using pipe cutters or sharp blade
- Thoroughly push & seal the line into the compression fitting all the way
- Secure along its run path using clips
Step 4: Mount the Ice Maker
Now everything is prepped to mount the ice maker unit:
- Double check that water supply is still shutoff!
- Remove any shelves or contents from the freezer to clear a space
- Carefully slide unit into place
- Drill pilot holes and mount securely using included bracket, screws & bolts
- Reinstall any shelves around the unit
When drilling the side wall, avoid hitting any refrigerant lines or wiring to prevent costly damage!
Step 5: Connect Water Line
With the unit mounted, complete the water hookup:
- Thread water line tubing upward and attach snugly to ice maker inlet
- Confirm fitting is water-tight
- Turn back on water valve slowly, checking for any drips and leaks
- Bleed out air bubbles from the line by depressing inlet valve until water flows out steadily
Step 6: Power Up Unit
Almost ready for ice! The last step is connecting electricity:
- Plug unit power cord into nearby outlet
- For direct wiring, attach appropriate flexible conduit to house circuit wires. Hire an electrician if you aren’t 100% comfortable with electrical work
- Turn on power switch and confirm unit turns on properly
Step 7: Confirm Automatic Operation
Allow the ice maker to run on its initial cycle to begin producing ice:
- Verify cold water is flowing nicely into the unit
- The freeze cycle light will illuminate when ice production begins
- First batches will take around 1hr to form and drop into the storage bin
- Unit will continue cycles on its own based on internal thermostats
Step 8: Clean and Maintain
Your hard work is done – time to enjoy party-ready ice whenever you need it! Be sure to follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines:
- Periodically sanitize the ice storage bin
- Detach water lines and drain out melted water if turning off/on for extended periods
- Replace water filters as needed to keep ice fresh
- Repair any leaks or issues immediately to prevent mold and damage
Also Read: Ice Maker Problems and How to Fix Them
Ice Maker Safety Tips
Despite being generally safe appliances when installed properly, keep these precautions in mind:
- Supervise children – Instruct kids not to play around or touch the ice maker mechanics
- Monitor for problems – If ice production performance declines or you notice odd sounds/smells, disconnect power and call a technician
- Avoid chemical cleaners – Use only approved ice machine cleaners to prevent contamination
- Keep hands away when running – Rotating elements inside can cause injury
- Hire electrician if needed – Only do electrical work if 100% comfortable; otherwise, call a pro
With some careful planning and patience going through all the steps, your custom ice maker will be churning out the good stuff in no time! Having an endless ice supply will make home life that much more convenient and parties that much more fun. Just be sure to keep kids away and clean it regularly.
Here’s to self-serve ice cold drinks anytime! Enjoy your new ice maker.