How to Install a Refrigerator with a Water Dispenser

Adding a water dispenser to your fridge provides the ultimate convenience – cold, filtered water and ice accessible right on the front of your appliance. While fridges with built-in water dispensers are readily available, you can also convert a standard fridge by installing an aftermarket water dispenser.

This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right dispenser to connecting it to your water supply. By the end, you’ll have a fully functioning water and ice maker that makes staying hydrated a breeze.

Read More: Refrigerator Sizes & Dimensions: Guide To Measuring For a New Fridge

Choosing a Water Dispenser

The first step is selecting the right water dispenser system for your fridge configuration. Consider the following when making your purchase:

Dispenser Location

• Through-the-door dispensers – Many modern refrigerators have a slot or opening specifically designed for adding a through-the-door water dispenser. If your fridge has this feature, look for a mating dispenser made to fit flush with the unit.
• Countertop/freestanding dispensers – These sit on top of the counter or floor next to the fridge. The water line feeds from the back of the fridge to the dispenser. Best for older units without built-in dispenser capability.

Water Filter

An in-line water filter removes contaminants, ensuring fresh, clean water and ice. For the best quality, look for multi-stage filtration using a combination of carbon block, sediment filters and Reverse Osmosis membranes. Quick-change cartridges make replacing the filter a breeze.

Temperature Adjustability

Quality dispensers allow tweaking the water temp to your preferred chill level. Look for multiple settings like cold, colder and coldest.

Safety First

Select an ANSI/UL 399 Certified automatic shut-off dispenser to prevent overflows. Also, ensure it meets low lead requirements per NSF/ANSI 61 standards.

Dispensing Options

Determine whether you primarily want chilled water, ice or both. Most dispensers offer options for glass fills, cold water only, ice only or combinations thereof. Higher end models even allow adding hot water for tea, instant foods, etc.

How a Water Dispenser Works

Before installation, it helps to understand the basic components and operation of a water dispenser system.

Main Parts

• Solenoid valve – Opens to allow water flow and closes to stop it
• Compression fitting – Secures tubing/hose connections
• Filter head – Houses the replaceable filter cartridge
• Cooling reservoir – Chills the filtered water
• Faucet/tap – Dispenses water and controls flow

Basic Process

1. Water supply line feeds unfiltered water to the dispenser
2. Water passes through the particle and carbon filter to remove impurities
3. Filtered water fills the reservoir where it pre-chills
4. Actuating the tap lever opens the solenoid valve
5. The valve lets the chilled water flow from the reservoir to the faucet
6. A built-in ice maker further chills the water to form ice cubes/nuggets

Now let’s put this knowledge to work installing your dispenser!

Pre-Installation – Gather Tools & Materials

This project requires standard plumbing tools plus dispenser-specific components. Ensure you have all necessary items before proceeding.

Essential Tools

• Adjustable wrench (to secure fittings)
• Pipe cutter (cuts supply tubing to size)
• Tube cutter (for plastic supply line)
• Standard & Phillips screwdriver
• Power drill with assorted bits

Additional Supplies

• Teflon tape
• Emery cloth/sandpaper
• Paper towels
• Bucket (for flushing lines)

Dispenser-Specific Parts

• Faucet/tap assembly
• Water filter assembly
• Solenoid valve
• Compression fittings
• Inline water filter
• 6′ dispenser supply line
• Accessories like tubing clamps, filter wrench, mounting brackets/screws

Step 1 – Tap into the Water Supply

The first installation step is tapping into your home/fridge water supply line to feed water to the new dispenser.

Option 1 – Plumb into Existing Fridge Line

If your fridge already has a water line for the ice maker, utilize this as the dispenser supply:

1. Turn off water supply and disconnect existing fridge water line.
2. Cut the supply line, leaving at least 6″ of extra to facilitate the connection.
3. Use a compression x compression x female pipe thread (FPT) tee fitting to join the dispenser supply line to the fridge line.
4. Secure all compression fittings with adjustable wrench.
5. Turn water ON to pressurize the line. Check for leaks.

Option 2 – Install New Supply Branch

If no icemaker line exists, install a new branch water supply:

1. Locate main water supply shutoff valve and turn OFF
2. Select an appropriate location under the sink or basement to install a branching tee which the dispenser supply line can feed from. Common install points include:
   • Under kitchen sink cold water line
   • Washing machine water supply
3. Cut into the feeder line using a pipe cutter to create a breakpoint
4. Fit a tee connector into the supply line and secure with compression fittings
5. Attach dispenser supply tubing to the branch opening in the tee connector
6. Check ALL connections by restoring water supply and inspecting closely for leaks

Step 2 – Install Dispenser Components

With water supply access complete, shift focus to mounting the dispenser components.

Prepare the Dispenser Location

1. Remove any drawers/bins/glass shelves from the targeted dispenser location in/on the fridge.
2. Protect exposed surfaces using cardboard/drop cloths.
3. Ensure electrical is disconnected and water supply remains OFF.

Mount the Tap

The method for installing the dispenser tap depends on the type purchased:

Through Door Dispenser

1. Use template/directions included with the dispenser to cut an opening in the fridge door for the tap. Make it slightly smaller than marked.
2. Temporarily place the tap assembly into the opening to test fit.
3. Carefully file the opening bigger in small increments if needed to attain a snug, flush fit.
4. Once aligned properly, secure the tap assembly to the door exterior as shown in manufacturer’s instructions. Common methods include clamps or mounting brackets.

Countertop Tap

1. Select accessible fridge adjacent location, allowing room for cup/bottle clearance below.
2. Temporarily place tap in desired spot to visualize positioning.
3. If surface mounting, use included hardware to affix directly per guidelines.
4. For modular installations like part of your faucet spray head pull-out hose, drill holes to facilitate integration.

Install Solenoid Valve

The solenoid valve manages water flow from the supply line. Mount it to an easily accessible fridge compartment surface like the back wall.

1. Sand/file selected mounting area to remove gloss and provide texture.
2. Align valve into position and mark bracket holes.
3. Drill holes using appropriately sized bits for provided hardware.
4. Affix valve using every mounting point to ensure stability.

Connect Water Supply to Valve

Complete the supply side plumbing:

1. Run dispenser tubing from below sink tee connector up to the fridge solenoid valve. Provide enough extra length in the line to allow fridge movement for cleaning behind.
2. Cut supply tube to desired length using proper tube cutter.
3. Slide compression nut over end, followed by the insert/ferrule. Verify proper directional water flow arrow.
4. Push tube fully into valve inlet port and tighten compression fitting with adjustable wrench.

Step 3 – Install Dispenser Filter System

For optimal performance, use a multi-stage filter designed for refrigerator applications. Here is how:

1. Select a filter location accessible for replacement, like beside the solenoid valve.
2. As above, sand and clean proposed area to improve mounting adhesion.
3. Mount filter head assembly bracket. Some units use wing-style turn tighten clamps for no drill installations.
4. Attach filter cartridge per included directions. Note the inlet and outlet flow direction marked on the head/filter.
5. Connect water supply tubing to the filter inlet using provided push-fit, quick connect fitting.
6. Run additional tubing from filter outlet to solenoid IN port.

Step 4 – Install Dispensing Reservoir/Cooler

The chilling reservoir or cooling unit provides refrigerant to chill filtered water ready for dispensing.

For through-door dispensers:

1. Feed reservoir tubing kit through door opening grommet the same way as the tap wires.
2. Align bracket on cooler unit back to selected inside fridge compartment spot – commonly beside existing icemaker on the rear wall.
3. Hang reservoir from upper bracket lip and install lower stabilizer bracket.
4. Route tubing from reservoir OUT port back through fridge door.
5. Attach to tap water inlet behind using compression or push-fit connection.

For countertop dispensers:

1. Position reservoir in optimal spot to within reach of:
   • Tap water inlet port
   • Fridge rear condensation drain pan (reservoir overflow drainage)
2. Condensation prone areas may require insulation/wrap to control moisture
3. Connect water inlet tube from previous tap using compression or push-fit
4. Position overflow drain tube to route from reservoir into condensate pan

Step 5 – Make Electrical Connections

Provide power to energize the solenoid coil and cooling system:

1. For through-door dispensers, pass dispenser electrical cable through fridge door grommet.
2. Connect tap wires to mate with reservoir electrical connector.
3. For counter units, run supply cord from tap assembly to below countertop.
4. Hardwire supply cable into adjacent receptacle or cutoff switch.
5. Ensure ON/OFF switch exists on the tap or inline to control power.

Step 6 – Install Ice Maker Kit

Optionally, enhance your new water dispenser with instant chilled ice:

1. Select quality undercounter ice maker compatible with your dispenser specs
2. Position ice maker unit on firm, level surface close enough for tubing interconnect
3. Follow provided insulation best practices in likely condensation-prone installations
4. Connect ice maker water inlet tube to dispenser tap COLD water outlet
5. Join ice maker discharge tube to dispenser tap ICE water inlet
6. Route ice maker drainage tube to proper household draining receptacle like laundry tub or floor drain

Step 7 – Activate & Test Dispenser Operation

After completing installation, verify proper function and enjoy great tasting chilled water!

1. Restore power to the fridge/dispenser electrical circuit
2. Turn ON water supply and inspect closely one last time for leaks
3. Initiate filter flushing per manufacturer specified procedure
4. Actuate tap lever to fill reservoir and flush all air pockets from the lines
5. Add a little bleach/disinfectant to first batches to sanitize
6. Adjust tap flow control for preferred water velocity
7. Set cooling temperature dial to desired chill – start around midpoint
8. Drop some ice cubes in water reservoir to accelerate cooling
9. If equipped, ensure icemaker begins cube production within few hours
10. Grab yourself an ice cold glass of water and celebrate an awesome upgrade!

Also Read: What Causes the Water Dispenser in Your Fridge to Stop Working?

Conclusion

When finished, bask in the satisfaction of having a fresh, filtered water and ice maker integrated right into your fridge!

The ability to enjoy cool, refreshing hydration 24/7 makes the effort of installing a water dispenser incredibly worthwhile. Plus, you’ll gain some plumbing chops that instill confidence for future DIY endeavors.

Here’s to fewer plastic water bottles cluttering up the landfills and more earth-friendly glasses of crisp, clean water at home!