Many refrigerators feature a built-in ice maker and water dispenser. To have a water dispenser or ice maker in your fridge, you need to be able to get water from your cold water supply to your fridge in an efficient way.
When you buy a refrigerator it typically comes with the manufacturer-supplied ice maker hose or supply line that connects your fridge to a water supply valve. However, those manufacturer-supplied hoses are likely inexpensive plastic water lines that are prone to clogging and leaking.
The good news is, you can easily replace that plastic water line with a high quality braided stainless steel ice maker hose and never have to worry about leaks again! Braided steel is a tough, non-kinking alternative to flexible copper or plastic lines.
What Size Ice Maker Connection Hose to Buy:
The hose or tubing should have a diameter of 1/4-inch. If there is a water supply valve already installed behind your fridge, simply connect the supply valve to the refrigerator valve with 1/4-inch water line supply hose.
Braided tubing is fitted at both ends with the proper fittings, so all you have to do is tighten the line to your connections.
If the source of water for your ice maker isn't conveniently located behind the fridge, you'll want to get an ice maker hose that is at least 20 feet or more in length so it can easily reach the water supply. You'll also want to leave yourself a few extra feet of tubing so can pull your refrigerator away from the wall for cleaning.
Buying a braided stainless steel ice maker hose will prevent kinks, tears, and leaks. It might cost a few dollars more, but it will last longer and help prevent costly water damage.
NOTE: With installment of any new ice maker and ice maker hose, we recommend flushing your hose and ice maker system with vinegar & water several times, along with filling up your ice bucket and dumping the first 1-2 batches. This will help flush the line and remove any impurities.