GE 49-60080 7-00 JR - Manual (Page 15)

Customer Service
Troubleshooting T
ips
Operating Instructions
Safety Instructions
Installation Instructions
Installing the water line.
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
What You Will Need
To determine how much copper tubing you need:
Measure the distance from the water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply
pipe. Then add 8 feet (244 cm). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing [about 8 feet (244 cm)
coiled into 3 turns of about 10 inches (25 cm) diameter] to allow the refrigerator to move out
from the wall after installation.
■ A water supply kit (containing copper tubing, shutoff valve and fittings listed below) is available at
extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories, 800-626-2002.
■ Cold water supply. The water pressure must be between 20 and 120 p.s.i. (1.4–8.2 bar) on models
without a water filter and between 40 and 120 p.s.i. (2.8–8.2 bar) on models with a water filter.
■ Power drill.
■ Copper tubing, 1/4 ″ outer diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. Be sure both
ends of the tubing are cut square.
Do not use plastic tubing or plastic fittings because the water supply line is under pressure at
all times. Certain types of plastic tubing may become brittle with age and crack, resulting in
water leakage.
■ Two 1/4
″
outer diameter compression nuts and 2 ferrules (sleeves)— to connect the copper tubing to
the shutoff valve and the refrigerator water valve.
■ If your existing water line has a flared fitting at the end, you will need an adapter (available at
plumbing supply stores) to connect the water line to the refrigerator OR you can cut off the flared
fitting with a tube cutter and then use a compression fitting.
■ Shutoff valve to connect to the cold water line. The shutoff valve should have a water inlet with a
minimum inside diameter of 5/32 ″ at the point of connection to the COLD WATER LINE. Saddle-type
shutoff valves are included in many water supply kits. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type
valve complies with your local plumbing codes. 15
Before You Begin
When connecting a GE Reverse Osmosis Water System to your refrigerator, the only approved
installation is with a GE RVKIT.
If the water supply to the refrigerator is from a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System AND the
refrigerator also has a water filter, use the refrigerator’s filter bypass plug. Using the refrigerator’s
water filtration cartridge in conjunction with the RO filter can result in hollow ice cubes and slower
water flow from the water dispenser.
This water line installation is not warranted by the refrigerator or icemaker manufacturer.
Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of expensive water damage.
Water hammer (water banging in the pipes) in house plumbing can cause damage to
refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or flooding. Call a qualified plumber to correct
water hammer before installing the water supply line to the refrigerator.
To prevent burns and product damage, do not hook up the water line to the hot water line.
If you use your refrigerator before connecting the water line, make sure the icemaker feeler
arm is kept in the STOP (up) position.
Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where temperatures fall below freezing.
When using any electrical device (such as a power drill) during installation, be sure the
device is insulated or wired in a manner to prevent the hazard of electric shock.
All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements.