Getting a new fridge with a larger width - water supply 7 Ft away

Users who are viewing this thread

Sam Shahroom

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Virginia
Hi All - I am planning to get a new fridge and most of the ones i have seen are atleast 35-3/4" wide. The problem is that the fridge i have is between the 2 counter tops and the max width there is 36". I have another area where i can fit the fridge but the water outlet would be at least 7-8 ft from this new space. Are there that long connectors available for the refrigerator ? If yes is it safe to have the water outlet that far away from the fridge (One of the ladies i spoke to at Home Depot said that their team wont install the fridge if the water supply is 4ft away from the fridge.

Please advise.

Thanks
Sam
 

Stuff

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,221
Reaction score
130
Points
63
Location
Pennsylvania
Installers won't hook anything up that isn't in the space the appliance is going. There are several ways to extend the water supply but it needs to be run through cabinets, under floor, etc. Plan on hiring a plumber.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,038
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
If the new fridge is 35 3/4" and the space is 36", which is a common and normal situation, what is the problem? With a piece of 1/4' copper, you can put the fridge anywhere you want to.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
That does sound rather strange.

Counting the door hinge swing it would be wider, But the unit should not be pushed back that far.
 

Sam Shahroom

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Virginia
If the new fridge is 35 3/4" and the space is 36", which is a common and normal situation, what is the problem? With a piece of 1/4' copper, you can put the fridge anywhere you want to.

The measurement could be 1/4 less or more..Not sure what you mean by 'With a piece of 1/4' copper, you can put the fridge anywhere you want to'.

Thanks
Sam
 

Sam Shahroom

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Virginia
What type of hose/extension would i need..Could you please send me a home depot or Lowes link which shows me exactly what type would i need to get and if its available in 7 Ft length.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
Last edited:

WorthFlorida

Clinical Trail on a Cancer Drug Started 1/31/24. ☹
Messages
5,726
Solutions
1
Reaction score
982
Points
113
Location
Orlando, Florida
Many new homes the soft 1/4 copper pipe is going away at least behind the refrigerator and you do not have to worry about crimping the copper when you have to move the big box for service or cleaning. Go to Lowes.com and search "hoses for ice maker" and you'll see a long list. This is the type I used in my home and where I work though shorter lengths. Here is a picture for a 20'. You may need to change the fitting on the copper line to adapter to this hose. There are many brands of SS hose, it doesn't have to be this one. If you do use this type, do run several gallons of water through it before connecting it to the refig. Once connected do run more water if you have a cold water tap on the door and discard the first two batches of ice.

ice.jpg
 
Last edited:

Gary Swart

In the Trades
Messages
8,101
Reaction score
84
Points
48
Location
Yakima, WA
I agree with Worth Florida. Problem with copper tubing is it can kink and/or pull loose from the connections when you pull the fridge out to clean. The flex tubing works much better.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
I agree with Worth Florida. Problem with copper tubing is it can kink and/or pull loose from the connections when you pull the fridge out to clean.


That may be true if it is not installed properly.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,038
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
Most refrigerators have the hinges set so they do not require additional space and fit into the "exact size" opening, because cabinet makers make the openings "exact size".
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
Most refrigerators have the hinges set so they do not require additional space and fit into the "exact size" opening, because cabinet makers make the openings "exact size".


I guess that is true for most of the new stuff.

What are some of the exact sizes used today ?


Some are not made to be built in, because ventilation is important for good refrigeration.
 

ImOld

Octogenerian
Messages
219
Reaction score
24
Points
18
Location
In the rumble seat
I inadvertently replied in the wrong thread last night.

Just a word of caution.

As I said, there is no way I would buy a refrigerator relying on the width dimension being within one quarter of an inch.

New refrigerators can have a width mid-point bulge that easily excedes this dimension.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,038
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
quote; New refrigerators can have a width mid-point bulge that easily excedes this dimension.

If the refrigerator says it is 36" wide and it has a "bulge" so it does not fit, then call the seller and have him give you one that does NOT bulge. Kitchen installers ALWAYS make the openings standard sizes for dishwashers, refrigerators, and ranges, i.e., if there is a 36" cabinet above the reefer, which is usually the case, then the opening IS going to be EXACTLY 36"..
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
quote; New refrigerators can have a width mid-point bulge that easily excedes this dimension.

If the refrigerator says it is 36" wide and it has a "bulge" so it does not fit, then call the seller and have him give you one that does NOT bulge. Kitchen installers ALWAYS make the openings standard sizes for dishwashers, refrigerators, and ranges, i.e., if there is a 36" cabinet above the reefer, which is usually the case, then the opening IS going to be EXACTLY 36"..

lol.


They staked it to high, if it is bulging.


The strange thing that gets me is, A electrical appliance needs to have a minimum clearance.

Most of the built in ones do not meet code, when the insurance adjuster come knocking.


Have Fun Everyone.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,038
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
quote; A electrical appliance needs to have a minimum clearance

The electrical component of a refrigerator are either on top or underneath, and the condensing coil is in the rear, so side clearance is not a factor..
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
quote; A electrical appliance needs to have a minimum clearance

The electrical component of a refrigerator are either on top or underneath, and the condensing coil is in the rear, so side clearance is not a factor..


That may be true, but rear could be a issue also. You need air, and built in to tight is asking for problems.

If you read the manual, the minimums will be listed, and need to be followed.

People need to read the manual, And that is how it needs to be installed.


True or no ?
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks