Fridge water lines in new build

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El_Burro

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Hello all!

I have been a lurker of this forum since I was a teenager tackling DIY projects in my parents house and now 16 years later I finally make an account LOL.

I am having a home built and have an issue I need to resolve with the refrigerator water lines.

The builder has used 1/4 copper tubing under the slab from nearby fixtures and expects to run the copper tube right out of the wall and into the fridge.
I have some issues with this setup.

1. It seems a bit mediocre
2. The refrigerator will be counter depth and it needs to be as close as possible to the wall.
3. I would imagine that a copper line would eventually work harden and break from just moving the fridge for cleaning etc.

I would like to have installed outlet boxes behind each fridge, but I notice these usually connect in wall to 1/2 inch PEX or copper.

In the kitchen most importantly, how can I go from 1/4 copper line to something compatible with an icemaker water outlet box?
The bathroom seems easy enough to correct and run PEX since there is a bathroom sink on the other side of the wall, But the kitchen has no adjoining walls with water. I have attached a picture showing fridge water lines and path of the 1/4 inch copper tube installed currently.

Can you guys give me some ideas so that I can be a step ahead of the builder? I feel they want to sweep this under the rug but water outlet boxes behind fridges were a goal of mine since it allows the use or serviceable/replaceable lines and allows for a flusher appliance install.

I'm all ears!

Cheers.

Waterline Fridge.JPG
 

WorthFlorida

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All of my 4 homes built new alway had a 1/4" copper line and yes they just stick out of the wall. Never had one crimp or leak. However, my current home built in 2007 has a wall box. By far the best way and flexible SS hose with 3/8" fitting must be used. When HD delivered my refrigerator they insist on installing a new line ($) from the wall box to the refrigerator (liability I guess) and it was made of PEX.

Just google "ice maker box".

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Terry

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Where I'm at icemaker boxes are installed with hammer arrestors. I would have had them run 1/2" to a icemaker box with a shutoff and a way to connect supply lines.
Sixteen years, it's good to have you here.:)

icemaker-box-install-3.jpg


icemaker_rough_sno.jpg
 

El_Burro

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All of my 4 homes built new alway had a 1/4" copper line and yes they just stick out of the wall. Never had one crimp or leak. However, my current home built in 2007 has a wall box. By far the best way and flexible SS hose with 3/8" fitting must be used. When HD delivered my refrigerator they insist on installing a new line ($) from the wall box to the refrigerator (liability I guess) and it was made of PEX.

Just google "ice maker box".

View attachment 88041View attachment 88042

Hi Worth,

I understand these wall boxes exist. I am pushing the builder to use these. The issue I have is that all of these wall boxes connect to larger 1/2'' pipes in wall than what my builder has installed (1/4'' copper line). Is there some sort of adapter that can be used inside the wall that converts the 1/4 copper into something useable with the wall outlet box inside the wall?

The builder is dragging their feet and I want to have everything laid out for them. I am not a plumber so Im not sure what adapters could work here.

Thanks!
 

El_Burro

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Where I'm at icemaker boxes are installed with hammer arrestors. I would have had them run 1/2" to a icemaker box with a shutoff and a way to connect supply lines.
Sixteen years, it's good to have you here.:)

icemaker-box-install-3.jpg


icemaker_rough_sno.jpg

Hi Terry,

It is an honor to have you in my thread lol! So many helpful posts of yours I have read in my lifetime.

The builder has ran 1/4'' copper under the slab across the kitchen from the Island that contains kitchen sink. I assume they will tie in to the faucet water supply.

Se picture attached.

Short of cutting the floor or running PEX in the attic from a nearby bathroom (no adjoining wall), is there a way to convert this 1/4'' tubing into 1/2 NPT or 1/2'' PEX for connection to the wall outlet box?

Thanks!

WhatsApp Image 2022-11-14 at 7.34.00 PM.jpeg
 

WorthFlorida

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Worse case is as long as the line comes up through the sill plate of the wall, then out through the drywall, this can be added later. Cut a hole in the wall, make the compression fitting connection, attach the box to the wall. Since it is behind the refig, you don't need to learn how to patch a wall. If you never have done a compression connection, hiring a plumber to to it would be the way to go. If I lived in S. Florida I would be able to help you out. Orlando is a bit of a trip.
 
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El_Burro

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Worse case is as long as the line comes up through the sill plate of the wall, then out through the drywall, this can be added later. Cut a hole in the wall, make the compression fitting connection, attach the box to the wall. Since it is behind the refig, you don't need to learn how to patch a wall. If you never have done a compression connection, hiring a plumber to to it would be the way to go. If I lived in S. Florida I would be able to help you out. Orlando is a bit of a trip.
House has no drywall yet so I think anything in wall is doable. See the pic in the previous post. The copper line comes out right out of the slab between studs.

EDIT: I appreciate your offer for help! No need though since subcontractors are currently working on the house. IM just trying to inform myself before the builder gives me a runaround.

thanks!
 
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