The Water Supply Line
When the refrigerator is plumbed directly into the home plumbing system, it’s convenient and easy to forget. After all, the water supply line is not seen, and yet we rely on it to deliver the water directly to the refrigerator filter for cleaning. Approximately 85% of American homes are supplied with hard water that contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron too. One of the more annoying aspects of hard water is that it creates scale inside water carrying pipes and water using appliances. This material can clog the supply lines, cause water staining, generate bad odors and even lead to the growth of mold inside the ice and water that you use.
Can I Fix the Problem?
The first step to fix this problem is to change the water filter and if you cannot remember when it was last changed, do it now. The full details for this process are detailed in the owner’s manual for your appliance. If this doesn’t fix the problem and you cannot seem to get adequate volumes of clean water into the refrigerator, it’s time to look at the water supply line. It may be necessary to flush the water lines to clear any clogs and other materials that may be lurking inside. If you lack the confidence or tools to tackle this job, it’s a good idea to contact a repair specialist to fix the problem for you.
Flushing the Refrigerator Water Supply Line
Before you begin this process, you will need the following tools and cleaning supplies:
- A clean bucket.
- Distilled white vinegar.
- A funnel.
- Screwdriver.
- Towels
- Clamps
When you’re ready, follow these seven steps in order to flush the water supply line:
Step 1: Disconnections
Unplug the refrigerator, shut off the water valve on the wall behind the appliance or at the mains if you cannot find it. Unscrew the ice maker line and leave the other dispenser line attached to the nozzle on the door.
Step 2: Flushing and Cleaning
Remove the water reservoir, empty the standing water and clean it with a homemade cleaning solution with a ratio of one cup of distilled vinegar to a gallon of clean water. Flush this clean water through the reservoir a few times and reconnect the tubes.
Step 3: Sanitization
Use the funnel to pour three cups of distilled white vinegar into dispenser lines and ice-maker. Leave it to sit for at least ten minutes and clamp the end of the line closed to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Drain and Clean
Drain the ice-maker line, use clean water and reattach it before you run vinegar from the waterline into the water dispenser and empty it in the bucket.
Step 5: Second Flushing
Flush the lines with fresh water to remove any loose material and vinegar that may be lingering there.
Step 6: Washing
Wash the ice-maker bin in a solution of a cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water. Rinse the bin clean, dry it, and return it to the refrigerator.
Step 7: Reassemble
Reattach the water line to the ice maker, make some ice, and throw it away.
In Conclusion
If you have concerns about your refrigerator water line, you can rely on a professional home appliance installation specialist to help you. For assistance with appliance installation problems, speak to a professional appliance installation and repair service.