HOW-TO GUIDES
How to install a refrigerator water supply line
Updated 07/26
By: Content Team
Reviewed: Kim Staples
If you're planning to buy (or already own) a fridge that instantly dispenses ice and cool water, then you'll need to know how to install a refrigerator water supply line for it to work.
How to find out whether your kitchen already has a water point ready to use
Which tubing type suits your fridge and budget
The step-by-step process for running a new line
How to route tubing safely through cabinets and floors
How to check for leaks once everything's connected
How to find a plumber to tackle it for you
A fridge that dispenses chilled water and ice on demand is one of those kitchen upgrades that feels like a genuine luxury once it's in. Getting there just means running a water supply line from your cold mains to the back of the appliance.
Here's exactly how to do it, plus what to expect if you'd rather leave it to a plumber.
Find a plumber to fit your water line
Before you start
As with any DIY project, preparation is one of the most important steps in knowing how to install a refrigerator water line properly.
Make sure you:
Look for an existing supply point. Some newer kitchens are already plumbed for a fridge, with a valve left behind the appliance or under the sink. Check before assuming you need to start from scratch.
Plan the route. Decide whether the line will run from under the kitchen sink, through cabinets, or under the floor to reach the fridge.
Measure generously. Take the distance from source to fridge and add at least 2-2.5m extra, so there's enough slack to pull the fridge out for cleaning or maintenance without straining the line.
Turn off the water. Shut off the supply at the isolation valve or stopcock before you disconnect anything.
Check what you'll be drilling through. If the route means going through cupboards, flooring, or a wall, check for electrical cables or ductwork first and switch off the relevant circuit if you're working near wiring.
If you're not sure whether your home has a dedicated fridge water point, look directly behind where the fridge sits, and under the kitchen sink. It's often a small valve with a cap that's never been used.
Choosing your tubing
Not all fridge water lines are made the same. The type you pick affects both how much you pay, and how easy it is to install, and how it performs long term.
Most DIY installation kits use plastic tubing with push-fit or compression connectors, which is the easiest option if this is your first time doing the job.
Tubing type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Plastic (polyethylene) | Cheapest, flexible, easy to cut and route | Less durable long term |
Copper | Very durable, gives a professional finish | Needs more careful bending when installing, pricier than other options |
Braided stainless steel | Highly durable, resists kinking | Most expensive upfront cost |
Tools and materials you'll need
Once you have your new fridge with water or ice dispensers, you'll need the right tools for the job.
Tape measure
Pliers
Wrench
Sealing tape
Tube cutters
Bucket
Drill
Cable clamps
Tee valve (or saddle valve)
Water supply line installation kit
How to install a fridge water line in 10 steps
Now you’re prepared for your refrigerator water line installation, you’re ready to begin. Wondering how to attach a fridge water line? Follow these steps:
Isolate the water supply at the shut-off valve under the sink, then use pliers or a wrench to disconnect the existing sink supply line. Keep a bucket handy to catch drips.
Fit a tee valve onto the shut-off valve and tighten with pliers, so you can supply both the sink and the fridge from the same point.
Connect both supply lines to the tee fitting - one back to the sink, one to run to the fridge.
Thread the new tubing along your planned route, taking care to avoid sharp bends or kinks that could restrict the flow.
Drill access holes through cupboards or drawers as needed to keep the run tidy.
Run the tubing under flooring if that's part of your route (see the section below for more detail).
Secure the line as you go using cable clamps every couple of feet, so it isn't left loose or hanging.
Flush the tubing by running water through the free end into a bucket before connecting it to the fridge, to clear out any debris and protect the fridge's inlet valve.
Wrap the connection ends with sealing tape, then fit the line to the back of the fridge using a wrench, being careful not to overtighten.
Turn the water back on and check every joint for leaks before pushing the fridge back into place.
Run water through the new line into a bucket for a minute or two before connecting it to the fridge. It clears out debris from the tubing and helps prevent the inlet valve from clogging early on.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install your refrigerator water supply line – and start enjoying refreshing cold water and ice on demand.
Running a fridge water line under the floor
If the fridge sits away from the nearest water point, you may need to route the line under the floor instead of through cabinets. Here's what to do:
Turn off the water supply by shutting it off at the mains
Drill access holes in the floor and wall where the water line will run
Run flexible tubing by feeding it through the holes and under the floor
Connect the tubing to the cold water pipe by using a T-fitting or saddle valve
Attach the other end of the tubing to the fridge’s water inlet valve
Secure all the tubing, turn the water back on and check for leaks
By following those steps, you should have a working fridge water supply line running under the floor.
Replacing an existing fridge water line
If you're replacing an existing water line, the process is slightly different as you have an extra step to remove the old line:
Shut off the main water supply to the fridge
Disconnect the old water line by unscrewing and detaching it from the fridge and water source
Install the new water line by attaching one end to the water supply
Run the new line to your fridge, securing it along the way
Attach the other end of the line to the fridge
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks
How much does it cost to install a fridge water line?
Running a typical water line to a fridge or ice maker costs an average of £90.
If the line needs to run under flooring, expect the cost to rise, since it takes longer and may involve making good the floor afterwards.
For a fuller cost breakdown, including commercial ice machines and plumber call-out rates, see our guide to the cost of installing an ice maker.
How much does it cost to install an ice maker?
Imagine being able to add ice to your drink on a hot day without having to deal with fiddly ice trays that take up all your freezer space. If that sounds like bliss to you, read on to discover the typical cost to install an ice maker.
Find a local plumber to install your fridge water line
If you don’t feel you have the right skill level to install your fridge water line don’t feel disheartened. Reach out to local plumbers for help.
Enter your postcode into our search tool to browse a list of checked tradespeople covering your area.
Find a plumber to fit your water line
FAQs
Expect to pay an average of around £90. Running the line under flooring usually pushes the cost towards the higher end. See our ice maker installation cost guide for a full breakdown.
For most kitchens, yes. You're adding a fitting to your existing shut-off valve and running tubing to the fridge. The fiddliest part is usually hiding the tubing out of sight, which might mean drilling a few holes through cabinets or running the cables under the floor.
Plastic tubing is the cheapest and easiest to work with for a first attempt. Copper lasts longer but needs more careful handling. Braided stainless steel is the most durable option, though it's the priciest.
Locate the nearest cold water pipe, fit a tee or saddle valve to it, then run flexible tubing to the fridge, drilling any access holes needed along the way. Fit an inline shut-off valve near the fridge for easy future maintenance, connect the tubing to the inlet valve, then turn the water back on and check for leaks.
There's no fixed maximum length. Just make sure to add extra slack beyond the minimum distance so the fridge can still be pulled out for cleaning without straining the tubing.
Yes. It's common to connect a fridge to the cold water supply under the sink and a dishwasher to the hot supply, often using the same tee fitting arrangement to save running two separate lines.
Many people fit a basic fridge water line themselves using a DIY kit, especially where an existing supply point is nearby. If the run needs to go under flooring, through multiple cabinets, or near electrics, it's worth getting a plumber in to avoid leaks or damage.
To repair a broken fridge, expect to pay around £105 for a call-out fee and £40-80 per hour for labour, plus the cost of any replacement parts or materials. See our fridge repair cost guide for current figures and a full breakdown.
Whether it's home improvements or repairs, at Checkatrade, we're here to help. From finding checked tradespeople to costing up projects and gathering ideas, we've got you covered.
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