Refrigerator connection reverse osmosis system
How to add a refrigerator connection reverse osmosis system. This article assumes your reverse osmosis system is installed. Installing the refrigerator kit is all about the fittings. If you’re comfortable with the fittings the installation will go smoothly.
Refrigerator Kits on Amazon.com
A note on the above quote. I have had a copper line running from my reverse osmosis system to the refrigerator for the past twenty years and have not seen a pinhole yet. Maybe in another twenty years?
Ferrule fittings
Ferrule fittings use a ring(called a Compression Sleeve) that crushes onto the tubing. The cap and the body of the fitting crush the ferrule onto the tubing when tightened. Ferrules come in brass or plastic. Ferrules and fittings are not interchangeable. If you have a plastic ferrule type fitting you must use a plastic ferrule(plastic to plastic/brass to brass). Never try to move a used ferrule to another fitting. Here is a short video that shows how to use the ferrule and an insert on a plastic tube.
- Install the nut/cap on the tube.
- Push the ferrule beyond the end of the tubing for installation.
- Push the tubing into the fitting and while holding it there tighten the nut/cap.
This method will ensure that the ferrule never compresses on the very end of the tubing(bad connection). When using a ferrule on a plastic line you must use an insert. The insert is pushed into the tubing and the ferrule slipped over the tubing. It keeps the ferrule from crushing the tubing. The refrigerator and at the cold water line normally use compression-type fittings.
Quick Connectors at Amazon.com
Quick connectors
The fittings for the reverse osmosis system are special. The push-type fitting needs no wrenches. The only thing of importance you will need to know during installation is that the cuts to the tubing must be square. Simply push the tubing into the fitting. Confirm the tube is held.
Here is a video that shows how easy it is to use quick connectors for plastic tubing.
Select a spot on the tube going to the faucet. The water in the tube is clean and ready for use. Best use for a connector is dependent on the tubing you will be using to get the water to the refrigerator. Use a plastic quick connector for plastic tubing. If you’re using copper tubing use a compression tee with inserts.
The path to the Refrigerator
To get the water line to the refrigerator I emptied out the cabinets. I drilled holes in the side walls at the back of each cabinet. Next, I threaded the tubing thru the cabinets to get the water line from the reverse osmosis system to the refrigerator. I used cable clamps to secure the tubing to the cabinet back panel.
Here is a video that shows the final connection with a leak test and a large loop for ease of moving the refrigerator.
At the refrigerator, I left a very large loop so that I could pull the refrigerator out for cleaning without needing to disconnect the tubing. My refrigerator has a copper line. I used a brass compression fitting(brass union). If you’re using a plastic line and your refrigerator has a copper line like mine use an insert on the plastic line side of a brass compression union.
Ok if you’ve followed along then you should be able to add a refrigerator connection reverse osmosis system.
Related Article: Additional Reverse Osmosis Articles
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