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water supply to fridge

12 years ago

I had a new fridge installed yesterday. I think the installers accidentally turned off the water, because I am getting no water or ice. I did prime the pump multiple times, but no water. I can hear the line opening up to the ice maker, but there is no water flowing.

There is a saddle valve attached to the water supply. I'm not sure how to tell if it is open. Does the pin have to be perpendicular to the fitting, or parallel to it? Do I turn it clockwise or counterclockwise?

I think what happened was the installers turned off the water to disconnect the old fridge. They thought there was a new connection kit, but ended up connecting the old hose to the new fridge. I guess they never turned the water back on. Everything was working fine with the old fridge.

They are scheduled to come back tomorrow to check it, but if I can get it running myself I will cancel. If it is the fridge, they will give me a new unit, of course.

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Comments (5)

mojavean
12 years ago
For the saddle valve behind the fridge, the T-handle valve is "righty tighty, lefty lucy(loosie). So to close the valve, turn it to the right, clockwise.

To open the valve, (loosie), turn it counterclockwise, to the left.

What I would do is look under your sink. Is that where the water supply was tapped to bring water to the fridge? If so, then find the valve that turns the water on and make sure it is turned counterclockwise until it is fully open. Also, check the valve behind the fridge to see that that valve is also opened. Other than that, can't tell you without seeing it. Good luck and hope this helps.
kclv
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, mojavean. They definitely did not touch anything under the sink. I really think they screwed up the water supply somehow. I did try to open the valve, but still no water. It was working fine with the old fridge. Guess I'll just have to wait until tomorrow.
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kclv
Original Author
12 years ago
I think there's another issue. I have a reverse osmosis unit under my sink. With my old fridge, I used a bypass unit and didn't use a filter, because the pressure was too low. I asked about this at Lowes when I bought the fridge, and they said I could just take out the filter. However, I called Frigidaire this morning, and they told me I would need a filter bypass unit, which they are sending me. If I remove the filter, the water doesn't circulate, but with the filter in place, the pressure is too low for any appreciable circulation.

I am still having the installers come tomorrow, to make sure the water supply is actually on. But I may have to wait for the bypass unit before I actually get water and ice.

I am pretty disappointed. I have been waiting 3 years for this new fridge, and really wish it was working properly.
Tim
12 years ago
I'd make sure your saddle valves are CLOSED in the meantime, especially under the sink.

If the flexible copper line from under your sink to your fridge is kinked somewhere (think of how you stop the flow of water in your garden hose) and that breaks, you'll be flooding your kitchen overnight.

Hope all goes well.
kclv
Original Author
12 years ago
I've got water and a little bit of ice! The pressure should get better when the bypass filter arrives and is installed, and then I'll get the maximum amount of ice.

I have to say, Lowes service is great.

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