Use washing machine supply for washer, ice maker & coffee maker?

11 years ago

I currently use my washing machine water supply for both the washing machine and the refrigerator ice maker. A hose bib is attached to the threaded pipe from the wall. Attached to that is a 2nd hose bib with a 1/4" male threaded fitting coming off of it. Both the washing machine hose and ice maker line come off of the 2nd hose bib. I'm not sure why the first hose bib remains.

I would like to purchase a coffee maker which requires 1/4" water supply line. It would be installed next to the refrigerator which is next to the closet housing the washing machine, so the distance from the washing machine to the coffee maker would only be 6 feet with the refrigerator between the two.

Is this possible and/or practical? Is there a hose bib to which I could attach the washing machine hose and two separate 1/4" lines for the ice maker and coffee maker?

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Comments (5)

tjdabomb
11 years ago
It's possible, I suppose practical and presumably code. Kinda a weird setup, though. Kinda like using one electrical plug with a power strip because there aren't enough outlets.
quandary
Original Author
11 years ago
I guess it would be more logical to put the coffee maker next to the sink, but that water supply is already supplying the hot water dispenser, and it's on the opposite wall from where I'd like to put the coffee maker. Moreover, the water lines to the refrigerator and coffee maker would be hidden if I use the washing machine water supply.

Would a copper tee connected to the existing 1/4" male threaded fitting work? The tee would supply both 1/4" lines to the icemaker and coffee maker.

I'd like to have a single cutoff for the ice maker & coffee maker, so I wouldn't have to disable the washing machine if a repair was necessary. However, because there are two hose bibs already on the cold water supply (I don't understand why the first bib is there), it could be a crowded arrangement if I add another cutoff.
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lazypup
11 years ago
You can find the parts you need at any local hardware store and they are relatively cheap.
Parts You need:
2ea. 1/4" compression needle line stop valve
1ea. 1/4" compreesion Tee
1/4" copper tube to make the additional lines.

Tools you will need:
Tubing cutter to cut the copper. (I prefer a mini cutter for 1/4")
Two wrenches that fit the valves..(two 8" adjustable wrenches would do fine)

Cut the pipe where you want the tee to the first appliance. Remove an and cap off the tee but be careful, there is a tiny brass ferrule under that cap that you need. First slip the cap on the copper with the open side of the cap pointing towards the cut end of the copper tubing. Now slip the ferrule on the tubing. (the ferrule looks like a miniature mans wedding ring).
Insert the end of the pipe into the fitting as far as it will go, then slide the cap forward, pushing the ferrule up against the end of the fitting and screw the cap on the end of the fitting finger tight. Now hold the fitting steady with one wrench while you tighten the cap with the second wrench.

Follow the diagram in the illustration I am attaching and use the same technique to tighten all the fitting caps.
lazypup
11 years ago
I forgot a couple points above...

When tigthening the compression caps make sure you are holding the fitting body with one wrench while you turn the cap with the second wrench....Do not hold the cap on the opposite end of the fitting...

When you buy your fittings I would strongly suggest you buy 2 extra 1/4" ferrules. They will only cost you about a nickle each and they are very easy to drop or misplace. I would much rather have a spare part when I am done as opposed to running back to the store for a nickle part.
quandary
Original Author
11 years ago
Wow -- you really need to change your name. I'm thinking getupandgopup or goingaboveandbeyondtohelptotalstrangerspup.

What an incredibly detailed tutorial you gave for my specific dilemma and with a diagram, too. Thank you for sharing your expertise and taking the time to explain it to me. I'm really so grateful. This forum is terrific. I mean it!

Use washing machine supply for washer, ice maker & coffee maker?

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tjdabomb

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Use washing machine supply for washer, ice maker & coffee maker?

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tjdabomb

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