Don’t Install a Plumbed Fridge Until You’ve Read This
Nothing screams luxury like a plumbed fridge complete with ice and water dispensers. Never wait for cold water at home again. A plumbed-in fridge gives you instant access to this refreshing drink. There’s more to installing a fridge with a water connection than just plugging it in though.
With more than 25 years of plumbing experience, we’ve seen it all when it comes to fridge plumbing. We’re here to help you know the ins and outs of installing a water connection to your fridge, what’s involved in the cost as well as how you can do it.
Don’t have time to plan this all yourself? Call Metropolitan and we can organise a quality fridge installation for you today.
Plumb Your Fridge in Today!
We have plumbers available today to install a water connection so you can experience the luxury of a plumbed fridge for yourself.
Fridge Plumbing Installation Considerations
Before you commit to installing a fridge with a plumbed water dispenser and ice dispenser, there are a few things you need to consider.
Space Allowed for Your Fridge
Fridges with water dispensers and ice makers tend to be larger than those without. It can be difficult finding a fridge-freezer with these features that fit in older homes.
Are you looking for a full french door fridge style? Or maybe a bottom mount or top mount fridge? Certain styles and sizes can allow for more fridge capacity than others. It pays to do your research to get the right-sized fridge. You don’t want to compromise functionality – basic tasks like actually fully opening the fridge door, for example – for fancy fridge features.
Location of Your Refrigerator
If you’ve found a fridge that fits into your kitchen, then the next question to ask is if a plumber can run a fresh water connection to its location.
For existing kitchens, this usually means running a water line from the sink to your fridge. A plumber can run the water line through the walls, in the roof, under the floor and inside cabinets to conceal it. Depending on what appliances are in the way, running this connection can be difficult.
If it’s a major kitchen renovation or you’re building one from scratch, a water connection can be installed at the location during the rough-in.
Space for Plumbing Fittings
So, you can run a water line to your fridge’s location, but is there space for all the required fittings? To plumb in an automatic ice maker and water dispenser, you’ll need room for some extra fittings:
- mini stop top
- water filter
- pressure limiting valve
You’ll need to consult with your plumber if there’s enough space to install these while also allowing enough clearance space.
If space allows it, you can also install the plumbing in a cupboard next to the fridge. This means you’ll have more space for these fittings as well as always have access to the stop tap in case of a leak or burst pipe. Changing the water filter over will also be easier.
Power Surge Protection
Plumbing your fridge will set you back more than a fridge without these features, so you’ll want to ensure it’s protected. It’s a wise decision to purchase a surge protector. Essentially, it means that if your fridge unexpectedly loses power or there’s a surge, it won’t get damaged.
Depending on the surge protector, this can make your fridge stick out from the wall more as the power plug sticks out more. When you choose your fridge size, you’ll need to allow for this extra space or use a surge protector where the plug goes in the bottom, rather than the front.
No-Plumb Fridge Options
A plumbed-in fridge isn’t possible in all kitchens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the same benefits through other methods. There are plenty of no-plumb fridges with water dispensers that you can fill manually. The major cons here are the manual refills, having to wait for the water to cool, and the water can sometimes take on a ‘fridge taste’.
If you’re after instant chilled water, you can instead install an instant tap at your sink. This means you’ll have access to cold water instantly and can also install hot water.
How to Plumb a Fridge
Here in Australia, we have tight regulations when it comes to DIY plumbing. Unfortunately, this means you can’t plumb your own fridge in.
What might seem like a simple task is prone to faults at multiple points if you’re inexperienced. Shoddy fridge installation could put you at risk of all kinds of plumbing problems that could wreak havoc in your kitchen. Repairs for your DIY mistakes could cost you more than if you had hired a qualified plumber to install your fridge in the first place.
So when it comes time to install a new fridge because your fridge has died, you need to contact a licensed and professional plumber.
How Much to Get a Fridge Plumbed In?
There’s no simple answer to the cost to get a fridge plumbed in. Every kitchen is different and so the price can vary significantly between homes. This is why site inspection is so important, especially for jobs like this.
Here at Metropolitan, we offer a range of interest free** payment plans. This means you can enjoy your plumbed-in fridge without the financial stress. Some plans even accept a $0 deposit, so there’s no upfront cost. These plans apply whether you’re after a top-of-the-range, energy-efficient fridge with all the bells and whistles, or a simple like-for-like changeover.
Metropolitan Plumbing has highly qualified and experienced plumbers available for same-day fridge water connections. Call us today and we can have a skilled fridge water connection installer at your door in just 1 hour*.
Book In a Fridge Plumbing Expert Today
For modern day fridge that not only keeps beverages cool and food fresh but can also provide you with a readily available supply of ice cubes on demand, a plumbed fridge is undoubtedly the way to go. Whether you’re looking at a stainless steel, pureflat French door fridge from Hisense, or one of the many other different options from brands such as Samsung, LG or Westinghouse, Metropolitan Plumbing can set it up for you.
Contact the Metropolitan team to arrange for a quality fridge plumbing installation in your home today.
Book In a Fridge Plumbing Expert Today
Contact the Metropolitan team to arrange for a quality fridge plumbing installation in your home today.
Published: 2021-08-06