I recently went to HD for some copper tubing to run a water line to my refrigerator, I found two types when I got there a refrigeration tubing and a type L tubing. So my question is does it matter what type of copper tubing you use for a water line to the refrigerator? Thank you to all replies.
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Replies
No, Not Really...
... so I guess it comes down to what you'll pay for one over the other. This is 1/4" stuff, right? That's usually what a water line calls for.
http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/cth/standard-tubes/cth_1stand_type.html
You may want to consider PE tubing instead if you think you'll be moving that 'fridge every year or two to clean behind / underneath. PE tends not to get brittle over time & thus is less likely to crack from work-hardening.
One tip: DON'T use the cheapo "saddle tap" fittings designed to clamp around an existing water line that then gets punctured by means of a steel point attached to a screw. They tend to leak and / or eventually clog as the hole that pin makes is too small, particularly if the pin breaks off from the screw after going thru the wall of your water pipe....
Check the outside diameter!
I am reasonably sure refridgeration tubing is measured by outside diameter, also I'm reasonably sure that 3/8 refrigeration tubing is the same OD as 1/4 type L. Reasonably sure...
I put one of those saddle clamps on my water line 20 years ago, it still works fine. It came in a cheapo kit that had clear poly tubing. The tubing got a pinhole leak and made a small flood. I replaced it, and the same thing happened again.
I'm thinking it's about time to do it right.
I wouldn't use any kind of tubing from the wall to the fridge. They make a stainless braid over rubber hose that will last forever and it screws right on those 1/4" compression nipples.
The nylon tube fails easily and the copper will rattle. It also cracks if you pull the fridge out very often to clean under it.
If you are talking about the tube you run from the water supply to the wall behind the fridge, I would run 3/8" PEX. It is easier to fish, lasts a very long time and cheaper than copper.. They make a recessed box with a shutoff valve that uses 3/8 in to 1/4" out. You can also buy a valve to replace the angle stop for the kitchen sink with two 3/8" "outs" eliminating the saddle valve problem.
If your angle stop is soldered in and you don't want to screw with it. get a "T" for the 3/8 line going to the cold water on the faucet.