In this video, I show how easy I can be for any homeowner to run a waterline to your refrigerator ice maker kit. If you’re looking for DIY tips, hit the follow button.
I used the saddle valve that came with my kit. It does make for an easy installation. But after reading and watching This Old House saying how they fail, I decided to replace it with a T and valve. My saddle valve was on for a few years before I replaced it and never leaked or failed. The kit I purchased came with coper tubing. This started to leak after a few years. I replaced it with vinyl tubing and has been leak free for decades.
My saddle valve has been leak free for 21 years- plastic line and everything. Don’t drink the fear kool-aid. I’ve turned it on/off twice with a new fridge install once and new flooring install a year later.
I would like you to check the saddle a year from now. They fail faster than a Tee. I have replaced many of them all had a ground on the panel to the copper causing electrolysis in turn making the top nut rust and soon after failing. Just a observation
I agree Doug, I’m not the biggest fan of them. I prefer to solder on a 1/2” x 1/4” Brasscraft valve. I wanted to share this as an option for a homeowner who may be intimidated by the job. I think a saddle valve should come with a solid warranty. I think they could be made better without a doubt!
Does this work on older CPC plastic pipe I am concerned about CPC Plumbing because it can get brittle I am considering pre-drilling the hole and then placing the saddle valve on what is your advice ?
@@DaveDocDIY believe it or not it worked out fine the CPVC was quite what would I say pliable not brittle at all. There was already a existing saddle valve but I bypass that and did not use that and went with a new one worked out great. Thankfully it wasn't a really old PVC as to where hot was an orange color pipe and cold was a blue color pipe.
