If you’ve ever found yourself constantly running out of ice during summer, you should probably consider adding an ice maker to your refrigerator or freezer. Whether you are upgrading an older fridge or installing a new one, one of the essential components for installing an ice maker will be an ice maker outlet box. This small piece helps connect your fridge’s ice maker to your home’s main water supply to ensure a steady and reliable water flow for ice production.
We’ll help you have a better understanding of what exactly an ice maker outlet box is and provide simple guidance on how you should install an ice maker in your fridge. If you’ve already made up your mind on the type of ice maker outlet box you are getting, check out PlumbingSell to find the best one for your projects.
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What Is an Ice Maker Outlet Box?
An ice maker outlet box is a crucial part when installing an ice maker’s water line to your refrigerator or freezer. The primary function of an ice maker box is to provide a secure, accessible point for connecting the refrigerator’s water supply to your home’s main water supply lines. This allows water to flow into the fridge to produce ice while also ensuring that the water supply is properly controlled and protected.
The ice maker outlet boxes are typically made up of fittings, valves and sometimes water hammer arrestors, depending on the design. They are installed to help provide a safe water supply, ensure proper connection between the plumbing system and appliances and make future maintenance easier. Some ice machine boxes are even designed with a drain that makes sure excess water doesn’t accumulate around your fridge. Without an ice maker outlet box, installing an ice maker could be far more complicated, with a higher chance of failure for DIY homeowners.
Different Types of Ice Maker Outlet Boxes
There are various types and sizes of ice maker outlet boxes available on the market, each offering different features to meet your specific needs. Here are a few common ones you might have heard of.
PEX Crimp Ice Maker Outlet Box
The PEX Crimp ice maker outlet box is designed for a PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing system, a flexible and durable piping material commonly used in modern plumbing. This type of ice machine box comes with PEX crimp fittings, which securely connect PEX tubing to the box, ensuring a leak-free and reliable water supply to your fridge.
As PEX pipes are known for their flexibility and easy installation, PEX crimps ice maker outlet box installation is relatively easier as well. They can be installed more quickly and more conveniently, especially in tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
PEX Expansion Ice Maker Outlet Box
The PEX expansion ice maker outlet box works similarly to the PEX crimp box, but it uses expansion fittings instead of crimp fittings. They are normally used for PEX-A piping systems, as this kind of material is the most flexible one that can be expanded slightly and will contract back around the pipe to its normal size after a fitting has been inserted. This method can provide a more secure connection compared to crimp fittings.
Thanks to the PEX-A pipe’s superior flexibility, the PEX expansion ice maker outlet box could be installed faster and more easily. However, this type of outlet box does need specific expansion tools for installation and could be a bit more challenging for DIY homeowners.
Ice Maker Outlet Box with Water Hammer Arrestor
An ice maker outlet box with a water hammer arrestor has an additional component designed to solve the issue of water hammer. A water hammer occurs when the flow of water is suddenly stopped or redirected, causing a shockwave that results in loud banging noises in the pipes, which could potentially cause pipe leakage or burst. A water hammer arrestor installed in the ice maker outlet box helps absorb these shocks, making your plumbing system quieter, more efficient and more durable. Learn more about water hammers in our latest article.
By installing an ice maker outlet box with a water hammer arrestor, the potential damage to pipes caused by water hammer will be reduced, therefore extending the life of your plumbing system. They are best for homeowners who are already dealing with noisy plumbing systems or those who want to prevent any damage caused by water hammers.
Is Ice Maker Outlet Box Installation DIY-Friendly?
Installing an ice maker outlet box may not be as hard as you thought, but the level of difficulty still largely depends on your existing plumbing setup and the type of box you are using. For homeowners who have already done some basic plumbing improvement projects, installing an ice maker box could be a relatively straightforward process. However, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what’s involved before you get started.
If you are installing a simple PEX Crimp or PEX Expansion ice machine box, it is quite easy, even for those who are new to plumbing. However, suppose you are dealing with complicated setups, such as installing a new water line for an ice maker outlet box with a drain. In that case, you may want to seek out professional help to ensure a smooth and leak-free installation.
The basic steps for installing an ice maker outlet box are similar for most types of products.
- Make sure the water supply is shut off near your refrigerator, or you could turn off the entire house’s water supply if you are not sure which valve to close.
- Pick the location for the outlet box; remember it needs to be installed behind your fridge.
- Using a proper pipe cutter to cut the tubing and connect fittings to the end of the water supply pipes.
- Place the box in the desired location and mount it in place.
- Connect the water supply line to the outlet box.
- Turn back on the water supply and test for leaks.
- Connect the water supply back to the refrigerator and test the ice maker.
Once the ice maker is receiving water and producing ice properly, you’ve completed the installation! As you can see, installing an ice maker outlet box is not that hard, theoretically, but certain types of plumbing systems and ice maker outlet boxes could be challenging to work with.
Conclusion
Installing an ice maker outlet box can be a simple DIY project for homeowners looking to upgrade their fridge or freezer with an ice maker. This small but essential component helps ensure a steady water supply to your appliance while maintaining a safe piping system. While the installation process may seem a bit complicated at first, with the right tools, some basic plumbing knowledge and the proper type of ice machine box for the project, most homeowners can complete the task.
If you’re ready to get started, check out PlumbingSell for a wide selection of high-quality outlet boxes and accessories for your installation project. Whether you are looking for PEX Crimp, PEX Expansion models with water hammer arrestors, or looking for other outlet boxes, we’ve got you covered!
With the right tools and products, you’ll have your new ice maker up and running in no time, ensuring you never have to worry about running out of ice during the summer again!
