I have an 10 year old LG refrigerator (model LRFD25850ST). The white polyethylene waterline running from the refrigerator water pump up the back of the refrigerator is leaking about half-way up. It feeds both the ice maker and in-door water dispenser, but it runs through the foam insulation first, so a complete replacement is not practical at this time.
I would like to see if I can repair or splice it.
That writing on the tube reads:
DMT PE TUBE 0.D5/16"XI.DO.216" 70F 170P= NSF-51 & NSF-61 04EH10 05-1
What is the best way to repair this waterline?
Best Answer
You need a plastic quick coupling. Go to a professional plumbing supplier and buy a 5/16 x 5/16 Parker fitting. These are similar to Sharkbite fittings, but plastic and about half the size of the smallest Sharkbite. They come in 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 7/16. A number of companies such as Celcon and John Guest make them, but Parker invented them so like Hoover for a vacuum, they are called 'Parkers'. Simply cut your pipe right at the leak with a very sharp craft knife then fit each end into the straight fitting.