Background: We recently had to replace our refrigerator. During installation, we discovered two problems – first, there was no shutoff valve to the water line that fed into the fridge; second, there was so much extra water line that the pipe was becoming tangled and kinked in multiple locations. The result was that the water pressure going to the fridge was so low that the water dispenser did not work until we had untangled it.
Plan: I want to trim down the extra water line to what is needed to pull the fridge out for cleaning and no more, secure the rest of the line along the top of the cupboard it runs through so it's out of the way, and what the heck, while I'm at it, install a shutoff valve.
I have…: 1/4" plastic tubing with a brass nut at the end to secure it to the refrigerator.
I need: To figure out what kind of shutoff valve to select, and what other materials I'll need to do the job, and any other tips or suggestions to keep things running smooth.
Best Answer
Saddle valves normally have a T handle that acts as a shutoff:
These are notoriously troublesome. The original one in my home crusted shut, as did the replacement by the previous owner.
In any event, you'll give yourself a more reliable service and vastly improved pressure with a proper valve at the supply pipe, such as those found near toilets:
Of course, you can always add an inline valve if you wish to keep things simple: