[Steve_P]

which is better, copper tubing or the braided hoses they sell at HD?

 

[secutanudu]

I'd go with a braided stainless steel before that flimsy 1/4" or 3/8" copper.

 

[bob22]

"I'd go with a braided stainless steel before that flimsy 1/4" or 3/8" copper"
I still think, someone correct me on this, that the flexible SS lines are really a synthetic "rubber"/"vinyl" tubing covered by the SS braiding. If this is the same as the braided SS washing machine hoses, then they need to be replaced about every 5 years according to the mfg of these hoses. Why would this not hold true for dishwasher and fridge lines?
The copper tubing, if not exposed to damage by impact or repeated flexing/bending should last 30-50 years at least IMO.

 

[rjniles]

Soft copper tubing (1/4" for ice maker, 3/8" for dishwasher) with compression fittings. It will last forever. And do not use saddle valves for the ice maker; JUNK!

Those SS braided connectors get eaten up by cleaning products with Chlorine (like the stuff you keep under the kitchen sink).

 

[Steve_P]

thanks for the replies. Older SS braided hoses were actually SS braiding- at least the ones I have seem to be. The new ones appear to be gray/silver colored nylon. Of course I don't think it really matters to hose life as what's underneath is what fails from age and not from abrasion. But it does make for good marketing and price justification.

 

[COLDIRON]

I would use 1/4" copper (L) for the fridge with compression fittings with a regular shut off valve not saddle valve. Don't forget to make a loop behind the fridge so you can install the line and roll the fridge back in place or pull it out for cleaning and service. For the dishwasher I would use braided stainless, the reason for the braided stainless is flexibility when installing or moving out for service, it's pretty tight under there.