[darsunt]

Behind the refrigerator space is a stu-bout, with a saddle valve attached to it. I have never used it, and am thinking about using it now for a refrigerator icemaker.
Since there is no water coming out of it, it must never have been used before, am I correct?
If so, should I just replace it with a new one and go from there?
Also should I use it at all? A saddle valve seems like a leak waiting to happen.

Thanks

 

[TheEplumber]

You're right, its a leak waiting to happen. Best thing to do is to cut the pipe behind the existing valve and install a 1/2"x1/4" icemaker valve on it. Something like this (You can remove the 1/4" nut and use a braided flex line to the refer.)

 

[darsunt]

Does this icemaker valve get fixed to the water line by compressing a copper washer like a normal shutoff valve?

 

[oh'mike]

Yes--it's a regular compression shut off--just has 1/4" outlet.

 

[darsunt]

I looked at some ice maker water lines. They have rubber washers on the ends, just like installing faucet water lines. Looks fairly easy.