Refrigerator Water Line Shut-off Valve: Where to Find It

Whenever you need to repair or replace your fridge, you need to know where to find the refrigerator water line shut-off valve. It enables you to keep the rest of your kitchen plumbing running while you work on the fridge.

We’ll tell you where to find the refrigerator water line shut-off valve, when you need to shut it off, and answer some frequently asked questions about this piece of equipment:

• Where to Find the Refrigerator Water Line Shut-off Valve
• When Do You Need to Shut Off the Refrigerator Water Line?
• Refrigerator Water Line FAQs

Where to Find the Refrigerator Water Line Shut-off Valve

Though the location of the water shut-off valve varies based on the fridge model and your home’s layout, there are a few general places you are likely to find it:

• Hidden in a box or metal guard at the water source
• Located near the cold-water supply at the bottom of the kitchen sink
• In the basement
• In a crawl space
• In the cabinet next to the refrigerator

If you look in those places and cannot find the shut-off valve, there’s still hope. Pull the fridge out from the wall and locate the water supply line. Then, follow the line to the shut-off valve where it meets the wall.

Note: Before turning off the valve, shut off your ice maker. If you don’t, the ice maker will keep running after the valve shuts off, potentially damaging the line. When you’re ready to close the water line, turn the valve clockwise until it won’t turn any further.

When Do You Need to Shut Off the Refrigerator Water Line?

You shouldn’t need to shut off your refrigerator’s water line often. Here are a few common scenarios where it may be necessary:

• Refrigerator Repair
• Refrigerator removal or installation
• Icemaker or water dispenser repair

If there’s water leaking around your fridge, and you’ve determined it’s not because of an improperly cooled freezer or a spill, you should shut off your water supply immediately. There are many reasons why your refrigerator may leak water, but shutting off the water supply is a good idea.

Using this water line shut-off valve rather than the water supply to your kitchen or house makes repair and replacement tasks easier. This way, you can fix your fridge without disrupting your entire home.

Refrigerator Water Line FAQs

Do all refrigerators have the same water line?

Not all refrigerators have the same water line setup. Some models come with their own internal reservoir, while others must be directly connected to a water line from your home. Even if you have the latter model, your water line’s connection point width may vary.

The good news is that most fridges with a water line use a standard size. Just be sure to measure the width of your fridge’s connection before purchasing a water line. Once you’ve measured it with a ruler, all you have to do is choose the material.

Most water lines will either be plastic or a braided metal. Both types are flexible and easy to install, so it comes down to preference. Just remember to pick a hose that is slightly longer than needed so that you don’t risk yanking the water line whenever you move your fridge.

Call Mr. Rooter for Help with Kitchen Plumbing Concerns

If you’re struggling to find the fridge water line shut-off valve or are dealing with another kitchen plumbing issue, the team at Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing is available to help. Call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing location to request an estimate today.