GE GTN17DBEWW Use and Care Manual - Page 8

Installation Instructions 1 INSTALLING THE WATER LINE (ON SOME MODELS) BEFORE YOU BEGIN Recommended copper water supply kits are WX8X2, WX8X3 or WX8X4, depending on the amount of tubing you need. Approved plastic water supply lines are GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing (WX08X10006, WX08X10015 and WX08X10025). When connecting your refrigerator to a GE Reverse Osmosis Water System, the only approved installation is with a GE RVKit. For other reverse osmosis water systems, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. This water line installation is not warranted by the refrigerator or icemaker manufacturer. Follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of expensive water damage. Water hammer (water banging in the pipes) in house plumbing can cause damage to refrigerator parts and lead to water leakage or flooding. Call a qualified plumber to correct water hammer before installing the water supply line to the refrigerator. To prevent burns and product damage, do not hook up the water line to the hot water line. If you use your refrigerator before connecting the water line, make sure the feeler arm is in the STOP (up) position. Do not install the icemaker tubing in areas where temperatures fall below freezing. When using any electrical device (such as a power drill) during installation, be sure the device is double insulated or grounded in a manner to prevent the hazard of electric shock, or is battery powered. All installations must be in accordance with local plumbing code requirements. WHAT YOU WILL NEED • Copper or GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing kit, 1/4" outer diameter to connect the refrigerator to the water supply. If using copper, be sure both ends of the tubing are cut square. To determine how much tubing you need: measure the distance from the water valve on the back of the refrigerator to the water supply pipe. Then add 8' (2.4 m). Be sure there is sufficient extra tubing (about 8' [2.4 m] coiled into 3 turns of about 10" [25 cm] diameter) to allow the refrigerator to move out from the wall after installation. WHAT YOU WILL NEED (CONT.) GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing Kits are available in the following lengths: 6' (1.8 m) - WX08X10006 15' (4.6 m) - WX08X10015 25' (7.6) m) - WX08X10025 Be sure that the kit you select allows at least 8' (2.4 m) as described above. NOTE: The only GE approved plastic tubing is that supplied in GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing kits. Do not use any other plastic water supply line because the line is under pressure at all times. Certain types of plastic will crack or rupture with age and cause water damage to your home. • A GE water supply kit (containing tubing, shutoff valve and fittings listed below) is available at extra cost from your dealer or from Parts and Accessories, 1.800.661.1616. • A cold water supply. The water pressure must be between 20 and 120 p.s.i. (1.4-8.1 bar). • Power drill. • 1/2" or adjustable wrench. • Straight and Phillips blade screwdriver. • Two 1/4 " outer diameter compression nuts and 2 ferrules (sleeves)-to connect the copper tubing to the shutoff valve and the refrigerator water valve. OR • If you are using a GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator Tubing kit, the necessary fittings are preassembled to the tubing. • If your existing copper water line has a flared fitting at the end, you will need an adapter (available at plumbing supply stores) to connect the water line to the refrigerator OR you can cut off the flared fitting with a tube cutter and then use a compression fitting. Do not cut formed end from GE SmartConnect™ Refrigerator tubing. • Shutoff valve to connect to the cold water line. The shutoff valve should have a water inlet with a minimum inside diameter of 5/32" at the point of connection to the COLD WATER LINE. Saddle-type shutoff valves are included in many water supply kits. Before purchasing, make sure a saddle-type valve complies with your local plumbing codes. 8