Plumbing for fridge freezer

GDB2222

I'm just planning a new kitchen, and I'm wondering what plumbing to put in for a fridge freezer. Do they all use the same water connector? 

molerat

Do they all use the same water connector? 

No but they will all adapt to standard 15mm pipework.  Are you considering an external water filter - an accessible location for that would also need to be taken into account.

grumpy_codger

It's worth saying that they also come with quite long flexible plastic pipe/tube for connecting.

EssexExile

molerat said:

Do they all use the same water connector? 

No but they will all adapt to standard 15mm pipework.  Are you considering an external water filter - an accessible location for that would also need to be taken into account.

Mine is behind the big fridge/freezer but it's on wheels and pulls out easily.

GDB2222

I wasn't considering a filter. Do I need one, or is that just a personal preference?

grumpy_codger

I think such fridges all come with a filter.
Google 'plumbing fridge'

silvercar

GDB2222 said:

I wasn't considering a filter. Do I need one, or is that just a personal preference?

They all seem to come with them. I think the theory is that if you are so bothered about your water that you want it from the fridge, it should at least be filtered for taste / quality. If you don’t use it very often, there is the danger of water sitting around and be a risk of bacteria, depending on the design. It is possible to not fit a filter, if you really don’t want one. On our previous fridge the instructions said not to filter if you were feeding filtered water on or had a water softener as the pressure would be too low. The piping for the fridge freezer supply is very narrow, so I guess a filter ensures it doesn’t get blocked with impurities.

Ideally you want a filter that fits inside the fridge or a fridge that can pull out easily, filters need changing every 6 months. 

grumpy_codger

silvercar said:

GDB2222 said:

I wasn't considering a filter. Do I need one, or is that just a personal preference?

The piping for the fridge freezer supply is very narrow, so I guess a filter ensures it doesn’t get blocked with impurities.

Not really as the the filter isn't supposed to be at the inlet of the plastic pipe. It can be near the fridge with a long plastic pipe connecting it to the mains water pipe.

silvercar

AI offers these reasons why fridge’s have water features:

”

• Improved Water Quality:

  Filters remove chlorine, which can affect the taste of water and ice, as well as sediment and other particles that may be present in tap water. 
• Healthier Water:

  Some filters also remove heavy metals like lead and mercury, making the water safer for consumption. 
• Better Taste:

  By removing chlorine and other undesirable compounds, the water tastes fresher and cleaner. 
• Enhanced Ice Quality:

  Clean water helps create ice that is clear and free from sediment or off-flavors. 
• Convenience:

  Having a filter in the refrigerator means you can dispense clean water and ice without needing to use a separate water filtration system. 
• Compatibility:

  Some refrigerators are designed to require the use of a filter, either for functionality or to avoid warranty issues. ”
  
  All fairly subjective. I do remember being impressed that my ice cubes were clear rather than white, but I can’t say I miss the clear cubes now.