Written by Joe Rantino
Updated July 2024
Your Guide to Installing a Fridge with Water and Ice Dispensers
Thinking of upgrading to a plumbed in fridge? It’s a popular choice for Sydney homeowners who love the convenience of having instant chilled water and ice on hand – especially during the summer months! But it’s important to understand what’s involved with installing a plumbed fridge in your home.
Gladesville Plumbing has been handling appliance installation in Sydney for more than twenty years so we’ve plumbed in our fair share of fridges. Despite what you may have heard, plumbing water to a fridge is not always straightforward – and modern fridges with water dispensers are not cheap. Installing them properly is crucial. Professional installation ensures you’ll enjoy chilled water by the glass – and not around your ankles!
Ready to book your plumbed fridge installation? Get in touch with the plumber Sydney trusts to get the job done right. Just call Joe!
Not quite sure if a plumbed in fridge is right for you? In this article, we answer common questions about plumbed water fridge installation so you can make an informed decision.
What is a Plumbed Fridge?
A plumbed fridge is connected to the main water supply in your home.
Unlike a standard fridge that just needs to be plugged in, modern fridges come with advanced features like filtered water dispensers and ice-makers – and in many cases, fridge plumbing is required to enjoy those features.
A plumbed fridge utilises a dedicated water line to provide an endless supply of filtered water and ice. There are non-plumbed fridge alternatives, but you’ll need to manually fill (and refill) the water dispenser and ice maker containers whenever they run out.
Benefits of Plumbed Fridges
Wondering whether a plumbed in fridge is worth it? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
- Convenience: if your household prefers cold drinking water (but refilling the water jug is a struggle for some!), a plumbed fridge provides an unlimited supply of refreshing filtered water and ice.
- More Fridge Space: a fridge with water dispenser and ice-maker eliminates the need to store water jugs and ice trays inside, so you’ll maximise your fridge and freezer capacity.
- Great For Entertaining: with fridge plumbing, Sydney summer entertaining is easier than ever. Some plumbed in fridges feature a sparkling water dispenser in addition to water and ice cubes. Clink clink!
- Better Tasting Water: plumbed fridges typically come with an in-built filtration system so your water will not only taste better but it’ll contain fewer contaminants, too.
- Sleek, Modern Aesthetic: if you’re looking for easy kitchen renovations that instantly elevate the space, a plumbed fridge is a cost-effective way to add polish and prestige.
- Reduced Plastic Bottle Use: stop buying bottled water for good! You’ll save money and the planet.
What’s Needed to Plumb In a Fridge?
Adding a plumbed water fridge to your home isn’t as simple as plugging it in at the wall. A plumber will need to install the following:
- Separate water line: this dedicated line supplies water to the filter in the fridge.
- Isolating valve: this valve allows water to be turned off and on for disconnecting or changing the water filter, or in the event of burst connections.
- Flood stop valve: this is mandatory to prevent unexpected burst connections from flooding your home.
- Additional connectors: sometimes specific connectors are needed to connect the water filter in the fridge. Your licensed plumber can source these fittings to ensure a trouble-free connection.
Can I Install a Plumbed Fridge Myself?
The short answer is no. Plumbed fridge installation is a specialised job that should be handled by a qualified and fully licensed Sydney plumber. Plumbed fridges require a dedicated fridge water connection – and even the most confident DIYer can run into trouble when dealing with water points, valves, and pipework.
Plumbing is a licensed trade with strict regulations. Failure to adhere to those regulations can have serious consequences. DIY fridge plumbing can lead to water leaks, burst pipes and damage to your property and the fridge itself. And if you’re found to have performed non-compliant plumbing works, you risk fines and insurance companies denying your claim.
So ditch the DIY plumbing and get your fridge plumbed in by an experienced plumber. The benefits include:
- Expertise: Our licensed plumbers have the knowledge and experience necessary to plumb in your fridge, even in complex situations where water points are difficult to access or space is limited.
- Compliance: We carry out all works in accordance with Australian plumbing code and follow the fridge manufacturer’s installation specifications to protect your warranty.
- Peace of Mind: We offer a warranty on all our plumbing workmanship, and in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, we carry insurance to cover it.
Hiring a Sydney plumber for a small job is much more budget-friendly than emergency repairs if your DIY installation goes wrong. So get the job done right the first time!
Get in touch to discuss plumbing in your new fridge.
Things To Consider When Plumbing In a Fridge
A plumbed in fridge with water dispenser is a must-have for many Sydney households – but adding a plumbed fridge to your kitchen does require some planning. Here are some important considerations to make before you buy one.
- Fridge Location: Where will the fridge go? If you have an older home with an existing fridge cavity, make sure the plumbed fridge will fit in the available space. Modern plumbed fridges are typically bigger.
- Nearest Water Point: Plumbing water to a fridge usually involves running a water line from your sink. However, your kitchen layout can make running this connection difficult, especially if your fridge is not close to the sink or there are other appliances in the way.
- Concealing New Plumbing: A plumbed fridge is a sleek addition to any kitchen – but less so if pipes and hose connections are visible! New water lines may need to be run through cupboards, walls, in the roof, or underneath the floor.
- Minimum Clearance: Appliances require space around them to allow for air circulation. Plumbed in fridges require additional fittings including a mini stop top, water filter and pressure limiting valve which may create clearance issues.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? Gladesville Plumbing has extensive experience installing plumbed fridges in Sydney properties just like yours. We can help you, too!
Request a quote for stress-free fridge water connection here.
How Much Does Plumbed Fridge Installation Cost?
When budgeting for this new appliance, you’ll need an idea of the costs involved including how much to plumb a fridge. However, fridge plumbing in Sydney is not a fixed-price service and requires an onsite assessment from your local plumber to accurately quote the job.
During the onsite assessment, our plumbers will factor in:
- Your kitchen layout (or whichever space you want to install the fridge)
- Existing water points
- The distance between the water point and the fridge location
- Whether the new water line will require pipework to be installed in the roof or walls, inside cabinetry, or under the floor
- Possible complications with running a water line to your fridge
These factors determine the time and labour required to plumb in your fridge and will be used to prepare your quote.
By comparison, the true cost of plumbing in a fridge yourself can be much higher – especially if you make a mistake. Dealing with the resulting damage might end up being far more expensive than hiring a licensed plumber to start with!
Improper fridge plumbing can lead to:
- Burst pipes, flooding and water damage to your home
- Damage to your expensive new fridge and a voided warranty when the manufacturer discovers you installed it incorrectly
- Home insurance claims being denied due to unlicensed plumbing works
- Fines and penalties for non-compliant plumbing
So don’t risk it! Enlist professional plumbing services in Sydney to ensure the safe and fully compliant installation of your plumbed fridge.