Installing Saddle Valve On Cold Water Pipe

You just got a new refrigerator with an ice maker and you're ready to hook up some water to it. Well, you can do this by installing the saddle valve with the appliance. A valve mounted on a pipe run by a clamping device, or fitting that taps into the side of a pipe, used to make quick connection to an existing line to provide a water supply for a low-demand device.

The saddle valve is one of the easiest plumbing fixtures to install. Here are some steps to hook it up with your home appliances. Before commencing the installation process, be sure the pipe you choose is a cold water pipe, and it is not a pipe from your hot water heating system. Trace the pipe back to a known cold water source, such as the main coming into your home or a nearby plumbing fixture, like a sink or toilet.

Choose a location for the valve that is easily accessible for both installing the saddle valve now and possible maintenance in the future. Moreover, install the valve nearer to the appliance.

Position the valve around the pipe. You need to clean the pipe where you will be tapping the line with sand cloth or anything at home like steel wool. Also, you can use soapy water to rinse the leftover dirt.

Prepare your saddle valve and make sure the handle to the valve is all the way up. Turn the handle counter clock wise to open. Now put the saddle over the copper pipe and screw the bolts on evenly to make a seal. Do not tighten too much; you will smash the copper pipe.

Tighten the screw until the valve is securely attached to the pipe. Use a wrench, but do not tighten to the point where the pipe is bent or misshapen. When making your water tap do not forget the rubber gasket that comes with the kit. It helps make the seal between the clamp and copper and to prevent electrolysis. Position it correctly and secure it with the screws until it is compressed.

For plastic and galvanized pipes, install the saddle valve with a piercing pin fully extended - this is the "closed" position. Drill a 1/8" hole in the galvanized or plastic pipe to accommodate the saddle valve piercing pin.

Turn the water on and check for leaks around the base gasket and the valve stem. Test the valve. If, no water comes out, you may not have turned the piercing valve stem far enough in to fully penetrate the pipe. Attempt that step again.