Solving Fridge Water Line Leaks - Tips & Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around addressing leaks in the water line of a refrigerator, particularly focusing on solutions for a slow drip occurring after disconnecting the line. Participants explore various methods for stopping the leak temporarily while preparing for the installation of a new fridge.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using vise grips to close the copper line, questioning whether this or a fitting is necessary to stop the leak.
  • Another participant recommends replacing the valve, citing potential mineral deposits that may prevent it from closing completely.
  • A similar viewpoint is reiterated by another participant, emphasizing the importance of replacing the valve to ensure it can be closed completely in the future.
  • One participant advises capping the line properly to avoid potential flooding until the new appliance is installed.
  • Several participants propose crimping the copper tubing as a temporary solution, with some expressing that replacing the valve may not be necessary if the leak is minor.
  • A humorous suggestion is made to use a "bigger hammer" as a solution to the problem.
  • One participant confirms success in crimping the line, reporting no leaks afterward.
  • There is a brief exchange questioning the necessity of a water pipe for refrigerators, with a participant clarifying that it is needed for a cooled water supply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on how to address the leak, with some advocating for crimping the line and others suggesting valve replacement. There is no consensus on the best approach, and multiple competing views remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various conditions, such as the state of the valve and the urgency of avoiding flooding, which may affect the appropriateness of different solutions. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

electrical_ck
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I just bought a new fridge and sold my previous fridge, so I disconnected the copper line to the old fridge. I turned the valve to the fridge line off but there still is a slow drip. I haven't connected it to the new fridge yet since we are putting new cabinets and placing the fridge in a new position. Somebody told me that you could use vise grips to close the copper line that went to the fridge, or do I have to get a fitting to stop this leak.
 
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If you're getting a slow drip with the valve closed, replace the valve. It has probably gotten mineral deposits on it over time and doesn't close completely. While you have everything apart anyway, it's a good and easy time to replace the valve in case you ever do have a bigger leak and NEED to close it completely to work on it.
 
Moonbear said:
If you're getting a slow drip with the valve closed, replace the valve. It has probably gotten mineral deposits on it over time and doesn't close completely. While you have everything apart anyway, it's a good and easy time to replace the valve in case you ever do have a bigger leak and NEED to close it completely to work on it.

yeah it is coated with mineral deposits, I am going to the store right now to place jb weld on it for a temp fix. We are ripping out all of cabinets so I will place the new valve than.
 
Ask yourself what avoiding a flood is worth to you, then cap it off properly until you're ready to plumb in the new appliance.
 
It's just a piece of copper tubing. I would crimp it shut then replace it later.
 
dlgoff said:
It's just a piece of copper tubing. I would crimp it shut then replace it later.
If it's just dripping, I wouldn't even bother replacing the valve - just crimp the tube until installing the new fridge!

A leaky valve can't cause a flood.
 
You will be needing a new flex water line and shut off valve anyway. Just crimp the old line and wait.
 
get a bigger hammer!
 
I crimped it, no leaks
 
  • #10
Since when do fridges need a water pipe?!
 
  • #11
Blenton said:
Since when do fridges need a water pipe?!

Since they had a cooled water supply.
 

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