Can A Refrigerator Have An Ice Maker Without A Water Line?

A refrigerator with an ice maker is convenient for making ice, but installing a water line is tedious. If you are wondering if it is possible to use a refrigerator ice maker without the water line, you are in the right place.

You can use a refrigerator without installing the water line but still make ice by filling the water manually or by using portable ice makers. You can also install a water tank in your refrigerator to make ice. For some ice cubes, you can also use a silicone tray and keep them in the freezer.

This article will give you a clear answer to your question and some tips on making ice without installing a water line.

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Can I use a refrigerator with an icemaker without a water line? 

In-built ice makers come with modern refrigerators with advanced ice dispensing features.

Most of us know that we must install a water line to the refrigerator with an ice maker if we want continuous ice without any effort.

If you don’t need continuous ice cubes and want to know if it is possible to use a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker without installing the water line, here is your answer.

You can use a refrigerator with an icemaker without installing the water line.

It won’t affect the functioning of the appliance in any way. 

If you don’t need ice frequently, you can use a refrigerator without installing the water line.

You only have to shut off the ice dispensing function and turn off the water supply valves to prevent damage to the refrigerator. 

Ice makers require a constant water flow to dispense ice continuously.

While installing a water line is a convenient way to get ice whenever you want, it is okay if you don’t install the water line considering the changes you want to make when installing the water line.

To install a water line, you need to figure out the right pathway, which also comes at an extra cost.

You can remove the ice maker if you need extra space to store essentials.

How do I install a refrigerator with an ice maker but no water line?

Installing a refrigerator without an ice maker is much simpler than installing a refrigerator with a water line. 

But you must follow the safety measures and install them properly to avoid issues later. 

Here are a few general tips on installing a refrigerator without a water line: 

Before beginning the installation, find someone to assist you in moving the refrigerator.

  • Gather the necessary tools to install the new refrigerator. You will need a level, cardboard, a dolly, packing tape, measuring tape, a wrench, and a water installation kit. Consider referring to the user manual to know the tools necessary to install your refrigerator.
  • As a first step, move the old refrigerator to make space for the new one. Place the flat cardboard under the old refrigerator before moving it to avoid damage to the floor.
  • Turn off the water supply to the old refrigerator.
  • Unplug the old refrigerator from the electric outlet and secure the power cord at its back with the help of tape.
  • After disconnecting the power supply, open the refrigerator and unload all the contents inside the refrigerator and freezer. And remove all the racks, shelves, and storage compartments.
  • Secure the old refrigerator door with tape to prevent it from opening while moving it.
  • Move the old refrigerator from the kitchen and dispose of it if it is faulty or place it in your desired place.
  • Now, measure your new refrigerator and check if it would fit in a particular place. The general measurement of the refrigerator ranges from 62-72 inches in height, 24-40 in width, and 29-36 in depth. However, it may vary slightly based on the brand and model of your refrigerator.
  • Also, make sure there is extra space around the refrigerator for ventilation. And check if you can open the door without any hindrance.
  • Now, move your refrigerator to place it in a desired place after sealing its door with tape. With the help of your assistant, load the refrigerator in the dolly for easy transportation. And check if furniture or other things are blocking the way to the kitchen.
  • Move the refrigerator and place it in a desired location. And recheck if there are any hindrances around the refrigerator.
  • Plug the refrigerator into the electric outlet and reattach all the racks, drawers, and all other removable parts.
  • As you don’t install the waterline, decide on alternatives to make ice. There are several options, like using trays, portable ice makers, and installing the water tank.
  • Now, check if your refrigerator is placed on a leveled surface. Adjust the legs to level on the floor.
  • Align the door and secure it with the hinges. 

The pros and cons of a refrigerator with an ice maker but no water line 

There are advantages and disadvantages to using a refrigerator without a water line.

It is important to know both while making a decision. 

Pros of using a refrigerator without the water line:

  • When you don’t install a waterline, you can place the refrigerator anywhere you want without thinking about waterline installation. It allows you to change the refrigerator’s location anywhere you want.
  • Not installing the waterline for your refrigerator is the cost-effective option. You can save money you need to spend on buying waterline pipes and labor costs to install the waterline. You can reduce utility bills by not connecting the waterline to your refrigerator.
  • You can save space in the kitchen by not wanting to place the refrigerator near the wall. You can also save space in the refrigerator by removing the ice maker. It will help you make your kitchen aesthetic.
  • When you install a waterline, there will be the possibility of leakage or damage in the pipes. Installing the refrigerator without the waterline will save you time and energy. 

Cons of using a refrigerator without the water line: 

  • If you don’t install a water line, continuous ice won’t be available whenever you need it. You will need to fill the reservoir manually whenever you need ice. It requires prior planning as it may take some time to make ice.
  • As you need to fill the tank manually, it will cost you time and effort. If you want ice immediately, you will not get it.
  • A refrigerator without a waterline cannot produce crushed ice.
  • There is a possibility of spillage while refilling the water reservoir. So, you must be careful.
  • You can analyze both pros and cons before installing a refrigerator without the waterline.

If you want to save money and are ready to fill the reservoir manually, it is a good choice to go with the refrigerator without a water line.

Alternative options for refrigerators with ice makers but no water line

If you have decided to install a refrigerator without a water line, it is important to find alternate ways to make ice. 

Here are some alternate ways to make ice: 

There are several ways to make ice without an ice maker.

Let’s discuss the three most common alternate ways.

1. Fill the water manually

Before discussing how to fill the water reservoir manually, let’s discuss how the automatic ice maker in the refrigerator works. 

There is a water reservoir in the ice-making mechanism, which automatically fills by drawing water from the water line. 

The cold temperature in the freezer converts the water into ice, filling the bin under the ice maker. 

There are sensors in the ice makers to detect when the water is frozen and ready to be served. 

The continuous and automatic process occurs once the ice tray is fully occupied.

Refrigerators shut off the ice-making function until there is space in the tray for more ice. 

A refrigerator uses a water valve, a motor, and a heating element to produce continuous ice. 

It takes 1 to 2 hours for a refrigerator to complete a cycle. 

From the process, you must have understood that an ice maker performs most of the functions and that the only use of a water line is to supply water when needed. 

An icemaker can operate independently of the water line to make continuous ice.

All you have to do is fill the reservoir manually. 

Check the bin and fill the water manually when it is emptied. 

You can locate the ice maker in the freezer above your door.

However, the position of the ice maker may vary based on the brand and model. 

Access the tray, unlatch it to refill the water, and close it.

Make sure you secure it well. Within 1 or 2 hours, ice will be ready to dispense. 

The refrigerator ice maker will automatically carry the remaining process.

2. Setting up a water tank

Setting up and building a water tank in the refrigerator will avoid the need to install a water line.

Ice makers will get water from the tank instead of you having to refill it manually every time. 

Consider referring to the user manual and getting prior professional guidance before installing them in the built-in water tank.

Building a water tank may differ by brand and model, so it is best to consult a shop owner or the company website to gain knowledge. 

An ice maker can continue to make ice until the water tank contains water.

But it would be best to refill the water tank with continued usage when it empties. 

3. Buying portable ice makers

FRIGIDAIRE EFIC189-Silver Compact Ice Maker, 26 lb per Day, Silver (Packaging May Vary)

Another amazing option for getting ice wherever you want is a portable ice maker.

Portable ice makers are very convenient.

You can carry them wherever you want and get unlimited ice from them. 

It doesn’t require a water line; you can fill the reservoir wherever you need ice.

The maintenance and care of a refrigerator with an ice maker but no water line

It is more convenient to maintain a refrigerator without a water line than to maintain a refrigerator with a water line. 

Clogs, leakage, and damage in the water line are possibilities.

So, it would be best if you cleaned it often.

But refrigerators without a water line don’t require you to check the water line often. 

The maintenance is very similar to the normal refrigerator.

But the only thing you need to keep in mind is to turn off the water supply valve and ice maker when you are not using them.

Keeping the ice maker switched on while not using it will cause damage to the refrigerator. 

If you are filling the water manually, make sure you are not spilling water.

If you ever spill the water, clean it immediately. 

Here are some generalized maintenance tips for your refrigerator without the water line:

  • Avoid keeping the refrigerator door open for a long time. When you keep the door open for a long time, a refrigerator loses its temperature and works extra to keep up the temperature.
  • Keep an eye on the door gasket. Replace it immediately if it is not latching the door properly.
  • Make sure you are not blocking the vents inside the refrigerator. Arrange things inside the refrigerator in such a way that air circulation is not disturbed.
  • Clean the water reservoir in the refrigerator’s ice maker and other interiors to avoid bad odors.
  • Check the condenser coils regularly and clean them if it is accumulated with dirt. 

What is the impact on the energy efficiency of a refrigerator with an ice maker but no water line?

Installing a refrigerator without a water line is more energy efficient than a refrigerator with a water line. 

When you connect a water line to the ice maker, the ice production cycle continues, whether you need it or not.

But when installing a refrigerator without the water line, you can make ice only when needed. 

So, installing a refrigerator without a water line increases the refrigerator’s energy efficiency.

It also reduced utility bills.

Cost comparison between a refrigerator with an ice maker but no water line and one with a water line

The cost of installing a water line for the refrigerator ranges from as low as $60 to as high as $600.

When you install a refrigerator without the water line, you can save the money you spend on buying materials for the water line and labor costs. 

However, the cost of refrigerators is in the same range whether you install a water line or not.

Final thoughts

It is possible to use a refrigerator with an ice maker without installing the water line. At the same time, the ice maker is a useful feature that you can still use without the water line. You can fill the water reservoir manually or use trays or portable ice makers to make ice whenever you require.

There are advantages and disadvantages to using a refrigerator without a water line. I have mentioned in detail the alternative methods for making ice without a water line. Follow the steps mentioned in the article to install a refrigerator without a water line.

Make sure there are no leaks; if you find any, consider going for repairs. Make sure you clean the back of the refrigerator from time to time. 

Can I turn the water off in my fridge?

You can shut off the water supply to the fridge if you are not using an ice maker. You can locate the shut-off valve near the kitchen sink. 

Will the freezer work without a water line?

A freezer doesn’t need a water supply to run. All it needs is a steel power supply to function.


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Jeniffer Smith

Hi, I am Jeniffer Smith, a housemaker and blogger, and I grew up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. I have been researching and fixing appliances and other things around the home and kitchen from a young age to help my single mother. Every time something went wrong, I couldn't rest until I fixed it. And ever since, I have enjoyed fixing things around my home, and I am always ready to help my friends and family with advice and hands-on help. Since we were always looking for affordable ways of fixing things, we rarely hired experts and tried to fix most things ourselves. That interest brought me to write for this blog, as I realized my knowledge could help many people trying to fix things around their homes on their own without spending hundreds of dollars.

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