connecting wirsbo to 3/8 compression valve?

[EightFingers]

Refrigerator ice maker is connected to an under sink valve using 1/4” ID wirsbo (pex a, I think). I had to cut this off to do some under sink plumbing and now need to reconnect it. I bought a kit at Lowe’s that included a brass insert and a nylon ferrule. The original had a brass ferrule and insert. It doesn’t leak, but I’m not really trusting the nylon washer. 

So where do I get the “right” part?

[blackhat]

The plastic ferrule is the right part for plastic tubing. The brass ferrules can cut through the tubing. The original install was wrong.

[EightFingers]

You’re right about the brass cutting into the tubing, but I figured that was the intent. I will stick with what I used then.

I may try to pull it out just to test it and see just how well these fittings work.

[Cabinet Monkey]

I always recommend a braided stainless steel line 


https://www.amazon.com/Fridge-Water-Line...B09Y5WGTD6

[blackhat]

Getting 25’ from the sink to the fridge could be a touch pricey with that plan. One size fits all is a myth

[EightFingers]

Eventually, I’ll put in an ice maker valve in the wall behind the refrigerator and run pex to the copper line.
Thats what should have been done but wasn’t.

[Cabinet Monkey]

Getting 25’ from the sink to the fridge could be a touch pricey with that plan. One size fits all is a myth

Not if you know where to shop:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/CERTIFIED-AP...lsrc=aw.ds

-or-

https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Industrial-...C91&sr=1-4

-or..........maybe you want/need a name brand:

https://www.amazon.com/Eastman-48392-Mak...r=1-6&th=1

These are only a few bucks more than 25ft. of generic 1/4in. pex line, so there really shouldn't be a question of affordibility.  And 8f said he had Wirsbo PEX which commands a premimum price, so the examples above might just be cheaper 

Eventually, I’ll put in an ice maker valve in the wall behind the refrigerator and run pex to the copper line.
Thats what should have been done but wasn’t.

I'm with MC on this one.   Shutoff(s) under the sink for fridges, dishwashers, coffee machines , steam ovens, ect....  Why would you want to move a 300-400lb fridge (or any fridge for that matter) -or- unscrew a dishwasher in order to access its shutoff ?



A stand alone filter under the sink will also be less costly and require fewer changes in the long run than the small filters in the fridge which often necessitate one moving lots of food in order to access the things.  We do disagree on the 3/8 lines though.  1/4in. line will supply more than enough pressure/volume for a fridge ice maker at 25ft.  3/8in. is an oddball size anyway; and the fittings are going to be a hassle to source. Your local supply places aren't likely to stock many if they even do at all.  Which means you gotta really plan out your project ahead of time and order correctly.  Sure, it'd be better; but so would other things too.

[MstrCarpenter]

Have you ever had to turn off the water to a dishwasher and discover the only shut-off for it (besides the main) is not where you would expect? I have, it was somewhere above the basement ceiling but not near the dishwasher. By the time I found it, that ceiling had to be repaired too; and there was no real need for it. Now think about pulling out a refrigerator full of food while the water dispenser is squirting water on the floor and the rollers won't come out of the impressions they've made in the vinyl. Think there'll be clean up needed in the basement too?

In most kitchens we'll find shut-offs under the sink. That's the place I always look first. I would think that's the first place most would look too. If a new connection is needed, one could use a 3/8" compression tee, and/or a 1/2" (compression) valve with two 3/8" compression connections. Of course I think installing four, securly mounted, 1/2" ball valves and reducing as required is best. 

BTW... 25' of 1/4" is fine for an ice maker; 3/8" is much better for a dispenser. Reduce it behind the fridge if needed. Add a 5 micron filter under the sink for more capacity and fewer refrigerator filter changes.

[crokett™]

At our last house the fridge was fed by a line that ran through the wall to a bathroom vanity on the other side. It was attached to the line for the vanity with a vampire tap. As soon as I saw that mess I plumbed it properly.