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Is it time to replace that old refrigerator in your kitchen? If your answer was “Uh yes, it’s actually past due for replacement” then you’re probably wondering what that process looks like. Well, luckily for you, replacing your refrigerator is a fairly manageable process you can most likely complete on your own! 

If You Need to Install a Refrigerator, Follow These Simple Steps:

1. Unpack and Move Your Refrigerator

This first step may seem obvious but it’s important to acknowledge how difficult this part of the process can become if you don’t plan ahead. We suggest taking the time to unpack your new refrigerator before you bring it into your home. This is typically a far easier process if you have some elbow room. Be sure to hang on to the packaging until you know your fridge works just in case you need to return it. 

Once you get it out of the box, it’s time to move it into your home. The easiest way to get it inside will be to use a dolly. If you have a big refrigerator, consider taking off the doors. This will allow you to move it through doorways a little easier.

We recommend having a friend to assist you since refrigerators are heavy and you don’t want to get injured.

2. Plug It In and Slide It In Place  

Next, it’s time to move the refrigerator into place. Before you slide it in, double-check that your measurements are accurate. Be sure you have enough space behind and on either side of the fridge. The air gap behind it is most important as it allows for excess heat to move away from the machine. You can refer to the manual to see how much space your refrigerator needs but typically, 1-2 air space between the fridge and wall is preferable.

Once the measurements are confirmed, you can plug in the refrigerator. Next, clear the area of any debris. Before you push your fridge in, be sure to untangle any wires and push them against the wall so they don’t get damaged. 

3. Let It Cool Down For Few Hours

And now we wait! Most refrigerators take around 4-6 hours to cool down from room temperature. But some can take up to 24 hours. This will all depend on the brand, size, and weight of your refrigerator. Set the refrigerator temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the manual to know the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures.

How To Install a Refrigerator with a Water Supply Line

Does your refrigerator include a water line for an ice maker and drinking water dispensers? Don’t worry, it’s not too much harder to install! 

Here are some supplies you’ll need:

• A tee fitting adapter
• An adjustable wrench 
• Pliers
• 1/4-inch water supply tubing (this will typically be included with new fridges)
• Rags and a bucket 

Here are the additional steps you’ll need to take before sliding your fridge into place: 

1. Determine Where You Can Tap a Water Line and Plan Your Path 

First things first, locate your water source. This will vary depending on where your refrigerator is located. Ideally, there may be an existing water supply line at the wall or coming through the floor in the slot where your refrigerator will go. But if that’s not the case, you have a few other options. 

If you don’t have an independent water line for your refrigerator, the next course of action is to tap into the line that feeds either your sink or dishwasher. Choose the supply line closest to your refrigerator. 

Once you decide where you’re going to source your water from, plan out where you’ll place the tubing. If there’s an independent line, you won’t need to do much. But if your water source is on the other side of the kitchen, you may need to consider feeding your tube through cabinets. Every installation will differ depending on your room’s layout. 

2. Turn Off Your Water Line

Just like in any plumbing project, it’s important to turn off the water line before you do anything else. If you’re planning on tapping into your sink water line, you can typically find the shut-off valve underneath the sink or near the water heater. 

3. Tap Water Line

Before you get to work tapping into your supply line, assure there’s no sitting water in the faucet feed line. Double-check that you turned off the supply line and run the sink until all the remaining water is gone. You don’t want that water pouring out all over your project!

Next, place a rag or bucket under the water supply tubing to catch any remaining water. Now you can safely detach the faucet supply tube from the valve with a wrench. If you don’t know the proper wrench dimensions you’ll need, get an adjustable wrench.

Once you free up the valve, install the tee fitting adapter to the outlet port. Tighten in place with a wrench. Now reattach the faucet feed line to one side and the refrigerator feed line to the second side. Tighten both with a wrench.

4. Run Tubing and Connect to the Water Supply and Back of Your Fridge 

After you finish up at the water supply line, run your tubing through to the back of the refrigerator. If you’re going through cabinets, be sure to run your tubing above storage and behind drawers. This will prevent any potential damage to the line.  

Connect the supply line to the refrigerator and tighten with pliers. Once everything is connected you can open the shutoff valve. Double-check all of the connections to assure there aren’t any leaks. 

5. Prep Your Water Dispenser 

Last but not least, check to see if your water dispenser is working properly. Once you confirm that you can properly dispense water, run out a gallon or two through the newly installed line. Throw out this first batch of water. Your refrigerator will start making ice in about 24 hours. Throw out the first two batches of ice as well. This process flushes out chemicals and tastes that come from the manufacturing process.

If You Run Into Any Problems, Call in Support

Is running the water line to your new refrigerator proving to be more of a challenge than anticipated? Do you need a new water line installed? Our team can help! No plumbing service is too big or too small for WM Buffington. We can assist with a range of plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. 

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, our team of heating, cooling, and plumbing pros are at your service! Take advantage of our free, no-obligation estimate! 

Contact Us Today!

The garbage disposal is an integral part of any kitchen. As such, they tend to take on a lot of intense use. It’s easy to forget that they can break down until that fateful day finally arrives.

A well-maintained garbage disposal should last up to 15 years before the blades dull or the motor breaks down from natural use. But if you’re careless with what you throw into it, you could shorten its lifespan, or at the very least, create a clog. 

What Can Clog Your Garbage Disposal

As tempting as it is to put anything and everything down the garbage disposal (because it’s “garbage,” right?), there are a few things you should opt to throw down the drain. One of the best ways to avoid potential issues is to know what those items are. 

Avoid putting these items down the garbage disposal:

Eggshells: There’s a misconception floating around that eggshells are good for your garbage disposal. This is false. Although the actual shell won’t cause any issues, the membrane that lines the inside can lodge in the rotor of the machine. 

Coffee grounds: Another garbage disposal home remedy you may have encountered is putting coffee grounds down the drain to reduce odor. While it can make it smell better, coffee grounds will eventually form a thick paste that can prevent the blades from moving. 

Animal bones: Your garbage disposal isn’t built to break down such tough material. If you throw bones down it, you could burn out your motor. 

Onion skin: Just like the membrane of an eggshell, the slippery skin of an onion can get caught up in the rotor or even obstruct the drain. This can lead to a clog. 

Fruit pits: This sort of hard, ridged food waste can burn out your motor just like bones. A good rule of thumb is to avoid putting anything hard down the garbage disposal. 

Oil: Over time, oil will coat your pipes in thick, greasy layers and form a block. It won’t necessarily harm your disposal directly but it will lead to overall complications in your kitchen plumbing. 

Rice or pasta: When you send these types of food down the garbage disposal, they form a thick paste which can block up your pipes.

Trash: Aluminum, plastic, and glass have no place in your garbage disposal. Throw it in your trash can.

Cleaning chemicals: This is a big no-no. Don’t get tempted to reach for Drano at the first sign of a clog! Throwing chemicals of any kind down the drain can create more damage to your plumbing or even harm you and your family.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly 

One of the best ways to keep your garbage disposal running in tip-top shape is to maintain it well. Don’t allow any of the items listed above into the system. Break up anything you do put down the garbage disposal to make its job a little easier. The less work it has to do, the longer it lasts.

A regular cleaning routine can do wonders for your garbage disposal too. You can create a cleaner by combining one half-cup of baking soda and one half-cup of vinegar. Pour it down the drain and let it soak for 10 minutes. Next, turn on the hot water and run the garbage disposal.  

What to do When Your Garbage Disposal Gets Clogged 

It can be a giant headache when your garbage disposal goes out. As soon as we can’t readily clear our plates of food, it becomes apparent how often we really use it. It’s a frustrating process trying to figure out how to fix it. But more times than not, the solution is likely easier than you may think. 

Troubleshooting Tips 

• Before working with your garbage disposal in any capacity, turn it off and unplug it. 
• Try to rest it. There’s usually a button located at the bottom of the machine. 
• Get the blades moving to loosen up the clog. You can hand crank the blade by sticking a long tool down the drain and moving it side to side until you feel the blades move freely. You can also get the blades moving by inserting an Allen wrench into the slot at the bottom of the machine. 
• If you feel the blades move and it’s still not working, it might be time to replace the entire unit. 
• When all else fails, seek professional help from a plumber. 

Call on WM Buffington For All Your Plumbing Needs

If you’re having kitchen sink issues you can’t seem to fix, we’re here to help! Our team of experts will get you up and running in no time! We offer 24-hour services, repairs, and maintenance. From quick service to affordable prices WM Buffington has your back!

Reach out for a no-obligation, free estimate today! If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, you can count on WM Buffington to make short work of your plumbing and heating problems! 

Call us today!