What is a saddle valve?
These are devices that allow for a very fast, cheap, do-it-yourself installation of a ¼” water supply line, typically used to supply water to ice makers and whole-house humidifiers. Saddle valves are installed by tightening a metal clamp onto a water pipe, then tightening down a needle valve until it pierces the water pipe.
Can you use a saddle valve on a copper pipe?
When running a water supply tube to a new refrigerator ice maker, humidifier, or other appliance, you'll need a way to tap into an existing water supply pipe. An easy way to do this on a copper pipe is by using a special fitting known as a saddle valve or needle valve.
How does a saddle valve work on a refrigerator?
A flexible copper, vinyl or stainless steel pipe is connected to the saddle valve and run to the back of the refrigerator. When the valve is opened, water is supplied to the refrigerator. A refrigerator water shut-off valve should be installed on a cold water pipe because you don't want to feed your ice maker or water dispenser with hot water.
Can you use a saddle valve on a PEX pipe?
Self-piercing saddle valves are designed to fit on copper or brass pipes and cannot be used with PEX water pipe, according to Natural Handyman. It is often recommended to use a large saddle valve with a 1/4-inch supply line to avoid clogs in the line. Turn off the ice maker to prevent it from cycling on and off.
Does a saddle valve shut off water?
The saddle valve controls the water to the refrigerator. A refrigerator with an ice maker or a water dispenser needs to be connected to the water supply in order to work. The water feed to a refrigerator is usually connected with a saddle valve, which is where you can find the refrigerator water shut-off valve.
Should I turn off water to install saddle valve?
2:423:45How to Install a Saddle Valve (Plumbing Tutorial) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConsider that in case anything leaks. You want to be able to shut off the supply to it. So you wantMoreConsider that in case anything leaks. You want to be able to shut off the supply to it. So you want to probably put it past a shutoff valve you don't want to go too far away from the hot water heater.
What replaces a saddle valve?
A similarly DIY-friendly but more reliable alternative to a saddle valve is a push-fit tee connector designed for ice makers and water dispensers. You install these by cutting out a short section of pipe and installing the tee right into the water line, then adding the small supply line leading to the appliance.
How do you use a plumbing saddle valve?
0:4218:47Plumbing Tips: 2 Saddle Valve Alternatives For Ice Maker LinesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd once they've done that and tightened it down they then start turning the valve handle here andMoreAnd once they've done that and tightened it down they then start turning the valve handle here and they'll keep turning out turning it until the needle in there Pierce's into the pipe.
Why are saddle valves illegal?
Because saddle valves are not permanently attached, they are prone to leaks and can potentially cause extensive property damage when they ultimately leak. Saddle valves tend to reduce water flow, causing them to become clogged and leak. Extensive property damage could result from these leaks.
How do I know if a saddle valve is open?
Saddle valves are self-tapping devices. Once mounted on a line, with the included rubber seal in place, all that is required is to turn the valve clockwise until it pierces the water line. When the valve handle can no longer be turned, it is done tapping the pipe.
How much does it cost to replace saddle valve?
It typically costs between $375 and $600 to replace a water shut-off valve, but the cost can reach as high as $800 or more depending on where the valve is, what type you have, and whether you hire a professional to do it.
How do you stop a saddle valve leak?
If the valve has a slight leakage around the valve stem, simply tightening the packing nut may stop it. If it won't tighten, or the valve handle doesn't turn, or the valve has corrosion around the stem from past seepage, then just replace it.
Are saddle valves against code?
Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Leaks create corrosion to the rest of the plumbing system. Leaks also cause extensive [read: expensive] damage to cabinets and flooring.
What are pipe saddles used for?
What Is a Pipe Saddle? A pipe saddle is any pipe support that cradles a pipe and transfers the pipe's load weight onto a supporting base. Much like a saddle on a horse supports a rider and keeps them from bouncing on the animal, pipe saddles support a pipe's weight.
Can I replace a saddle valve?
To replace a saddle valve or tee off an existing water line, start by obtaining the needed parts. I'm assuming the saddle valve is connected to a ½” copper water line. If you're comfortable soldering copper tubing and you already have the equipment to do it, this project will cost about $10.
Can you use a saddle valve on copper pipe?
1:479:02Why You Should Never Use A Saddle Valve on Your Plumbing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere underneath here that pierces down into that copper pipe so it taps into that copper pipe. AndMoreHere underneath here that pierces down into that copper pipe so it taps into that copper pipe. And then when you tighten everything down this is supposed to tighten completely down around the pipe.
How do you install a water valve on a saddle?
0:001:02How to Install a Saddle Valve - Humidifier Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right we're gonna put a saddle valve on this copper tubing so that we can get water to aMoreAll right we're gonna put a saddle valve on this copper tubing so that we can get water to a humidifier. And this is self piercing it has a needle valve that is going to cut its own hole into the
Can I use a saddle valve on hot water?
LM, Saddle valves are mounted on a cold supply line instead of a hot line because the heat of the water decreases the life of the rubber/fibrous gasket used to seal around the hole the valve pierces in the pipe. Any plumber will tell you that flexible parts always fail on the "hot" side of a faucet first.
Should a saddle valve be opened all the way?
Saddle valves should be fully open or closed and are notorious for leaking. A flexible copper, vinyl or stainless steel pipe is connected to the saddle valve and run to the. After locating the saddle valve, turn off the water supply to the refrigerator by turning the saddle valve handle clockwise.
Are saddle valves against code?
Saddle valves are against plumbing code now because they are prone to leaks. Leaks create corrosion to the rest of the plumbing system. Leaks also cause extensive [read: expensive] damage to cabinets and flooring.
What is saddle valve?
These are devices that allow for a very fast, cheap, do-it-yourself installation of a ¼” water supply line, typically used to supply water to ice makers and whole-house humidifiers.
How much does it cost to replace a saddle valve?
If you’re comfortable soldering copper tubing and you already have the equipment to do it, this project will cost about $10. If not, this project will cost about twice as much by using a push fitting tee.
Can you leave a saddle valve alone?
If you already have a saddle valve in your home, try to leave it alone. Every time you operate the valve, you increase the potential for a leak. If you already have a saddle valve installed and you’d like to replace it with a proper stop valve, read on.
Can a saddle valve leak?
Most of them don’t leak, but they have a much higher chance of leaking than a properly installed water valve. My advice is to not use saddle valves. When installing an ice maker or whole-house humidifier, tap off of an existing water line with a proper tee fitting and have a proper shutoff valve installed.
Can saddle valves leak in Minnesota?
There is. These saddle valves are prone to leakage, and they’re not allowed by the Minnesota State Plumbing Code.
What is a saddle valve?
A saddle valve is a plumbing device that can be used to add an additional water supply line from an existing pipe. It’s called a saddle valve because it mounts on top of the host pipe that it is tapping into. Because saddles valves are only able to provide low-volume, low-pressure water, they are most commonly used for small applications such as:
Why is a saddle valve called a saddle valve?
It’s called a saddle valve because it mounts on top of the host pipe that it is tapping into. Because saddles valves are only able to provide low-volume, low-pressure water, they are most commonly used for small applications such as: Water dispensers. Humidifiers. Icemakers.
What is saddle valve?
Saddle valves are intended be installed on a cold water supply line (usually copper only). They very easy to install and designed to accommodate copper, brass, aluminum, and thermoplastic refrigerator lines.
How to keep a watertight valve from forming?
Clean away any dust or dirt on the pipe that might prevent the valve from forming a watertight seal.
How to puncture a water pipe?
Tighten the pin to puncture the water pipe. It takes a lot of turning but don’t rush it. Next, back the pin all the way out.
Does a refrigerator have a water line?
For that to work, the refrigerator is equipped with a flexible, 1/4″ water supply line on the backside. The only question is how to attach it to your water system. Assuming copper pipe, you could solder a new junction, which is time consuming and messy. Fortunately, there’s an easier way.
What Is a Saddle Valve?
A saddle valve kind of looks like a horse saddle and fits over the water pipe similar to the way a saddle fits on a horse. Saddle valves can be used on appliances such as humidifiers but are most commonly used with refrigerators. A saddle valve is installed by locating an accessible pipe in the area of the refrigerator. Usually a hole must be drilled in a cabinet or in the floor to make a pipe accessible, which is what can make locating the water shut-off valve to the refrigerator a little difficult.
Where is the saddle valve located?
Look to see if the pipe runs through a hole in a side cabinet, which usually means the saddle valve is located under the kitchen sink or a hole in the floor leading to the saddle valve in the basement.
What type of pipe is used to connect a saddle valve to a refrigerator?
A flexible copper, vinyl or stainless steel pipe is connected to the saddle valve and run to the back of the refrigerator. When the valve is opened, water is supplied to the refrigerator.
What controls the water supply to a refrigerator?
The saddle valve controls the water to the refrigerator. A refrigerator with an ice maker or a water dispenser needs to be connected to the water supply in order to work. The water feed to a refrigerator is usually connected with a saddle valve, which is where you can find the refrigerator water shut-off valve.
Where is the water shut off valve on a refrigerator?
The water feed to a refrigerator is usually connected with a saddle valve, which is where you can find the refrigerator water shut-off valve. The saddle valve is usually installed on a nearby pipe under the kitchen sink but is sometimes installed in the basement. Locating the water shut-off valve to the refrigerator can often be ...
Can you use a refrigerator water shut off valve on a PEX water pipe?
Self-piercing saddle valves are designed to fit on copper or brass pipes and cannot be used with PEX water pipe, according to Natural Handyman.
