Cleaning a refigerator water line

[dominick]

Hi everyone and thanks in advance for your help.

I just purchased a "new" home, with a nice GE Profile side-by-side fridge w/ice maker and water dispenser.

The previous owners had an inline water filter installed under the sink, which was probably not changed for years, judging by the looks of the fridge. While replacing the filter I noticed that the inside of the PVC line was also filthy, so I replaced the feed from the valve to the filter, and plan to change the feed from the filter to the fridge.

My question is - how do I go about cleaning the lines inside the fridge?

I noticed that the line runs into the back of the unit, and then up through the corner hinge of the freezer door, right up to the dispenser mechanism. I've already removed and disassembled the dispenser to clean it (also disgustingly dirty) and put it back in place, but I won't dare use it until I feel comfortable about the inside lines.

Can I somehow run a cleaning solution through it, or must I disassemble the entire fridge door?

Thanks again!

[HayZee518]

Go to a beer supply supplier and purchase a small bottle of a cleaner/algaecide. Mix according to directions and flush this through the lines. It will remove any growth within and rinse with clean water. The re-assemble everything and enjoy the comforts of your home! (Tom)

[LazyPup]

Cleaning the inside of small diameter plastic tubing is at best an exercise in futility. You could try numerous chemical cleaners but in the end they will have little to no effect. When one considers the minimal cost of small diameter plastic tubing the cost of the chemicals would far outweigh the cost of replacing the tube. In addition, if the water to your house is supplied from a public municipal water source (city)water, the water is already treated with antibacterial agents (normally chlorine) so the likelihood of bacteria developing in the tube is slim to none. You will see water suspended mineral and salt buildups but aside from being unsightly, they pose no real health risk. Those same mineral deposits are presently all through the internal parts of your water supply, so worrying about the minor amount in the fridge line is redundant. You could go to the expense and bother of having all your pipes ripped out an replaced periodically, but even then i doubt you could kept those mineral deposits out of your water supply. If your water quality is a concern contact your local health department and they can inform you as to how to take a sample of your water and have it tested for health quality. If you have a well it is highly recommended that you have your water tested at least twice a year. In the case of dug wells, you may have to sanitize the well periodically. A simple matter of pouring a couple gallons of laundry bleach in the well and letting it set for 24 hours.( chlorox used to print instructions on their labels about how to use their product for sanitizing wells or shock treatment for swimming pools, it may still be there but i havent read a chlorox label recently) If you still elect to attempt replacing the internal water line in the fridge begin by having someone hold the line on the bottom end and tug slightly on the top. If they can feel the tug on the other end the line is hanging free inside the refrigerator wall. Begin by getting another piece of tubing of the exact diameter and find a short cylindrical object (wood, plastic or metal dowel) that will just fit snuggly inside the tube. cut the existing line and insert the dowel into that tube, then insert the dowel into the end of the new tube. This should effect a good splice are retain the same outside diameter. Carefully pull the tube downward from the bottom while feeding the new tube in from the top. If the tube seems to stick or bind inside the fridge wall, stop immediate, reverse the direction and pull it out. Possibly the tube needs to go through a small diameter opening or an internal hanger and pulling too hard would separtate your joint leaving the end of the original tube stuck somewhere inside the fridge wall, probably in a totally inaccessible place. Personally, for the minimal advantage to be gained, i dont think i would take the risk. R. Rinard -Journeyman plumber