Water Line Setup

Water Path

Filter

Check Valve

This section covers connecting your sink’s cold water supply to the keg through an inline filter.

Routing the Water Line

You’ll need to route the water line from your sink to the refrigerator. This typically involves:

1. Running tubing from under your sink (where you tap into the cold water line) to your refrigerator
2. Routing the line inside the refrigerator to your keg

Filter Placement

It’s slightly better to have the water filter inside the refrigerator rather than outside. This keeps the filter at a consistent temperature and can help with water quality. However, you can also place it under the sink if that’s more convenient for your setup.

Step 1: Install the Water Line Adapter

1. Turn off the water supply under your sink.
2. Use the refrigerator line adapter to tap into the cold water line. Follow the adapter kit instructions to attach the T-valve securely.
3. Connect tubing from the adapter. This will route to your refrigerator.

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Tubing Sizes

This system uses two main tubing sizes. Note that for push-in fittings (like Duotight), the Outer Diameter (OD) is the critical measurement.

• 1/4” OD (6.35 mm OD) - Used for water lines and refrigerator connections (typically ~3mm ID)
• 8 mm OD (5/16” OD) - Used for keg connections and gas lines (typically 4mm or 5mm ID)

You’ll need a reducer fitting (6.35 mm x 8 mm) to connect between these two sizes where they meet. When selecting tubing, make sure the outer diameter (OD) matches your fittings.

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Cutting Water Tubing

When cutting water tubing, use a specialized tubing cutter for the best results. You can also use a sharp knife or shears, but ensure the cut is perfectly square and clean to prevent leaks in push-in fittings.

Flush the tubing with water before final installation to remove any debris or dust.

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Step 2: Route the Water Line to the Refrigerator

1. Run the tubing from under your sink to your refrigerator location.
2. Cut a hole in the side of the refrigerator to pass the water line through. This allows you to keep the refrigerator door sealed while maintaining the water connection. Be careful not to damage any internal components or refrigerant lines.
   • Important: Cut the hole towards the top of the refrigerator so that any water that ends up pooling on the bottom doesn’t leak out through the hole.
   • It can be helpful to drill a hole with a small drill bit first, then use a larger drill bit to expand it to the final size.
   • To help guide the water line through the hole, you can use a rigid guide (like a stiff wire or chopstick): insert the guide through the hole, attach the water line, and pull it through.
3. Route the tubing through the hole into the refrigerator.

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Step 3: Install Filter and Shutoff Valve

1. Install a shutoff valve on the outside of the fridge where the water line enters. This allows you to shut off water flow and detach the entire system for moving or maintenance.
2. Connect tubing from the shutoff valve into the refrigerator through the hole you cut.
3. Connect tubing from the water line to the inline water filter inlet. It’s slightly better to place the filter inside the refrigerator.
4. Connect tubing from the inline water filter output to a flare connector (smaller side).
5. Connect tubing from the flare connector (larger size output).

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Step 4: Connect to Keg

1. Connect the tubing to the liquid post of your Soda Carbonator Lid or keg inlet.
2. Add a one-way check valve right next to the keg on the water line. This ensures that high-pressure CO₂ cannot push gas up the water line and into the water filter, which could damage it. The check valve should allow water flow toward the keg but prevent backflow toward the filter.

Tips

• Make sure all connections are secure to prevent leaks
• Route the tubing carefully to avoid kinks that could restrict water flow
• When cutting a hole in the refrigerator side, use an appropriate drill bit and be careful not to damage any internal components or refrigerant lines
• The shutoff valve on the outside of the fridge makes it easy to disconnect and move the system if needed
• The check valve near the keg is critical for protecting your water filter from CO₂ backpressure
• Test the water flow before proceeding to CO₂ setup
• The inline filter ensures clean water enters your system

Next Steps

Once the water line is connected, proceed to CO₂ Setup to complete the carbonation system.