Refrigerator Water Shut Off Valve Why?

The refrigerator shut off valve is there to be able to enable the possibility of performing maintenance on the refrigerator where necessary or in the case that the refrigerator needs replacing, with a new one. The valve allows the water to be shut off to the refrigerator locally only, as opposed to having to switch off the main water shut off valve to the entire property.

The main shut off valve may be located outside the house, usually beneath a lid or cover, either made of concrete or of metal. If there is no shut off valve specifically for the refrigerator, you may find a saddle valve under the sink, this should turn both the water to the refrigerator and the sink off, giving you time to repair or replace the refrigerator itself.

If you wish to install a shut off valve for the refrigerator there are plenty of guides online giving you the information to enable you to do this successfully, although if in any doubt you should always contact an experienced plumber, to ensure the job is done properly.

One such website for the do it yourself enthusiast, which details the components you might need for the job while also giving excellent step by step instructions on how to fit the shut off valve, is www.applianceaid.com/iceshutoffvalve.html

The saddle valve answer just saved me a ton of money. Thanks!

I looked everywhere under my sink and there is no shut off valve for my fridge...Where else could it be?

Try looking under the kitchen sink next to the main line to the drain. There may be a saddle valve connected to the main line that looks like this: www.myhvacparts.com
Twist the saddle valve handle and it should turn off the water to the sink and refrigerator. I found this out today.... The hard way. Good Luck! :o)