Maytag MBF1953DEM Use & Care Manual

A cold water supply with water pressure of between 35 and 
120 psi (241 and 827 kPa) is required to operate the water 
dispenser and ice maker. If you have questions about your water 
pressure, call a licensed, qualified plumber.

IMPORTANT: The pressure of the water supply coming out of a 
reverse osmosis system going to the water inlet valve of the 
refrigerator needs to be between 35 and 120 psi (241 and 
827 kPa).
If a reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to your 
cold water supply, the water pressure to the reverse osmosis 
system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa).
If the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than 
40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa):

■

Check to see whether the sediment filter in the reverse 
osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.

■

Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill 
after heavy usage.

■

If your refrigerator has a water filter, it may further reduce the 
water pressure when used in conjunction with a reverse 
osmosis system. Remove the water filter. See “Water Filtration 
System.”

If you have questions about your water pressure, call a licensed, 
qualified plumber.

Read all directions before you begin.
IMPORTANT: 

■

Plumbing shall be installed in accordance with the 
International Plumbing Code and any local codes and 
ordinances.

■

The gray water tubing on the back of the refrigerator (which is 
used to connect to the household water line) is a PEX 
(cross-linked polyethylene) tube. Copper and PEX tubing 
connections from the household water line to the refrigerator 
are acceptable, and will help avoid off-taste or odor in your ice 
or water. Check for leaks.

If PEX tubing is used instead of copper, we recommend the 
following Whirlpool Part Numbers: 
W10505928RP (7 ft [2.14 m] jacketed PEX), 
8212547RP (5 ft [1.52 m] PEX), or 
W10267701RP (25 ft [7.62 m] PEX). 

■

Install tubing only in areas where temperatures will remain 
above freezing.

■

If you turn on the refrigerator before the water line is 
connected, turn off the ice maker to avoid excessive noise or 
damage to the water valve.

1. Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power.
2. Turn OFF main water supply. Turn ON nearest faucet long 

enough to clear line of water.

3. Find a 

¹⁄₂" to 1¹⁄₄" (12.7 mm to 31.8 mm) vertical cold water 

pipe near the refrigerator.
IMPORTANT:

■

Make sure it is a cold water pipe. 

■

Horizontal pipe will work, but the following procedure 
must be followed: Drill on the top side of the pipe, not the 
bottom. This will help keep water away from the drill. This 
also keeps normal sediment from collecting in the valve.

4. Determine the length of copper tubing you need. Measure 

from the connection on the lower right rear of the refrigerator 
to the water pipe. Add 7 ft (2.1 m) to allow for cleaning. Use 

¹⁄₄" (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter) copper tubing. Be sure 

both ends of copper tubing are cut square.

5. Using a cordless drill, drill a 

¹⁄₄" hole in the cold water pipe you 

have selected.

 

6. Fasten the shutoff valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe 

clamp. Be sure the outlet end is solidly in the 

¹⁄₄" drilled hole in 

the water pipe and that the washer is under the pipe clamp. 
Tighten the packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws slowly 
and evenly so the washer makes a watertight seal. Do not 
overtighten. 

7. Slip the compression sleeve and compression nut on the 

copper tubing as shown. Insert the end of the tubing into the 
outlet end squarely as far as it will go. Screw compression nut 
onto outlet end with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten or 
you may crush the copper tubing. 

8. Place the free end of the tubing in a container or sink, and turn 

ON the main water supply. Flush the tubing until water is clear. 
Turn OFF the shutoff valve on the water pipe. 

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