Fridges with water dispensers used to be a luxury item for homeowners, but they can become more trouble than they’re worth. Burst pipes, flooding, and water damage are bad enough, but a damaged fridge with a voided warranty, a denied insurance claim, and fines for non-compliant plumbing can turn things from bad to worse. Ensuring your plumbed in fridge installation is done by a professional will save you from unnecessary stress, bills, and costly damage. 

Quality counts

In addition to calling in a plumber, investing in a quality model that suits your needs is key. To avoid unnecessary hassles, it’s important to understand the difference between plumbed and non-plumbed fridges, and consider factors such as ice output, storage capacity, noise level, and dispenser size. Spending a little extra on a high-quality fridge will give you peace of mind and is often more cost effective than risking it with a too-good-to-be-true deal.

"Like anything in your home, if you choose a poor-quality item, and don't get professional installation by a reputable tradesperson, you're looking at ongoing issues. Plumbed in fridges have a reputation for being particularly problematic, so it's not a job to risk DIY," said Joe Rantino, Plumber Ryde, North Sydney.

Fridges and plumbers aren’t a one size fits all deal. It’s crucial to find a professional who will show up on time, get the job done, and clean up on their way out. A good plumber will consider the fridge location, the nearest water point, how to conceal the new plumbing, and any possible complications during their assessment for the quote and will provide a solid warranty and offer regular maintenance.

Don’t skip fridge maintenance

It’s also essential to clean the water dispenser on a plumbed in fridge regularly. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia and can be acquired from ice and chilled water dispensers due to the carbon filtration. It is especially dangerous for smokers, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems. Cleaning the water dispenser can be a headache in itself, but it must be done. 

Before investing in a fridge with a water dispenser, it is imperative to find a reputable brand and plumber, to never attempt a DIY installation, and to understand how and when to clean it. Doing the right research and getting the help of a professional now can save you from forking out thousands of dollars later.