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Professional installation takes one to two hours when performed by an experienced plumber. DIY installations often require two to four hours, depending on your experience level and the complexity of your setup. The timeline extends if your project involves drilling through cabinets or walls to reach a distant water source.

You'll need to shut off the water supply before beginning installation, but this doesn't always require turning off the main valve. If your kitchen sink has its own shut-off valve, you can turn that off instead. For homes without accessible local shut-offs, you'll need to use the main water valve to prevent potential water damage during installation.

The top sign that your water line needs replacement is puddles beneath your refrigerator, which indicate active leaks. Other warning signs include decreased water pressure from your dispenser, unusual tastes or odors in the water, and visible damage to the line itself. Discoloration or cloudiness in the tubing suggests mineral buildup or deterioration that may require replacement to prevent future problems.

You can install a water line to your refrigerator without a nearby water source, but it requires additional planning and possibly more extensive work. You'll need to run the water line from the nearest available source, which might be in another room or under the floor. This involves routing tubing through cabinets, walls, or floors. For complex installations with a significant distance between the water source and the refrigerator, professional installation is strongly recommended.