I get what you’re saying about not swapping lines too often, but I’m always a little nervous about hidden leaks, especially with older houses. Ever tried one of those no-plastic, all-metal lines? I’ve read mixed things, but I wonder if they’re any better for the environment or just hype.
Tried those all-metal lines a couple times. Honestly, they’re not a magic fix. They kink pretty easily if you’re not careful, and I’ve seen pinhole leaks develop over time—especially on cheaper ones. Plastic’s not perfect, but the braided stainless over plastic core is usually more forgiving and easier to work with in tight spots. As for the environment, unless you’re swapping these things every year, I doubt there’s a huge difference either way. Old houses can be tricky, though... sometimes it’s just about picking the lesser headache.
Plastic’s not perfect, but the braided stainless over plastic core is usually more forgiving and easier to work with in tight spots.
That’s been my experience too. I tried the all-metal line once because it sounded like the “pro” thing to do, but it was a pain to snake behind the fridge without bending it. Ended up with a tiny kink that I didn’t even notice until months later when the ice maker started acting up again. Had to pull everything out, replace the line, and mop up a small puddle. Not my favorite Saturday.
As for cost, I paid about $120 for a plumber to come out and swap the line plus check the valve. That was after I tried to DIY it and realized my shutoff valve was basically fused from age. If your shutoff’s in good shape and you’re handy, you can probably get away with just buying a braided line for $15-20 and doing it yourself. But if you’re in an older house like me, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and pay someone who knows what they’re doing.
I get what you mean about “lesser headache.” Sometimes it’s not about what’s technically best, just what’s going to cause fewer problems down the road. I’d rather spend a little more upfront than deal with water damage or another leak behind the fridge. The environmental angle is interesting, but honestly, I’m more worried about having to rip up my kitchen floor if something goes wrong.
Long story short: braided stainless over plastic core is my go-to now. Not perfect, but it’s saved me some grief compared to the all-metal stuff.
I’ve run into that same issue with the all-metal lines—everyone talks them up like they’re bulletproof, but getting them behind a fridge without crimping is a nightmare. I actually kinked one so bad once that it barely trickled water, and I didn’t catch it until the ice cubes started coming out half-sized. Ended up replacing it with a braided line and haven’t looked back.
The price you mentioned sounds about right for a plumber, especially if they’re dealing with an old shutoff valve. I tried to swap my own line last year, thinking it’d be a quick job, but the valve was stuck solid. WD-40 did nothing. I started worrying I’d snap the thing off and end up with a bigger mess, so I called in backup. Cost me $95 for the visit plus parts, which stung a bit, but at least I didn’t flood the kitchen.
Honestly, I don’t get why some folks still swear by copper or all-metal for these short runs behind appliances. Maybe if you’ve got a straight shot and plenty of room, but most kitchens aren’t built that way. The flexibility of braided lines just makes life easier. Plus, if you ever need to pull the fridge out again (which always seems to happen at the worst possible time), you’re not fighting with a stiff pipe.
Curious if anyone’s actually had a braided line fail on them? I’ve only seen issues when people overtighten the fittings or use cheap connectors. Otherwise, they seem pretty reliable. Water damage is no joke—one small leak can turn into a huge headache fast. I’d rather swap out a $20 hose every few years than risk tearing up my floor.
Kind of wild how something as simple as an ice maker line can turn into such an ordeal...
Honestly, I don’t get why some folks still swear by copper or all-metal for these short runs behind appliances. Maybe if you’ve got a straight shot and plenty of room, but most kitchens aren’t built that way. The flexibility of braided lines just makes life easier.
I’m right there with you on the braided lines. I tried to “do it right” with copper when we first moved in, thinking it was the more durable, eco-friendly option. But after wrestling with it for an hour and still ending up with a weird bend behind the fridge, I gave up. The amount of waste from having to cut and re-bend copper just didn’t sit well with me either.
Swapped to a braided stainless line and haven’t had a single issue. I do wonder about the plastic inside those hoses, though—like, is there a more sustainable version out there? But honestly, the peace of mind is worth it. Water leaks are a nightmare, and I’d rather replace a hose every few years than risk mold or ruined floors.
Funny how something so minor can turn into a whole project. Makes you rethink what “simple” home maintenance really means...
