I agree. Copper tubing supply is the best material to use except if you have a reverse osmosis water filter then plastic tubing should be used.

You can use "refrigeration grade" copper tubing instead of what is usually sold in installation kits. It has slightly thicker walls and will generally withstand the strain of moving the fridge in and out better.

Neither should drip however if installed properly, provided strain in not put on the connections when moving the appliance for cleaning. Usually a large coil of tubing is left behind the fridge which acts like a Slinky when pulling the fridge out so strain is avoided on the connections.

** The insurance man said it was the copper tubing, but I am getting indications that this is the best way to install. In addition, he said we should install a funnel below the valve in the wall to catch any drips. **

I've never seen such an installation used on a refrigerator. If installed correctly, there should be no drips.

** Any ideas on the best way to avoid another leak aside from watching very closely what the installers are doing. **

I don't know about avoiding a drip but if you put something beneath the refrigerator (linoleum sheet, Formica, etc.) you may visually see any water leakage before it can damage a wood floor that is beneath.

JMO

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com
The Appliance Information Site

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[This message has been edited by DanO (edited March 07, 2003).]