How to Easily Replace Copper Water Line to Evaporative Cooler

Replacing the copper water supply line to an evaporative cooler is a straightforward task that can be completed with basic plumbing tools. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, ensuring a successful and leak-free installation.

Disconnect the Water Supply Line

Locate the water supply line closest to the evaporative cooler.
Twist the saddle-type valve bolts counterclockwise to loosen and remove them from the upper and lower saddle-type valve plates.
Remove the bolts from the bolt holes and separate the upper and lower valve plates.

Install the Saddle-Type Valve

How to Replace Copper Water Supply Line to Evaporative Cooler

Lower the plate-mounted valve retention against the bottom of the supply line.
Attach the saddle-type valve rubber gasket to the bottom of the valve top plate.
Rotate the left saddle-type valve handle to retract the valve needle into the valve body.
Hold the top plate against the top of the supply line and align it with the bottom plate.
Thread the screws through the top plate and the bottom plate, then tighten the screws until they are fully secure.
Use a screwdriver or wrenches to ensure the screws and the saddle valve are tightened in the supply line.

Connect the Copper Tubing

Twist the saddle-type valve handle clockwise to extend the valve needle through the pipe wall.
Turn the valve compression nut counterclockwise to remove the nut and ferrule from the valve outlet.
Slide the nut onto the copper tube with the nut thread toward the open end of the tube.
Slide the ferrule onto the copper tube.
Push the tubing into the saddle-type valve outlet until the end of the tubing boots against the inside of the valve outlet.
Slide the nut and ferrule against the valve outlet and turn the nut clockwise to make the outlet nut threads.
Finish tightening the nut with a wrench.

Connect the Evaporative Cooler

Unscrew the compression nut and the evaporative cooler float bushing from the inlet valve.
Slide the cooler nut onto the loose end of the copper tubing with the nut’s thread facing the open end of the tubing.
Slide the ferrule onto the tube.
Insert the tube into the inlet until it reaches the inner tube of the inlet.
Slide the nut and ferrule against the inlet, turn clockwise to secure the nut to the inlet, and finish tightening with a wrench.

Check for Leaks

Rotate the saddle-type valve handle counterclockwise to retract the needle valve and allow water to flow into the tubing.
Check the compression nut connections for any leaks.
To turn off the water, turn the valve handle clockwise.

It’s important to note that the typical diameter of the copper pipe used for the water supply line to an evaporative cooler is 1/4 inch inside diameter. However, if you are unsure of the size of the pipe, you can take a piece of it to the hardware store to have it properly sized.

For a visual guide, you can refer to the following videos:

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