I'm not exactly sure what you mean by a washing machine hookup. Most washing machines hookups have two hose bibbs (faucets that a hose can screw on to), one for hot and one for cold. Refrigerators have a 1/4 inch flexible line, either copper or plastic. So, I'm assuming that you mean you have a hose bibb for the water supply and you want to connect it to the quarter inch line on the fridge.
The best approach would be to remove the hose bibb and connect to the line that is feeding it. Assuming that it is a 1/2" rigid copper pipe you can get adaptors at a plumbing store or at a store like Home Depot to step it down to 1/4", then connect to the fridge line with a compression fitting. If your hose bibb is threaded, you would start at the wall with the same size threaded connection and see what your local store has available in the line of adaptors. Best would be if you can find a single adaptor that will go from 1/2" to 1/4". You may need one to go from 1/2" to 3/8" and another to go from 3/8" to 1/4".
A second approach that would be a jury rig type of thing (say if you can't get the hose bibb off) would be to get a hose end connector to attach to the faucet and step it down with clamps and tubing. Use adaptors that fit inside tubing of successively smaller sizes (2 steps will probably do it) ending with 1/4" plastic that you can attach to your fridge with a compression union. (they make 3/8" to 1/4" compression unions, so you would only need to end with a 3/8 inch tube making the connection with the adaptor/union.
Modify this according to what you have in the house (say if you have 5/8" water lines instead of 1/2").
If I'm not understanding your problem correctly, please clarify.
"You are correct I did mean it's just like a hose bibb for a washing
machine, do they make a reducer down to the regular 1/4 inch line for
the refrigerator ?"
No, If you want to go that route you'd have to make one the way I described. To add a little more to that in case I didn't say it clearly, you'd need to use tubing clamps, one type is called a worm gear clamp. You'll need metal adaptors that you slide into the tubing for the clamps to act against. Start with a hose end that you will attach to the hose bibb. They make those with a male end that would slide into a hose. Select a plastic tube that will fit, and clamp it on. Check the metal adaptors (with a male end on each side) to go from the size you have put onto the hose end and step down to the next size. Use a tubing clamp on each side of the adaptor. You should be able to get down to 3/8" in one step, then use 3/8 tubing as long as you need to permit you to move the fridge in and out (about 4 feet gives plenty of working room). Then use a 3/8" to 1/4" compression fitting to attach to the fridge. Make sure you use tubing designed for potable water supplies. Make sure the pieces for your make-shift adaptor fit together while you are in the store to avoid return trips.
Clear? Or, do you have more questions?
One point to clarify. I mention metal connectors, these are most widely available, but they do make plastic tubing adaptors. It just depends on what your local store carries.
You can cut a washer hose if you want to - but it is cheaper just to buy a replacement female end for a hose. But, you have the basic idea so you should be able to pick the pieces you need in the store. As long as you start with a female hose end and end with a 1/4" fitting and get everything tight so it doesn't leak, you'll be ok. The parts can be plastic or metal, really just depending on what your local store stocks. It's just an unusual way to hook a water supply to a refrigerator, but it will work.
"hose bibb is part of a valve that sends water out to two hoses and into the frig"
I can't quite visualize what you mean by this. Do you have one handle that turns water on/off for 3 hose fittings? Unusual, but it sound like someone removed the bibb for the cold water supply to the washing machine and built a manifold to feed (1) the washing machine (2) another hose (maybe going outside) and the bibb that you want to connect to the fridge.
If that is true, you may have an additional issue. For the washing machine and the fridge, you want the water on all of the time. For the third connection, you may want a simple hose valve if for any reason you don't want pressure on that line all of the time.
What we have discussed will work for the fridge.
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You are correct I did mean it's just like a hose bibb for a washing machine, do they make a reducer down to the regular 1/4 inch line for the refrigerator ?
I;m sorry but the hose bibb is part of a valve that sends water out to two hoses and into the frig; so I guess what your saying is I'll have to get a washer hose and cut it off and go from there' sorry I'm not much when it comes to plumbing.
Thanks for your help,you made things very clear for a big dummy like me. THANKS!
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