To level a refrigerator, you need to adjust the legs or rollers behind the grille or kick plate at the bottom of the refrigerator. You can use a screwdriver, a wrench, or pliers to turn the legs or rollers clockwise or counterclockwise until the refrigerator is balanced. You can use a level to check if the refrigerator is even from front to back and side to side. You should also make sure that the refrigerator is slightly tilted to the back for proper door closure.
How To Level A Refrigerator In Four Steps
Before you start leveling your refrigerator, you will need some tools and materials, such as:
- A level
- A screwdriver
- A wrench or pliers
- An owner’s manual
You will also need an extra person to help you move the refrigerator and hold it in place while you adjust the legs or rollers.
Here are the four steps to level your refrigerator:
- Step 1: Remove the grille or kick plate. The grille or kick plate is the covering over the legs or rollers at the bottom of the refrigerator. Depending on the model of your refrigerator, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Some models may require you to open the doors at a 90-degree angle before removing the grille or kick plate. Pull the grille or kick plate off with your hands and set it aside.
- Step 2: Locate the legs or rollers. The legs or rollers are located behind the grille or kick plate on either side of the refrigerator. They are usually adjustable by turning them clockwise or counterclockwise with a screwdriver, a wrench, or pliers. Some models may have leveling legs in the front and rollers in the back. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to locate and adjust your legs or rollers.
- Step 3: Use a level to determine how to adjust the height of the refrigerator. Place the level on top of the refrigerator (not on the door) near the front and measure from front to back and side to side. If the level is not flat, you need to adjust the legs or rollers until it is. To raise the refrigerator, turn the legs or rollers clockwise. To lower the refrigerator, turn them counterclockwise. Try to get the refrigerator level from left to right and slightly tilted to the back for proper door closure.
- Step 4: Replace the grille or kick plate. Once you have leveled your refrigerator, put the grille or kick plate back on and secure it with screws if needed. Close the doors and check if they close properly and smoothly. If not, you may need to make some minor adjustments to the legs or rollers until they do.
When To Call A Professional
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator is still not level, you may have a more complex problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include:
- A damaged floor: If your floor is uneven, cracked, or sagging, it may affect your refrigerator’s stability and performance. You may need to repair or replace your floor before leveling your refrigerator.
- A faulty compressor: The compressor is the part that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system of your refrigerator and regulates its temperature. If the compressor is defective or noisy, it may cause your refrigerator to vibrate excessively and become unlevel. Replacing a compressor is a complicated and costly job that should only be done by a qualified technician.
- A broken door hinge: The door hinge is the part that connects the door to the body of your refrigerator and allows it to open and close smoothly. If the door hinge is broken, loose, or misaligned, it may cause your door to sag or not close properly. You may need to tighten or replace your door hinge.
Conclusion
A level refrigerator is important for optimal performance and appearance. To level a refrigerator, you need to adjust the legs or rollers behind the grille or kick plate at the bottom of your refrigerator until it is balanced. You can use a level to check if your refrigerator is even from front to back and side to side. You should also make sure that your refrigerator is slightly tilted to the back for proper door closure.
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator is still not level, you may have a more serious problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include a damaged floor, a faulty compressor, or a broken door hinge. You should call a professional technician to diagnose and repair these problems.
