Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Aaron Beth. Aaron Beth is the founder of Aaron’s Refrigeration Company in New York City and a factory certified installer (FCI) for Sub-Zero products. He specializes in the service and maintenance of built-in refrigerators, wine coolers and ice machines. With over 54 years of experience, Aaron is the recipient of numerous Super-Service awards from Angie’s Lists and 2019 Best-of-the City.
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A leveled refrigerator looks great in your home, but it also helps your refrigerator function properly. If your refrigerator isn't currently level, the good news is it's easy to do yourself. You'll just need to access the legs behind the grille on your fridge so you can adjust them. Don't worry—we've got you covered! This article will walk you through how to level your refrigerator step by step.
Steps
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Remove the grille over the legs. At the very bottom of the refrigerator, you may see a covering over the legs. Many times, this grille can be removed by pulling with your hands. Some grilles will be attached by clips or screws you’ll have to undo first.[1]- Consult your owner’s manual for advice when you’re unsure of how to remove the grille.
Examine the legs. Check the legs first for screws or bolts that you’ll need to adjust. While some legs can be rotated freely, some require a wrench or a screwdriver. Refrigerators made by GE, for example, require a flat blade screwdriver.Advertisement
Rotate the legs. Look along the top and bottoms of the legs. You’ll either see a slot near the top or a screw or bolt near the bottom. Use a flat-head screwdriver on the slots and an adjustable wrench or pliers on the bolt. Turn clockwise to raise the refrigerator. Turn counterclockwise to lower the refrigerator. Try to get the refrigerator level from left to right.[2]- Legs without fasteners, such as those on Whirlpool refrigerators, can be turned to the right to lower the refrigerator and to the left to raise it.
- If you cannot reach the legs to adjust them, you’ll need someone to lean the refrigerator to the back. Be very careful and don’t tilt it back too far.
Measure the refrigerator’s tilt with a level. Place the level on the top of the refrigerator behind the door. The level will be flat if the refrigerator is even from left to right. Adjust the legs to get the refrigerator even from left to right.[3]
Measure the refrigerator’s slope. Place the level against the bottom of the refrigerator. It should slope slightly to the back. Make sure the front is .25 inches (6.35 mm) higher than the back. Make adjustments to the front legs as necessary.
Replace the grille. Push the grille back onto the bottom of the refrigerator. Replace any clips or screws.
Remove the grille over the legs. Find the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator. Look for screws that need to be undone. Unscrew it or pull the grille off with your hands.[4]- Consult your owner’s manual for advice when you’re unsure on how to remove the grille.
Adjust the screws. Each roller will have a screw on it. You will need pliers or a wrench for a ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) screw. Turn the screw clockwise to raise the legs. Turn the screw counterclockwise to lower them.[5]
Measure the refrigerator’s tilt with a level. Place the level on the very top of the refrigerator behind the door. When the rollers are adjusted properly, the level will be flat from left to right. Adjust the legs so the refrigerator rests evenly.[6]
Measure the refrigerator’s slope. Next, place the level against the bottom of the refrigerator. The refrigerator should slope to the back. Adjust the rollers so the front end is .25 inches (6.35 mm) higher than the back end. Adjust the rollers as necessary.[7]
Replace the grille. Push the grille back onto the bottom of the refrigerator. Replace any clips or screws.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do I level a fridge on an uneven floor?
Aaron BethAaron Beth is the founder of Aaron’s Refrigeration Company in New York City and a factory certified installer (FCI) for Sub-Zero products. He specializes in the service and maintenance of built-in refrigerators, wine coolers and ice machines. With over 54 years of experience, Aaron is the recipient of numerous Super-Service awards from Angie’s Lists and 2019 Best-of-the City.
Refrigerator TechnicianI would recommend putting thin pieces of plywood under your fridge until it's level.
Video
Tips
- If you have an uneven floor, put a piece of plywood underneath the refrigerator to level it out.[8]Thanks
- Keep the front end of the refrigerator higher than the back. This helps the coolant drain, causing the refrigerator to work efficiently.Thanks
Warnings
- Tilting a refrigerator is dangerous. It should never be done alone. Have someone else tilt it very gently to the back so you can reach the legs.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/how-to-level-your-refrigerator/
- ↑ https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=19144
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062321/
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/how-to-level-your-refrigerator/
- ↑ https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=19144
- ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062321/
- ↑ https://www.lg.com/ca_en/support/product-support/troubleshoot/help-library/cs-CT20098040-20153059144969/
- ↑ Aaron Beth. Appliance Technician. Expert Interview. 14 July 2020.
About This Article
Levelling your refrigerator will help improve its efficiency and only takes a few minutes if you have the right tools. All you’ll need is a bubble level and a screwdriver or wrench. Start by removing the grille at the bottom of your fridge to expose its legs or rollers. Depending on your fridge, you’ll need to adjust these with a screwdriver or wrench. Generally, you’ll need to turn the legs or rollers clockwise to raise them. You want your front legs to be ¼-inch higher than the back to help the coolant drain. Place your bubble level on top of the fridge behind the door to measure the angle. For more tips, including how to safely tilt a refrigerator, read on!
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