How to Level Your Refrigerator: A Step-by-Step Guide

A refrigerator that isn’t properly leveled can lead to a host of problems, from noisy operation and premature wear to inefficient cooling and even doors that won’t stay closed. Fortunately, leveling your refrigerator is a relatively simple task that most homeowners can accomplish with a few basic tools and a little patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering everything from identifying the need for leveling to troubleshooting common issues.

Why Leveling Your Refrigerator Matters

Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why leveling your refrigerator is so important. Here are the key reasons:

• Optimal Performance: A level refrigerator ensures that the compressor and cooling system work efficiently. When the refrigerator is tilted, the refrigerant can pool unevenly, making the compressor work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This increased strain can shorten the lifespan of your refrigerator and increase your energy bills.
• Door Closure: An unlevel refrigerator can cause the doors to swing open or not seal properly. This allows warm air to enter, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to maintain its temperature and potentially leading to food spoilage. Self-closing doors may also not function correctly if the refrigerator isn’t level.
• Reduced Noise: A level refrigerator operates more quietly. An unlevel unit can cause vibrations and rattling noises as the compressor struggles to maintain balance.
• Preventing Wear and Tear: Consistent vibrations from an unlevel refrigerator can gradually damage its components, leading to costly repairs or premature replacement.

Signs Your Refrigerator Needs Leveling

Not sure if your refrigerator is out of whack? Here are some telltale signs to look for:

• The refrigerator rocks or wobbles: This is the most obvious sign. Gently push on the top corners of the refrigerator. If it rocks back and forth, it’s definitely not level.
• The doors swing open or closed on their own: This indicates that gravity is working against the door hinges, a clear sign of an unlevel appliance.
• The doors don’t seal properly: Even if the doors appear closed, check the seals around the edges. If you can easily slide a piece of paper between the door and the refrigerator body, the seal isn’t tight, and leveling may be necessary.
• Unusual noises: Listen for rattling, vibrating, or excessively loud humming sounds. These noises can indicate that the compressor is working harder than it should due to an unlevel condition.
• Food spoils quickly: If you’re noticing that your food is spoiling faster than usual, even though the temperature settings seem correct, an unlevel refrigerator could be the culprit.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• Level: A standard bubble level (2-4 feet long) is essential. A digital level can provide even greater accuracy.
• Adjustable Wrench or Pliers: You’ll need these to adjust the leveling feet. The size will depend on the refrigerator model. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
• Screwdriver (Optional): Some refrigerators have leveling screws instead of feet. Check your manual. A Phillips head or flathead screwdriver might be required.
• Wooden Shims (Optional): If the leveling feet don’t provide enough adjustment, you may need wooden shims to place under the wheels or legs.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Soft Cloth or Towel: To protect your floor from scratches.
• Owner’s Manual: Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your refrigerator model. It may contain diagrams or helpful tips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Refrigerator

Now that you have your tools and understand the importance of leveling, let’s get started. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Empty the Refrigerator (Partially): For safety and ease of movement, it’s best to remove some of the heavier items from the refrigerator, especially from the doors. You don’t need to completely empty it, but taking out things like gallon jugs of milk, heavy casserole dishes, and bottled beverages will make the process much easier and safer.
2. Protect Your Floor: Place a soft cloth or towel under the front of the refrigerator to protect your flooring from scratches. Refrigerators can be surprisingly heavy, and dragging it even a short distance can damage delicate surfaces like hardwood or tile.
3. Locate the Leveling Feet or Screws: Most refrigerators have adjustable leveling feet or screws located at the bottom front corners. Some models may also have rear leveling feet, which are usually not adjustable. Consult your owner’s manual to confirm the location and type of leveling mechanism. On some models, the leveling feet may be hidden behind a kickplate that needs to be removed first.
4. Determine Which Side Needs Adjusting: Place the level on top of the refrigerator, both side-to-side and front-to-back. Observe the bubble. If the bubble is centered, that side is level. If the bubble is off-center, the high side needs to be lowered, or the low side needs to be raised. It’s often easier to focus on raising the low side.
5. Adjust the Leveling Feet or Screws:
   • For Leveling Feet: Use the adjustable wrench or pliers to turn the leveling feet. Turning the feet clockwise will raise that side of the refrigerator, while turning them counterclockwise will lower it. Make small adjustments at a time.
   • For Leveling Screws: Use the appropriate screwdriver to turn the leveling screws. The principle is the same: turning the screw one way will raise the side, and turning it the other way will lower it.
6. Recheck the Level: After each adjustment, recheck the level on top of the refrigerator. Continue making small adjustments until the bubble is centered in both directions (side-to-side and front-to-back).
7. Test the Doors: Once you believe the refrigerator is level, test the doors. Open them to about a 45-degree angle and release them. Ideally, the doors should stay in place. If they swing open or closed on their own, the refrigerator is still not level. You may need to slightly adjust the front feet to achieve the desired door behavior. Generally, slightly raising the front of the refrigerator can help the doors close properly.
8. Address Rear Leveling (If Necessary): If your refrigerator has adjustable rear leveling feet (which is less common), adjust them as needed. However, many refrigerators have fixed rear feet. If the rear of the refrigerator is significantly out of level, you may need to use wooden shims under the rear wheels or legs to compensate.
9. Use Shims (If Needed): If the leveling feet or screws don’t provide enough adjustment, carefully slide wooden shims under the wheels or legs on the low side of the refrigerator. Make sure the shims are stable and won’t slip out. Use multiple thin shims rather than one thick shim for better stability.
10. Final Check: Once you’re satisfied that the refrigerator is level, give it one final check. Push on the top corners to ensure it’s stable and doesn’t rock. Open and close the doors several times to confirm they seal properly. Listen for any unusual noises.
11. Replace the Kickplate (If Removed): If you removed a kickplate to access the leveling feet, carefully reattach it.
12. Return Items to the Refrigerator: Carefully return the items you removed from the refrigerator.

Troubleshooting Common Leveling Issues

Sometimes, leveling a refrigerator can be more challenging than expected. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Frozen or Stuck Leveling Feet: If the leveling feet are frozen or stuck, try spraying them with a lubricant like WD-40 or penetrating oil. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the mechanism before attempting to turn them. If they’re still stuck, you may need to gently tap them with a hammer (using a block of wood to protect the foot) to break them free.
• Stripped Leveling Feet: If the leveling feet are stripped, they won’t turn properly. You may need to replace them. Contact the refrigerator manufacturer or a local appliance parts store to find replacement feet.
• Uneven Floor: If your floor is significantly uneven, leveling the refrigerator using only the leveling feet may not be enough. You may need to use larger shims or consider having the floor professionally leveled.
• Refrigerator on Wheels: Some refrigerators have wheels instead of fixed legs. If the wheels are locked, unlock them before attempting to level the refrigerator. If the wheels are damaged or worn, they can make leveling difficult. Consider replacing the wheels.
• Difficulty Reaching Rear Feet: Adjusting the rear feet can be difficult, especially if the refrigerator is close to a wall. You may need to pull the refrigerator out slightly to gain access. Consider using a specialized wrench with a long handle for easier access.

Tips for Maintaining a Level Refrigerator

Once you’ve leveled your refrigerator, here are some tips to help maintain its level:

• Check Periodically: Check the level of your refrigerator every few months, especially if you notice any of the signs mentioned earlier.
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading the refrigerator, especially the doors, can put extra strain on the leveling feet and cause it to become unlevel.
• Be Careful When Moving: When moving the refrigerator, be careful not to damage the leveling feet. Lift it rather than dragging it whenever possible.
• Consider Floor Protection: Use floor protectors under the wheels or legs to prevent them from sinking into the flooring.

When to Call a Professional

While leveling a refrigerator is generally a DIY task, there are times when it’s best to call a professional appliance repair technician:

• You’re uncomfortable working with appliances: If you’re not comfortable working with tools or moving heavy appliances, it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
• The leveling feet are severely damaged or frozen: If you’ve tried lubricating the leveling feet and they’re still stuck, or if they’re severely damaged, a professional may have the tools and expertise to remove and replace them without damaging the refrigerator.
• You suspect there’s a more serious problem: If you’ve leveled the refrigerator and it’s still making unusual noises or not cooling properly, there may be a more serious underlying issue that requires professional diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

Leveling your refrigerator is a simple but important task that can improve its performance, extend its lifespan, and save you money on energy bills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily level your refrigerator and enjoy the benefits of a properly functioning appliance. Remember to be patient, make small adjustments, and always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your refrigerator model. With a little effort, you can keep your refrigerator running smoothly for years to come.