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Refrigerator Leveling Guide

easyHome Repair30 min

Ensure your appliance operates efficiently and closes properly with this straightforward refrigerator leveling guide. Designed for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, this tutorial teaches you how to use a builder's level and basic tools to stabilize and align your unit. You will learn how to access the leveling legs and utilize shims to achieve a perfectly balanced installation.

Safety Warnings

  • Unplug the refrigerator before pulling it away from the wall or performing adjustments that require removing panels to avoid electrical hazards.

Tools Needed

Builder's level — standard
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Screwdriver — Phillips #2
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Wrench — adjustable 8-inch
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Pry bar — angled
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Materials

Plastic or wooden shims — standard appliance size(as needed)
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Steps

1
Unplug the refrigerator and, if necessary, pull it away from the wall to ensure you have enough room to work safely.
2
Remove the front grille or kickplate from the bottom of the refrigerator using a Phillips #2 screwdriver to access the leveling components.
3
Place a builder's level on top of the refrigerator to check if the unit is level from left to right and from front to back.
Refrigerator Bubble level Floor Place on top Place the level on top to check for side-to-side and front-to-back balance.
4
Locate the leveling legs or adjustable rollers at the base of the appliance.
Tip: If the legs are hard to turn, use a pry bar and a piece of wood to slightly lift the refrigerator and take the weight off the leg.
Leveling leg Refrigerator Adjuster Locate legs Find the adjustable legs located at the bottom corners of the appliance.
5
Adjust the leveling legs or rollers using an adjustable 8-inch wrench or screwdriver. Turn the legs clockwise to raise the fridge and counterclockwise to lower it.
Leveling leg Adjustable wrench Refrigerator Turn clockwise to raise unit Turn the leveling legs to adjust the refrigerator height.
6
Verify the pitch of the unit. While the fridge should be level side-to-side, some manufacturers recommend the front be 1/4 inch higher than the rear to ensure the doors close properly.
Builder's level Spirit bubble Front leg Check pitch Ensure the front is slightly higher than the rear for proper door closing.
7
If the floor is extremely uneven and the legs cannot compensate, tuck plastic or wooden shims under the legs and gently tap them into place to close any gaps.
Leveling leg Shim Uneven floor Tuck under Insert shims under legs to eliminate gaps and stabilize the unit.
8
Reinstall the front grille or kickplate and plug the refrigerator back into the power outlet.
9
Test the door operation by opening it halfway and letting go; the door should swing closed by itself if the level is correct.

Pro Tips

  • Consult your owner's manual for specific leveling requirements and leg adjustment instructions for your particular model.
  • Regularly check that the fridge remains level during quarterly inspections to ensure door seals stay tight.

When to Call a Professional

If the floor is significantly sloped or the refrigerator continues to rock after adjustment, consult an appliance technician.

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