Does your refrigerator seem like it’s leaning to the side or tipping forward a little? An unleveled appliance creates more problems than being unsightly and crooked. It may not seem like a big deal, but ensuring your appliances are level helps them run properly and may make them last longer by putting less stress on the mechanical parts. This guide will show you how to level your fridge, washing machine, dishwasher. Fortunately, in most cases, leveling is a quick and painless process. Here’s how to know if your appliance is unbalanced and how level it properly.
Leveling a Refrigerator
A refrigerator that isn’t leveled correctly may have to work overtime to keep your perishables fresh and cool. If your fridge is tilted, you may notice the following issues:
- Temperature fluctuation
- Frost build-up
- Unable to align or seal doors properly
To avoid these problems, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to ensure your refrigerator is properly leveled. You’ll need an air-bubble level and a second person to help you get underneath the fridge. First, remove the grille at the bottom of the refrigerator to examine the legs. Depending on the brand of your refrigerator, you may see height-adjustable legs or rollers. For refrigerators with legs, simply rotate the legs clockwise to raise the fridge or counterclockwise to lower it. For refrigerators with height-adjustable rollers, look for an adjustment screw near the top of the roller.
Although it varies by model, using a screwdriver to tighten the screw should raise the front of the refrigerator and loosening will lower it. Once you complete this step, you’ll want to measure the refrigerator’s slope by placing a level against the bottom of the fridge. Typically, manufacturers recommend the front of the refrigerator to be approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches higher than the back.
Leveling a Washing Machine
Excessive vibrations and ratting are a clear sign that your washer isn’t properly leveled. Shaking and rattling will not only lead to future issues, but it can also damage the surrounding walls and floors. Fortunately, this is a simple fix. Start by using a carpenter’s bubble level to see if it’s level. If the bubble doesn’t center itself, you have some adjusting to do. First, adjust each leg to the proper height. We recommend keeping the machine as close to the floor as possible. The lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate. Tighten the lock nuts against the body of the machine to prevent the leg from rotating. Finally, lean against the appliance to make sure it doesn’t rock back and forth. The same process can be used to level your dryer.
If the washer continues to vibrate, consider inspecting the laundry room floor and double checking that the screws are tight. Plus, always put towels with towels, jeans with jeans, etc. Otherwise, you may create an unbalanced condition which can prematurely wear out the suspension. Wash blankets or other large items alone or if they exceed the size of the washer don’t force it. It won’t get clean and may damage the machine.
Leveling a Dryer
Dryer’s can make a lot of strange noises. Oftentimes, the noise may be as minor as loose change in your clothes or an imbalanced dryer. Plus, simple maintenance like cleaning out the lint filter and clearing the vent lines could reduce the stress on your dryer. If the dryer noise isn’t eliminated after troubleshooting, a professional dryer repair technician can help.
Leveling a Dishwasher
An unbalanced dishwasher can lead to major leaks, which can wreak havoc on your kitchen floors. Plus, it can have difficulty draining properly. Because water sits at the low point, it can cause odors and attract mold and mildew. To check if your dishwasher is leveled correctly, place an air-bubble level along the edge of the door. If the dishwasher isn’t balanced, you’ll want to adjust the machine. After determining which direction to adjust the washer, you’ll want to modify the legs accordingly. Turn the nut counterclockwise to raise the leg or clockwise to lower it. If you’re having trouble adjusting the legs, use a hammer to put wooden shims in to level the dishwasher.
The Takeaway
Keeping your appliances leveled will keep them performing at their best. If these steps seem daunting or out of your expertise, we’re happy to help.
Schedule an Appliance Checkup Today
We offer a variety of services when it comes to appliance repair. Whether you’re having issues with a kitchen appliance or a laundry appliance, our expert appliance repair technicians can troubleshoot and solve the problem. We work hard to provide our customers with the best appliance repair experience as possible. If you’ve given your home appliances TLC and they’re still malfunctioning, give iFiX a call today for all your appliance repair needs this spring.
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