How to Operate a Refrigerator After Tilting

Positioning

• It is best to move the refrigerator in an upright position. However, it you must tilt and lay the refrigerator to complete its move, always tilt the refrigerator slowly to prevent the aggressive movement of the its fluids within the system. If it is necessary to lay the refrigerator down, lay the refrigerator on its back. Avoid lay the refrigerator on its side, however. The refrigerator’s suction and discharge tubing is usually positioned on the sides of the refrigerator. These coiled tubes can easily become clogged with oil and coolant when the refrigerator is laid on its side. Once these tubes become clogged, the refrigerator can fail to operate.

Resting

• Once the move is complete, the refrigerator should be positioned on a flat, level surface. Since the refrigerator has been tilted, it is important to ensure that all of its fluids have settled in the proper locations before attempting to operate the refrigerator. Allow the refrigerator to rest in its level location for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.

Connection

• Plug your refrigerator into its socket once it has had time to settle its fluids. Set the refrigerator to its coldest temperature and allow the refrigerator another 24 hours to reach that temperature. If the refrigerator does not respond to the power source or makes strange noises once plugged in, unplug the refrigerator and allow it to rest for another 24-hour period. The fluids may need additional settling time. Plug the refrigerator into the socket after another resting period and see if that changes the refrigerator’s response.

Considerations

• If your refrigerator still fails to respond appropriately after resting, the refrigerator may require servicing as a result of its tilting. Contact your refrigerator’s manufacturer or warranty company for assistance, or speak with a specialist at your local home improvement or appliance location for assistance. Do not attempt to disassemble the refrigerator on your own. Some units may have freon, which is illegal to release into the atmosphere.