How To Install A Refrigerator

The first step to refrigerator installation is cover the floor with cardboard and disconnect the existing appliance to make space for the new refrigerator.

• Place a flat piece of cardboard on the floor to help protect it from damage.

• Turn off the ice maker and water supply valve.

• Disconnect the water line connection.

• Unplug the power cord and securely tape it to the back of the appliance.

After the refrigerator is disconnected, remove its contents before moving the appliance.

• Empty your refrigerator and freezer.

• Remove drawers and shelves to reduce weight.

• Tape the refrigerator and freezer doors closed (or remove doors for maneuverability).

• With another person, use a dolly or hand cart to carefully move the appliance.

Next, determine the width, height and depth of the new appliance and measure the desired space to ensure an accurate fit and help avoid damage to walls or counters.

• For proper ventilation, make sure to account for at least ½ inch of breathing room between each side of the refrigerator and one inch between the appliance and back wall.

• The appliance should be able to rest flat and centered with the doors able to be fully opened.

Generally, standard refrigerator sizes range from 24 to 40 inches wide, 62 to 72 inches tall and 29 to 36 inches deep. Learn more about measuring refrigerator dimensions.

With your new refrigerator outside, unpack and remove the drawers, shelves and any other contents to lighten the load and help prevent damage while transporting. Next, make sure to secure the doors closed with tape.

With another person, use caution when moving freestanding refrigerators and heavy appliances.

• Using at least two people, carefully load the refrigerator upright onto the dolly and make sure it is securely strapped in place. Be careful to not lay the appliance on its side.

• Clear a path, and guide the refrigerator into the kitchen.

Once you have your refrigerator in the kitchen, position it near the cutout or desired space, leaving yourself ample room to move behind and around the appliance. 

• If the appliance was placed on its side at all, be mindful to let it sit upright for a few hours.

• This is necessary to allow the refrigerator to settle before connecting to an electrical outlet.

If you are swapping out a refrigerator that was previously connected to your home’s water line, your new appliance can also be attached to the existing water valve that extends from the floor or the wall.

Learn more about refrigerator parts and how they function.

Your appliance’s installation guide will notate what parts are needed and included. If you have a Maytag^® refrigerator, you can use your model number to search for your guide here.

• Turn OFF the main water supply.

• In the back of the refrigerator, locate the ¼ inch copper or PEX water line tubing.

• Ensure the tubing ends are long enough to connect to the water supply valve.

Refer to your installation guide for water pressure requirements. For additional questions about connecting your refrigerator to the water line, consult a professional plumber for assistance.

After you have located the copper or PEX tubing, connect it to the water supply valve (shut-off valve) with the compression fittings found in the water supply line installation kit, if applicable.

If you do not have a water supply line installation kit, consult your installation guide for specific instructions and necessary parts.

• Place the compression sleeve and compression nut onto the tubing.

• Using an adjustable wrench, secure the tubing to the shut-off valve but do not overtighten.

Now that one end of the tubing is connected to the shut-off valve, the free end can be connected to the refrigerator water line. However, the tubing will need to be drained first to help prevent malfunction.

• Place the open end of the tubing into a bucket or sink.

• Turn ON the main water supply to flush clean.

• Turn OFF main water supply once the tubing is clear and the water is clean.

From the back of the refrigerator, locate the water line port and connect the free end of the tubing to it.

• Similar to Step 7, place a compression sleeve and compression nut onto the free end of the tubing.

• Using an adjustable wrench, secure the tubing to the fridge’s valve but do not overtighten.

• Leave the extra slack of the tubing coiled in the back of the refrigerator. This allows leeway for the refrigerator to be moved away from the wall.

• Turn ON the main water supply.

Now that your water line is connected, learn how to replace your refrigerator water filter to help maintain fresh ice and drinking water for your family.

After you have connected the refrigerator to the main water supply, your appliance is ready to be plugged into the electrical socket.

• Plug the refrigerator into its own electrical socket.

• Make sure the water line tubing and electrical cord do not become tangled or pinched.

• Gently slide the appliance into place.

Ensuring a stable, level refrigerator is imperative for proper function, use and aesthetics. Using a level and a wrench, you may be able to raise or lower the legs of your appliance to ensure a level fit, if applicable.

Refer to your owner’s manual for specific details and instructions if your refrigerator does not have leveling legs.

• Place a level on top of your refrigerator and measure all sides.
• Remove the base grille, if present.
• Locate leveling legs at the bottom of the refrigerator.
• Using a wrench, adjust the height of the legs until level.

Turn the wrench clockwise to shorten the leveling legs and lower your fridge.

Turn the wrench counterclockwise to extend the leveling legs and raise your fridge.

Learn more about leveling your refrigerator.

An aligned fridge door helps ensure proper sealing for your appliance. Adjusting the door’s hinges can allow for a seamless fit.

• Using a socket wrench, loosen the hinges on the misaligned door.

• Align the door in its proper place and tighten the hinges.

For the final step in the refrigeration installation process, clean the drawers and shelves and place them back inside the refrigerator.