Can you lay your refrigerator or freezer on its side for transporting? Well yes, BUT...

Before tipping your refrigerator or freezer on its side, you will need to know some things. A frequent question we are asked is if you can lay a refrigerator on its side while transporting or repairing the refrigerator. There are some details that you will need to know before laying your refrigerator on its side. If you don't do it correctly you can damage the refrigerator. If you follow the instructions in this video, you should be fine.
Table of Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Things to consider before laying down
1:24 - Compressor suction and discharge lines
1:53 - Things to consider after tipping back up
2:09 - Bonus important tips
2:23 - Where to purchase parts
2:30 - Outro
Refrigerator shown in video: WRF767SDHZ02
Appliances break, but repair & maintenance doesn’t need to be difficult. Find the right part for your job at: partsdr.com/
We sell OEM appliance parts for Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Estate, Roper, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Tappan, Westinghouse, Kitchen Aid, Jenn Air, Bosch, LG, Samsung, and more.
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[@pnotuner1]

I was just going to Google the question, Can I tip my refrigerator on it's side. Instead I typed it in my KZbin search box. Your's was the first video up and I watched it. Within 2 minutes I got all the information that I needed. Thanks.

[@jimmybernasconi9000]

Thanks so much, man. Got a fridge to move tomorrow and knew I had to transport it a certain way. Your explanation here makes it way easier to understand how to do that now. Lifesaver, bro - thanks so much!

[@paulrhodes7696]

Great thankyou. Finally someone explains exactly what issue needs to be avoided, (1m34s), regarding the oil in the compressor.

[@mikesaba6972]

Super useful and to the point ! Thanks for making this video !

[@WigglesNation]

thank you for getting right to it, way too many youtuber's gots too much to say but definitely appreciate you getting to the good stuff fast

[@PartsDr]

Thanks for the feedback! That is what we try to do!

[@jarenbigelow8606]

one less fridge in the land fill because of this video

[@PartsDr]

😎

[@italwayshitsthefan]

But if you only have the fridge on its side for a moment because your old or pull your back trying to get it through the door but no other time I hear 2 to 4 hours. If anyone knows better I'm open minded and just trying to find the reality and truth so our frozen foods don't go bad. Thanks

[@closcaz3867]

Straight to the point, Thanks

[@oatnoid]

Excellent! Just answered all my questions! Thanks. Subscribed.

[@PartsDr]

Thanks!

[@jeffb660]

Nicely done. It makes sense. I'm off to move my freezer next week.

[@PartsDr]

Great!!

[@jeffb660]

@@PartsDr FYI, when you say the discharge line is the smallest.......at about 1:35.......you are actually pointing to the suction line. It confused me a tad...... but played back a few times to get my head straight. Also, on that compressor......and mine......... I THINK it actually says "suction" with an arrow - bottom left - on the label. Mine is difficult to read.... print is not clear.

[@heroknaderi]

Thank you for your time very good tips.

[@PartsDr]

You're welcome!

[@prestonrenify]

Excellent!

[@jaimejayristenjo5613]

Thanks man - good information 👍🏻

[@PaulAliceJ]

As someone that retired from trucking we use to get trailer loads of refrigerators from whirlpool and the top layer was always laid down. Some on the back or sides so it did not seem like orientation mattered. General rule was time up = time down

[@PartsDr]

Thank you for sharing!

[@cmoullasnet]

I actually wonder if they have a way of ensuring the piston is in a particular position for transport to prevent oil leakage through the discharge line.

[@ryanspackman548]

Thick suction line should always be up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPNfomqp7SUlZYsi=UHFsqLza13KQTrBL

[@cockasorrus7475]

Thank you!!!

[@PartsDr]

You're welcome!

[@ranytravis4953]

Thankyou I have to move it by myself and am old. Dont want to ruin frig. Good video.❤

[@PartsDr]

Glad we could help!

[@atillaozturk7075]

Good video

[@gecko4878]

cool video, pretty useful

[@PartsDr]

Great, thanks!!!

[@TrevorHamberger]

I have bought multiple old fridges and a freezer on craigslist no problem. it's almost imposssible to not twist and turn the thing while moving.

[@wenjuan1980]

Hi Parts Dr, this video you post is very helpful since it explained the principles in an engineer view how to do it correctly and why we need to be careful to the water in the evaporator and the oil in the compressor when tilting the refrigerator.

[@PartsDr]

We are glad you found it helpful!

[@bobbyboy4496]

I need to tip mine to transport in a van but only be about 5 mins will I still have to wait before turning back on . Thanks

[@brandonstewart7145]

Excellent video and I appreciate the input. I am curious why manufacturer don't put on the box dont lay on its side if this can be a issue, any thoughts?

[@thinkb4umove157]

They💰can sell more units💰with no label💰

[@ryanspackman548]

It would certainly be helpful if they specified which side should always be up with a sticker or back label or something. Thick suction line needs to be up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPNfomqp7SUlZYsi=UHFsqLza13KQTrBL

[@piscotpatisserie7259]

Good video! Quick question, what if the fridge is brand new, unpacked, all this still applies? Except for water tray ofcourse, which is empty

[@PartsDr]

Yes this would apply to a brand new fridge.

[@el.gonzalo]

Thanks for sharing.....not sure of someone asked this but is it fine if I tilt it? Moving mine from the kitchen to the garage. Not laying it down, just tipping it.

[@PartsDr]

It will depend on how much the refrigerator is tilted. To be safe, just leave it upright for an hour or two before plugging it back in.

[@bethk9277]

Hi. We transported our convertible upright freezer/refrigerator home from the store today on it's side. We have no idea if it was on the correct side since it was in the box. If oil did get into the discharge line, will it drain back in after sitting a minimum of 24 hours?

[@PartsDr]

Most are okay if you leave it upright for 24 hours before plugging in.

[@moniqueaftertrucking]

How about 3.5 danby? How to transport

[@InnsuDontKim]

Planning to drive a French door fridge for ~2 hours. Seems unnecessary to rent a whole UHaul for just 1 item. Would you recommend just loading into a cargo van/pickup and waiting a couple days?

[@PartsDr]

We would go for option 2, the van/pickup.

[@mikejohnson7768]

I have a 12 volt everchill for my RV, is it possible to reposition the compressor to be able to operate laying down as a top load refrigerator? Thank you

[@PartsDr]

That won't work. Even if you could find a way to get the compressor to work, the automatic defrost system won't work properly if the refrigerator is lying down.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

The question I have is I have recently purchased a heavy commercial upright freezer which, to get into its desired location, had to be laid on its side. Now that it is in the room where it needs to be, how do I get it back upright? It is about 80" in length and the compressor is on the top, so we have to get the very heaviest part of it lifted. Further complicating the matter - it is on casters. I have no idea how to get this thing stood up without risking it sliding away on the casters or, alternately, dropping like a stone if I and others do not have the strength to lift the top 80" from the floor.

[@beetelish]

Chock the bottom with a board against something solid. Have something to hold it while lifting in case you can’t handle all the weight

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@beetelish As it happens, that's just what I did. I found that my furniture dollies needed to be much closer to the bottom of the freezer to exert maximum leverage when I lifted the top and began pushing forward.

[@helaluddinakanda6779]

I want to buy an LG SBS refrigerator that is 190 cm in height, so it should be laid down inside air cargo to transport in Bangladesh from Malaysia. Maybe the laydown position will be more than 24 hrs. Will it be make problem, or any suggestions?

[@viniciusalmeida7037]

Why would you use air cargo for a fridge?

[@aaronk1664]

Would the same precaution apply to a chest freezer with regards to the compressor and oil? Thank you!

[@PartsDr]

Yes it would.

[@stoneylonesome5826]

Is the transportation procedure for a freezer the same? Do freezers have compressors?

[@PartsDr]

Yes, same the information in this video applies to freezers as well. Yes, freezers have compressors.

[@Belle0404]

👋 I just bought a new mini fridge and it's been laying on its side for 2 weeks (new in box, never plugged in) waiting to be transported. Should I keep it upright for a couple of days before plugging it in? Do you think the components are damaged bc of laying on its side for 2 weeks? All help is appreciated. Thank you

[@PartsDr]

It will most likely be okay if you leave it upright for a couple of days before plugging it in.

[@just...A]

My new fridge freezer was delivered upside down. I suspect it was transported upside down too. They said wait 2 hrs before plugging it in, I waited 6 hrs. Both fridge and freezer are cooling fine but there is strong gas smell from the fridge part which spreads to the food in it and affects its taste. Has the fridge been damaged? Is it dangerous?

[@PartsDr]

Any smells would not be related to the compressor or sealed system. Check to make sure all of the packing materials were removed from the refrigerator. We commonly see protective plastic left on pieces inside the refrigerator creates a bad smell.

[@shamhasan6217]

My fridge was on the side for 25 minutes how long until turning it on

[@goddestsmile]

We just moved a refrigerator sides was that was unplug for over 3 weeks we got it home didn’t know to wait now the freezer isn’t getting cold should we unplug for 24hrs what should we do

[@PartsDr]

Refrigerators can take up to 24 hours to cool down once they are plugged in. Did you make sure to allow adequate time for it to cool down?

[@Buchito22]

Hey Buhd! God a Whirpol freezer from someone, I moved it upright without bending it. I allowed it stay for 24hrs, but when I put it on, it makes a crazy loud noise like an alarm sound! What do I do please? Help!

[@PartsDr]

It sounds like there is something wrong with it but unfortunately we don't know the cause of the problem.

[@milvolts1]

That was very interesting 🤔. At this point I'm very worried, because I just brought home a refrigitator on a home depot Pic up truck. My problem is I had to lay it side ways. And I think I put it down on the wrong side. I brought it home this Saturday, and have not turned it on as of yet(Tuesday) . The compressor is an Embraco Vegy 8H. I laid the fridge with the 2 small copper tubes laying down. Please advice sir. Did I mess up bad? Any feedback would be great. Have a good one. By the way the fridge is a kitchen aid 42" wide French Door with freezer on bottom.

[@PartsDr]

Usually if you wait a few days, the oil should have settled back into the sump of the compressor and you should be fine.

[@milvolts1]

@@PartsDr , that sounds reassuring man. Crossing my fingers. Thanks for all you do

[@milvolts1]

@@PartsDr , it's working well so far. Pheeeew!

[@PartsDr]

@@milvolts1 Great! Thanks for letting us know!

[@kerryanneoconnor1163]

how did u get it back up off its side

[@gabrielowegngom8289]

I messed up mine, transported it on the side we later on started using it immediately. Now two months later, the fridge has sounds (generator sound) and sometimes goes off by itself. What can we do to solve this

[@PartsDr]

Check with the manufacturer to see if it is under warranty.

[@MeMe-sy4sb]

👍

[@jj8023]

🙌🏻

[@PartsDr]

😎

[@conyshaba]

General rule is lay it down for 2hrs then let it stand upright for 2hrs

[@GORILLA_PIMP]

Ok so i think i screwed up I moved a fridge on its side the other day A GE "freezer on the bottom" model I did NOT let the fridge sit while unplugged before i moved it It was on its side (NOT on it's back) for like 10-15 mins total And then it was upright an unplugged for roughly like 10 more mins at the final destination When i was moving it on the dolly i had the fridge was leaning back with the doors facing FORWARD An today there was roughly like a total of half cup of water on the floor coming from underneath the fridge (the fridge is like 3 years old an NEVER had any water coming from the bottom before) The fridge SEEMS to be working ok but if the fridge is messed up will it happen slowly or would it show up immediately? What will be the specific symptoms if the fridge is messed up?

[@PartsDr]

You may want to check to see if the defrost drain pan is damaged kzbin.info/www/bejne/ineUloyah9WNkKs

[@GORILLA_PIMP]

@@PartsDr Wow that's hardcore So you're basically saying that the only way to know if i did any damage is either check the defrost drain pan or just wait an see if the fridge starts malfunctioning later on in the near future? What do you think the odds are that i did any permanent damage/damage that will start showing symptoms later? The fridge seems to be working fine at this moment

[@farmitzdugan]

If the fridge was tipped toward the discharge line for maybe 10 or 20 min what should I do? Is it ruined? Do I need to flush something before turning it on? Do I need to call a service person?

[@PartsDr]

Leave it upright for a day before plugging it in and you should be fine.

[@farmitzdugan]

@@PartsDr thank you!

[@ryanspackman548]

Actually, the oil can only get in through the suction side so it should always be up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJPNfomqp7SUlZYsi=UHFsqLza13KQTrBL

[@annabellejonesify]

HOW DO I GET INTO THE WALL THAT DIVIDES THR FREEZER AND FRIDGE? My freezer is cold but the fridge is warm. The evaporator fan IS running. I feel some air flow coming thru the top crossover hole but none coming thru the bottom crossover hole just above the vegetable drawer. It just started doing this after transferring it from the kitchen to the garage. We had no choice but to flip the refrigerator totally upside down 1 time to get it down the stairs but it was done slowly and carefully. Now that it’s in the garage, the freezer side is freezing but the fridge only drops to 62 degrees.

[@davidgarcia-jk6nt]

My freezer had build-up fridge warm. Had damper door stuck on close. Located upper top between freezer and fridge. Replaced good now. Freezer cold air goes through damper door to fridge and exits on bottom toward freezer. Damper door opens on temp settings you have set. You should feel air traveling through damper door. Hope I helped you

[@davidgarcia-jk6nt]

May have to let ice melt. I unplugged mine and melted faster w hair drier towels to soak up water. Put meat in ice chests extra day or two. Maybe bottom side to much food blocking air passages on freezer side ? Air flow goes freezer top to fridge then bottom fridge side to freezer. Damper door allows this circulate

[@blueeyedsoulman]

I had to tip a new fridge in the box on it's back for a few hours. I left it upright for a day. What happens if the oil went into the pipe? Can it be removed?

[@PartsDr]

If you left it upright for a day, you will be fine.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

@@PartsDr OK. Powering up.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

@@PartsDr Works. Thanks very much.

[@sypher0101]

What happens if you tip the fridge on the front side ?

[@PartsDr]

Leave it upright for 24 hours and you should be okay.

[@sagarbhandari5501]

I tipped the new fridge down only for 5 minutes and plug in after 5 minutes for 2 hours.What to do?? Shall I turn it off and wait for 24 hours??

[@PartsDr]

Yes, that would be the safest thing to do.

[@sagarbhandari5501]

@@PartsDr Does that 5. Minutes harm the fridge?

[@sagarbhandari5501]

??

[@sagarbhandari5501]

??

[@italwayshitsthefan]

Ok but you didnt say if you have the fridge on its side like only a moment moving it through the door but not having it on its side beside the 60 seconds or less that youd need 24 hours or more.. others say 2 to 4 hours.

[@PartsDr]

2 to 4 hours should be adequate.

[@reactions_with_will]

Couldn't you just disconnect the discharge line ?

[@PartsDr]

No, the lines on the compressor are part of a sealed system and should not be disconnected unless it is being repaired by a trained professional.

[@reactions_with_will]

@@PartsDr ah OK ty

[@bootyman234]

If the fridge is on its side for a longer period Than what ?

[@PartsDr]

Leave it upright for 24 hours and you should be okay.

[@Nessa1620]

Adulting 101!!!!!!!!!!😅😅😅