Can You Lay Down a Refrigerator?

Can You Lay Down a Refrigerator?
Written By
Charity Tober
Charity Tober
Published: Jul 25, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Moving the Fridge

Refrigerators should always be unplugged, emptied, defrosted and packaged securely to protect the unit during transport. Most manufacturers recommend that refrigerators always be moved in the upright and vertical position. When a refrigerator is placed on its side, oil from the interior compressor can drain into the refrigerant tubes and cause damage to the unit. If it is unavoidable to transport a refrigerator upright, lay the unit down on its side -- on the freezer side for side-by-side models or else opposite the hinges -- instead of the back. Stand the unit upright at the new location and allow it to sit unplugged for the same amount of time that it was on its side to allow the oil to drain back down. Compact units should always be transported upright because of the drain design.

The Drip Cap

  • A refrigerator is a major appliance in the home and not a small expense if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Photo Credits

Ernest Prim/Hemera/Getty Images

Ernest Prim/Hemera/Getty Images

Charity Tober

Based in Lake Mary, Fla., Charity Tober writes mainly on finance, career, interior decorating, parenting and weddings. Tober has also self-published two children's picture books. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from…

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