How to Remove Refrigerator Doors? 5 Ultimate Step By Step Guide
Removing refrigerator doors can be necessary to clear your appliance through doorways, hallways or other tight spaces. It is also sometimes required when replacing fridge freezer doors or parts such as the closing cam, door hinge or other hinge and door parts. Begin by shutting the refrigerator door and removing the hood screw (depending on the screw type). Disconnect the water line, then unthread the top hinge cover screws and lift the door off, setting it aside on a non-scratching surface. Learn How to Remove Refrigerator Doors with this simple 5-step guide. Save time and avoid hassle with our clear instructions!
How to Remove Refrigerator Doors? 5 Ultimate Step By Step Guide
Unplug the Appliance:
Whether you’re doing refrigerator repair, moving your appliance into a new home, or simply trying to reduce the width of the fridge so it can fit through a tight doorway, learning how to remove refrigerator doors is essential. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you might think.
Before you start working, it’s important to unplug your appliance. This will prevent the refrigerator from accidentally draining its battery. It’s also a good idea to empty the fridge of food, eggs, jars and other items that could spill or fall.
Once you’ve unplugged your refrigerator, locate the wire connector/harness above the freezer door hinge (if applicable) and disconnect it. You’ll likely need to detach the water line coupler from its lock clip.
Next, unscrew the top hinge covers and slide them off. Next, have an assistant support the door as you lift it off the bottom hinge pin and set it aside. Finally, remove the screw that secures the lower hinge cover and then unscrew the hinge itself.
Disconnect the Water Line:
Whether having your fridge delivered or taking it home yourself, you may have to remove the doors to get it through a narrow doorway. Here’s how to do it.
If applicable, locate and depress any tabs that secure the refrigerator’s water line cover or wire connector/harness. Remove a cover to expose the water line if it is in place. Disrupt that line if the fridge is connected to a water dispenser spigot.
To disconnect the water line, first, shut off the valve. Then, a wrench is used to loosen the compression nut that holds the tube to the refrigerator, and the adaptor fitting is unscrewed from the wall. The end of the tube connected to the fridge should be capped with Teflon tape or a pipe dope seal to prevent any future leaks.
You can also use shims to correct additional hinge problems, such as a sagging or uncooperative door. Shims are available in most hardware stores specializing in home repairs or refrigerators and can be purchased for very little money.
Unthread the Hinge Covers:
If you plan on donating or recycling your refrigerator, removing the doors first is crucial. Some donation centers won’t accept an old fridge with attached doors. Plus, it’s a safety hazard for kids who might try to hide in the refrigerator or get trapped inside.
Before removing the refrigerator door, remove the screw that secures the hinge cover. Then, pry back the hooks and lift the hinge cover away using a flathead screwdriver. Unthread the screws that secure the top hinge lever and, if applicable, detach the water line coupler. (Note: It’s essential to have someone help you support the freezer door while you do this because the hinge lever latch is heavy, and the freezer door can fall off of the pin.)
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the water line and electrical cable from the refrigerator. Refer to the refrigerator’s manual or online instructions for this step. It’s also recommended that you empty the contents of your fridge before removing the doors.
Unthread the Hinge:
Whether donating an old refrigerator or taking it to the dump, take the time to remove the doors first. It’s illegal in some states to abandon a refrigerator with its doors still on (California Penal Code 402b PC), creating a safety hazard for children.
Remove the lower kick plate if your appliance has one, and lay it aside, as well as the door hinge covers (if applicable). Lay an absorbent cloth under the blue plastic water tube coupling to catch any spilled water that might be released during this process.
Unthread the screw securing each of the top door hinge covers and slide them off. Then unthread the screw securing each of your freezer door’s hinge covers and lift them off.
Refrigerators are heavy, so be prepared to have a place ready for them to go or enlist a friend’s help. If you’re planning to donate the refrigerator, call ahead to find out if they require you to remove the refrigerator doors before dropping them off. Also, some donation centers may have specific requirements about how old the refrigerator must be to accept it.
Lift the Door:
Whether you’re doing some remodeling and need to move your refrigerator, or you have a brand-new fridge that won’t fit through the doorway, it’s pretty easy to change the direction in which your refrigerator door opens. All you need are a few tools and about 20 minutes.
If your refrigerator has a freezer on top, you must remove the freezer door first before removing the top door. Once the freezer door is removed, you can lift the top hinge cover and hinge and remove the refrigerator door.
When you are ready to replace your fridge doors, use the screws that came with your new door to attach it to the chassis bracket on the new side. Then, put the lower hinge back on the old side and line up the upper hinge on the new side. Once everything is lined up, refit the 3 10mm bolts, and you are done! Be sure to clean any grease from the hinges before installing. This will help prevent any squeaks from occurring later on.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, removing refrigerator doors is a straightforward process that can make transporting or repairing your fridge much more accessible. By following the steps outlined above—unplugging the appliance, disconnecting the water line, unthreading the hinge covers, removing the hinges, and finally lifting the door off—you can safely remove the doors with minimal hassle. Whether moving the fridge through tight spaces or replacing parts, doing it properly ensures that your appliance remains in good condition and ready for reassembly. Remember to have all the necessary tools on hand and, if possible, enlist a helper for added support.
FAQs:
Why would I need to remove refrigerator doors?
You may need to remove refrigerator doors if moving the appliance through tight spaces like narrow hallways. It’s also common to remove them when replacing parts like door hinges and seals or if you’re donating or disposing of the fridge.
What tools do I need to remove refrigerator doors?
Typically, you’ll need a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, a wrench (for disconnecting the water line), and a flat pry tool to remove hinge covers. Other tools might be needed depending on the fridge model, but these are the basics.
Do I need to unplug the refrigerator before removing the doors?
Yes, it’s essential to unplug the refrigerator before starting any work. This ensures your safety and prevents potential electrical damage or battery drainage.
How do I disconnect the water line from the refrigerator door?
To disconnect the water line, first shut off the water supply. Then, use a wrench to loosen the compression nut and detach the tube from the fridge. Make sure to seal the line with Teflon tape or pipe dope to prevent leaks.
Can I remove the refrigerator doors by myself?
While possible, it’s recommended to have someone assist you, especially when lifting the doors off the hinges. Refrigerator doors can be heavy, and having extra help will make the process safer and more accessible.