The situation when the purchased refrigerator turns out to be unstable or its legs do not correspond to the height of the existing gap occurs quite often. This may occur due to uneven floor coverings, design features of the plinth, or simply due to the fact that the standard leveling supports were lost during transportation. Ignoring the problem leads to increased noise, vibration and, as a result, premature wear of the compressor.
Owners of household appliances often wonder how to fill the resulting space in order to provide the unit with reliable support. It is important to understand that lining under the refrigerator performs not only the leveling function, but also serves as a buffer that dampens mechanical vibrations. An incorrectly selected material can cause the case to sag or disrupt heat transfer in the lower part of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail which materials are suitable for these purposes, and which are strictly prohibited to use. You will learn about the physical properties of various seals, methods of their installation and nuances that will help extend the life of your equipment. The correct approach to installation guarantees silence in the kitchen and stable operation of the equipment.
Basic requirements for support materials
The first and most critical parameter of any material used as a substrate is its ability to withstand significant static loads. The weight of a modern refrigerator loaded with food can reach 100-120 kilograms, and this weight is distributed over only four support points. The material should not be deformed, flattened or crumble under such pressure for a long time.
The second important aspect is vibration damping. During operation, the compressor creates vibrations that are transmitted to the housing and then to the floor. If you place a hard, ringing material under the feet, such as metal or stone, the vibration will increase, creating an unpleasant hum. An ideal material should have damping properties, absorbing vibration energy.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use flammable materials or those that can melt when heated. Although the bottom of the refrigerator does not get very hot, the risk of a fire from the wiring or a short circuit in the lower part of the unit cannot be ruled out.
The resistance of the material to moisture should also be taken into account. In the area where the refrigerator is installed, moisture condensation or accidental leaks may occur during defrosting. The material should not absorb water, swell or become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Hygroscopic structures will quickly lose their load-bearing abilities and begin to collapse.
Rubber and caoutchouc linings: the best choice
The most common and An effective solution for leveling and vibration protection is technical rubber. This material has excellent elasticity, a high coefficient of friction and perfectly damps sound waves. For household purposes, rubber sheets with a thickness of 5 to 10 millimeters are ideal.
Using vibration-isolating pads rubber allows you to compensate for minor unevenness in the floor without the need for complex adjustment of the legs. Rubber fits tightly to the supporting surface, preventing the unit from sliding when opening the doors. This is especially true for models with a system No Frostwhere the weight is distributed unevenly depending on the filling of the boxes.
When choosing a rubber backing, you should pay attention to its density. Rubber that is too soft may “float” over time under the weight of the unit, while rubber that is too hard will dampen vibrations worse. The optimal option is a material of medium hardness, often used in the automotive industry to dampen noise.
There are specialized anti-vibration stands that are sold in household appliances stores. They are finished products made of dense rubber with recesses for the legs. Such elements provide maximum stability and often have suction cups or a ribbed structure for better adhesion to the floor.
Use of wood and plywood
Wood is a traditional material that is often used to increase the height of supports. However, its use must be approached with caution. An ordinary untreated board can absorb moisture, become deformed and even become a habitat for insects. For a refrigerator, moisture-resistant plywood or laminated chipboard is best suited.
If you decide to use wooden blocks, they must be pre-treated with protective compounds. Antiseptics and varnishes will create a barrier that protects the wood structure from moisture and rotting. It is important that the surface of the block in contact with the floor is perfectly flat, otherwise the refrigerator will wobble.
- 🪵 Hard wood: Oak, beech or larch have a high density and do not wrinkle under the weight of the equipment.
- 💧 Moisture protection: Be sure to cover the wood with several layers of drying oil or varnish before installation.
- 📏 Dimensional accuracy: The bars must be the same height so as not to disturb the horizontal installation.
Thick plywood 15-20 mm is an excellent compromise solution. It is not as prone to warping as solid wood and can be easily cut to size. To enhance the effect, you can glue two layers of plywood together, creating a sandwich panel of the required thickness.
Synthetic materials: linoleum and plastic
Remnants of linoleum are an affordable material that is often found in every home after renovation. It has good moisture resistance and is dense enough to serve as a support. However, thin linoleum may not cope with the task, so it is recommended to fold it in several layers or combine it with other materials.
Plastic can also be used, but there are important nuances here. Cheap plastic can crack in the cold (if the refrigerator is on an unheated loggia) or crawl under load. A more reliable option is plastic construction padsused when installing windows or tiles. They have a ribbed structure that increases rigidity.
Danger of using soft plastic
Soft types of plastic (for example, PVC film) under the constant pressure of the sharp edges of metal legs can be cut or flattened to the point where the metal touches floor. This will lead to scratches on the floor covering and loss of stability.
When using synthetic materials, it is important to consider their sliding. Smooth plastic or glossy linoleum can cause the refrigerator to “ride” on the floor when the door is suddenly slammed. To avoid this, it is recommended to equip the lower surface of the pads with anti-slip stickers or glue pieces of sandpaper to them.
Comparison table of materials for pads
For the convenience of choosing a suitable material, we provide a comparative description of the main options. These parameters will help you weigh the pros and cons before starting installation work.
| Material | Vibration damping | Moisture resistance | Durability | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical rubber | High | Excellent | 10+ years | Low |
| Oak block | Average | Requires processing | 5-7 years | Average |
| Linoleum (multilayer) | Average | Excellent | 3-5 years | Low |
| Plastic tiles | Low | Excellent | 5+ years | Low |
| Foam rubber/foam | High | Bad | 1 year | Low |
As can be seen from the table, foam rubber and soft foams, despite good damping properties, are absolutely unsuitable for constant use due to low load-bearing capacity and hygroscopicity. The optimal balance of price and quality is technical rubber or specialized rubber anti-vibration mats.
Step-by-step instructions for installing pads
The process of installing pads under the legs of the refrigerator requires following a certain sequence of actions. Violation of technology can lead to distortion of the unit and damage to the cooling system. Before starting work, make sure that the floor is clear of dust and debris.
First you need to carefully tilt the refrigerator. To do this, it is better to call an assistant, since even an empty unit has significant weight. It should be tilted in the direction opposite to where the work will be carried out. If the refrigerator is connected to the network, you must first disconnect it from the power supply and wait a few minutes.
☑️ Preparation for installing substrates
Next, the material is tried on. The substrate should protrude beyond the dimensions of the leg by 1-2 centimeters on all sides to ensure even distribution of the load. If a composite structure is used (for example, wood + rubber), the elements must be fastened together with glue or self-tapping screws in advance.
After installing all four supports, the refrigerator returns to the vertical position. At this stage, it is critical to check the levelness of the installation using a building level. The air bubble should be strictly in the center. If there is a skew, the height of one of the substrates must be adjusted.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use cardboard, newspapers or soft fabrics for alignment. These materials will quickly become compressed and the refrigerator will lose stability, which can lead to a fall or damage to internal components.
What you should absolutely not do
There are a number of common mistakes that inexperienced users make when trying to solve the problem of refrigerator stability. Some of these methods may seem effective in the short term, but they carry hidden risks.
Never use glass or ceramic tiles as supports. These materials have zero elasticity and can crack during vibration, creating sharp fragments. In addition, the glass is very slippery, which increases the risk of a heavy unit moving.
- 🚫 Metal coins: They can ring, increasing the noise, and scratch the floor.
- 🚫 Books or magazines: Paper absorbs moisture and turns into dust over time.
- 🚫 Pieces of foam plastic: They crumble under load and do not hold their shape.
It is also not recommended to use liquid sealants or foam to fix the legs “tightly”. The refrigerator should stand freely, supported only by its legs and pads. Rigid fixation will transfer all vibrations to the building structure and may disrupt the operation of the compressor shock absorbers.
Adjusting the standard legs
Before looking for additional materials, it is worth checking the possibilities of standard adjustment. Most modern models are equipped with front legs with a threaded mechanism. They allow you to change the height of the front part of the unit, compensating for floor slopes.
To adjust, you need to use a wrench or special attachments, which are often included with the equipment. By rotating the support clockwise, you decrease its height, counterclockwise, you increase it. The rear legs are usually non-adjustable, but in some models Liebherr or Bosch they may also have an adjustment mechanism.
The purpose of the adjustment is to tilt the refrigerator slightly backwards. This is necessary so that the doors close independently under the influence of gravity. If the refrigerator is standing strictly vertically or tilted forward, the door will open on its own, which breaks the seal of the chamber.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use linoleum if it is already old and cracked?
It is not recommended to use old, cracked linoleum. Cracks can become stress rupture points, causing the leg to suddenly sag. In addition, dirt accumulates in the cracks, which can stain the floor. It is better to cut new pieces from an entire area or use another material.
Do you need to lubricate the linings with oil or silicone?
No, you cannot lubricate the linings. Oil can destroy the structure of rubber or wood, and also create a slippery film that will cause the refrigerator to start sliding on the floor. The silicone can dry out and turn into a sticky mess. The materials must remain dry.
How often should you check the condition of the substrates?
It is recommended to carry out a visual inspection and check the stability of the refrigerator once a year, during general cleaning. If you notice that the unit begins to wobble or make new sounds, a check should be carried out immediately. Rubber gaskets last a long time, but the wood can dry out.
Does the backing material affect energy consumption?
The backing material itself does not directly affect energy consumption. However, if the substrate is not selected correctly and the refrigerator is tilted, this may interfere with the circulation of the refrigerant or the operation of the door seals. A door that doesn't close tightly will cause the compressor to work more often, which will increase electricity consumption.
What to do if the legs of the refrigerator are rusty?
If the standard legs are rusty, you can try cleaning them with a wire brush and painting them with anti-corrosion enamel. If the corrosion is severe and the metal has collapsed, it is better to replace the legs with new ones or use high stands-platforms that will completely hide the old supports and take the load on themselves.