Refrigerator Door Hits Wall: 4,000+ Homes Suffer Daily

The Problem: A Widespread Issue

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), over 4,000 homes experience the problem of a refrigerator door hitting the wall every single day. This issue can cause damage to both the refrigerator and the wall, and can also be a safety hazard.

The Causes: Swings, Oversights, and Design Flaws

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a refrigerator door hitting the wall, including:

• Swinging open too far: When the refrigerator door is opened too far, it can hit the wall behind it. This is especially common in small kitchens or when the refrigerator is placed close to a wall.
• Oversights: Sometimes, homeowners simply forget to leave enough space between the refrigerator and the wall when they install it.
• Design flaws: Some refrigerators have doors that are designed to swing open too far, which can make them more likely to hit the wall.

The Consequences: Damage, Hazards, and Headaches

A refrigerator door that hits the wall can cause a number of problems, including:

• Damage to the refrigerator: The impact of the door hitting the wall can damage the refrigerator's door, hinges, or even the compressor.
• Damage to the wall: The door can also damage the wall, leaving dents or scratches.
• Safety hazard: If the refrigerator door is not properly secured, it could fall open and injure someone.

The Solutions: Prevention, Adjustment, and Repair

There are a number of things that homeowners can do to prevent or fix the problem of a refrigerator door hitting the wall, including:

• Prevention: When installing a refrigerator, make sure to leave enough space between the refrigerator and the wall so that the door can swing open without hitting it.
• Adjustment: If the refrigerator door is already hitting the wall, you can adjust the hinges to make the door swing open less far.
• Repair: If the refrigerator door is damaged, you can repair it by replacing the door, the hinges, or the compressor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When trying to fix the problem of a refrigerator door hitting the wall, there are a few common mistakes to avoid, including:

• Not leaving enough space: Make sure to leave enough space between the refrigerator and the wall so that the door can swing open without hitting it.
• Adjusting the hinges too much: If you adjust the hinges too much, the door may not close properly.
• Using the wrong repair parts: If you need to replace the door, the hinges, or the compressor, make sure to use the correct parts for your specific model of refrigerator.

How to Fix a Refrigerator Door That Hits the Wall

If your refrigerator door is hitting the wall, you can fix it by following these steps:

1. Identify the problem: Determine what is causing the door to hit the wall. Is it swinging open too far? Is there not enough space between the refrigerator and the wall? Or is there a design flaw?
2. Find a solution: Once you know the cause of the problem, you can find a solution. If the door is swinging open too far, you can adjust the hinges. If there is not enough space between the refrigerator and the wall, you can move the refrigerator or install a spacer. If there is a design flaw, you may need to contact the manufacturer.
3. Fix the problem: Once you have found a solution, fix the problem. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

Conclusion

A refrigerator door that hits the wall can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. However, by following the tips in this article, you can prevent or fix the problem and keep your kitchen safe and functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator door that hits the wall?

A: The cost to fix a refrigerator door that hits the wall will vary depending on the cause of the problem. If you can fix the problem yourself, it will cost you nothing. If you need to hire a qualified appliance repair technician, the cost will typically be between $50 and $200.

Q: How can I prevent my refrigerator door from hitting the wall?

A: You can prevent your refrigerator door from hitting the wall by leaving enough space between the refrigerator and the wall so that the door can swing open without hitting it. You can also adjust the hinges so that the door swings open less far.

Q: What should I do if my refrigerator door is damaged?

A: If your refrigerator door is damaged, you can repair it by replacing the door, the hinges, or the compressor. Make sure to use the correct parts for your specific model of refrigerator.