Installation and Preparation

Should Appliances Be Moved Before Flooring Installation?

Appliances must typically be moved before flooring installation, but most installers do not disconnect water, gas, or electrical lines. Arrange for a plumber, gas professional, and electrician. Verify floor height clearance and protect new flooring.

Should Appliances Be Moved Before Flooring Installation?

Appliance movement is one of the most common points of confusion in flooring installation. After decades of coordinating installations in Oklahoma homes, we explain which appliances need to be moved, who is responsible, and when specialists are needed.

Why Appliance Movement Matters

Appliances must be moved for several reasons:

Flooring access — the installer needs access to the entire floor, including under appliances.
Floor height — new flooring may raise the floor height, affecting appliance clearance.
Damage risk — moving heavy appliances can damage the new flooring or the appliance.
Utility disconnection — water, gas, and electrical lines must be disconnected before moving.

Refrigerators

Move — yes; the refrigerator must be moved to install flooring underneath.
Water line — disconnect the water line for ice makers and water dispensers.
Height — new flooring may raise the floor; verify the refrigerator fits under cabinets.
Rolling — refrigerators have wheels but can damage flooring; use appliance rollers or plywood.
Homeowner responsibility — typically the homeowner's responsibility.

Ranges

Move — yes; the range must be moved to install flooring underneath.
Gas line — gas ranges require a professional to disconnect and reconnect the gas line.
Electric — electric ranges can be unplugged but may require a professional for 220V connections.
Anti-tip — anti-tip brackets must be reinstalled after flooring installation.
Height — new flooring may raise the range; verify counter height alignment.

Dishwashers

Move — sometimes; dishwashers may need to be removed to install flooring underneath.
Height — new flooring may raise the floor, trapping the dishwasher under the counter.
Water and electrical — disconnect water and electrical before moving.
Professional — a plumber or appliance specialist may be needed.
Cabinet clearance — verify the dishwasher can be removed after flooring installation.

Washers and Dryers

Move — yes; washers and dryers must be moved to install flooring underneath.
Water lines — disconnect hot and cold water lines and drain hoses.
Gas line — gas dryers require a professional to disconnect and reconnect the gas line.
Electric — electric dryers use 220V; may require a professional.
Vent — disconnect and reconnect the dryer vent.
Height — new flooring may raise the appliances; verify clearance under cabinets or shelves.

Water Lines

Refrigerator — ice maker and water dispenser water lines.
Dishwasher — hot water line and drain.
Washer — hot and cold water lines and drain hose.
Shutoffs — locate and test shutoffs before disconnection.
Plumber — arrange for a plumber if shutoffs are stuck or inaccessible.

Gas Lines

Gas range — professional disconnection and reconnection required.
Gas dryer — professional disconnection and reconnection required.
Safety — gas line work is dangerous; never attempt DIY gas disconnection.
Shutoff — locate the gas shutoff before work begins.

Floor Height

Height increase — new flooring may raise the floor height.
Appliance clearance — verify appliances fit under cabinets or shelving.
Dishwasher trapping — flooring can trap the dishwasher under the counter.
Transition strips — transitions may be needed to accommodate height changes.

Damage Risks

Flooring damage — dragging appliances can scratch or dent new flooring.
Appliance damage — improper movement can damage appliance feet or leveling legs.
Water damage — disconnected water lines can leak.
Gas leak — improper gas reconnection can cause leaks.
Personal injury — heavy appliances can cause back injury or crushing.

Installer Responsibilities

Move appliances — some installers will move appliances; others will not.
Disconnect utilities — most installers do not disconnect water, gas, or electrical lines.
Contract — confirm appliance-moving responsibility in the contract.
Protection — the installer should protect the new flooring when moving appliances back.

Appliance Specialists

Plumber — for water line disconnection and reconnection.
Gas professional — for gas line disconnection and reconnection.
Electrician — for 220V electrical disconnection and reconnection.
Appliance mover — professional appliance movers for heavy items.

Printable Preparation Checklist

☐ Confirm appliance-moving responsibility in contract
☐ Disconnect refrigerator water line
☐ Arrange gas professional for gas range and dryer
☐ Arrange plumber for dishwasher and washer
☐ Verify appliance clearance with new floor height
☐ Plan for anti-tip bracket reinstallation
☐ Protect new flooring when moving appliances back

Homeowner Responsibilities

Confirm appliance-moving responsibility in the contract.
Arrange for water, gas, and electrical disconnection.
Verify appliance clearance with new floor height.
Protect new flooring when moving appliances back.

Installer or Contractor Responsibilities

Move appliances if contracted to do so.
Install flooring under appliances.
Protect new flooring when moving appliances back.
Reinstall anti-tip brackets if applicable.

Items Requiring Advance Confirmation

Whether the installer will move appliances.
Who will disconnect and reconnect water, gas, and electrical.
Whether new floor height will affect appliance clearance.
Whether the dishwasher can be removed after flooring installation.

Common Preparation Mistakes

Assuming the installer will disconnect utilities.
Not arranging a gas professional for gas lines.
Not verifying appliance clearance with new floor height.
Dragging appliances across new flooring.
Not reinstalling anti-tip brackets.

Safety Considerations

Gas line work is dangerous — use a professional.
Water lines can leak — test connections after reconnection.
Heavy appliances can cause back injury — use proper lifting techniques.
220V electrical is dangerous — use a professional.
Keep children and pets away.

Bottom Line

Appliances must typically be moved before flooring installation, but most installers do not disconnect water, gas, or electrical lines. Arrange for a plumber for water lines, a gas professional for gas lines, and an electrician for 220V. Verify appliance clearance with new floor height, and protect new flooring when moving appliances back.

Still have questions? Visit your nearest Premier Carpet & Tile showroom to speak with an experienced project coordinator who can help you plan your installation with confidence.

Key considerations

Most flooring installers do not disconnect water, gas, or electrical lines — arrange specialists
Gas ranges and gas dryers require a professional for disconnection and reconnection
New flooring may raise the floor height, affecting appliance and dishwasher clearance
Dragging appliances across new flooring can cause scratches and dents — use protection
Confirm appliance-moving responsibility in the contract before installation day

A common misconception

Many homeowners assume flooring installers will move all appliances as part of the installation. In reality, most installers do not disconnect water, gas, or electrical lines — and moving heavy appliances without proper disconnection can cause damage and injury.

Ask an Expert

Should Appliances Be Moved Before Flooring Installation?