--- title: What Is Appliance Service? Moving Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/appliance-service/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - Appliance service # What is appliance service in a move? Appliance service is the preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for transportation, and the hook-up afterward. FMCSA lists appliance servicing as an accessorial service, and its charges may be in addition to the line-haul charges. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) A refrigerator is not just heavy. It holds water lines, a compressor and, in the case of a washer, a drum that must be secured so it does not swing. Appliance service is the small set of steps that makes those machines safe to carry. ## What the FMCSA says The FMCSA booklet lists accessorial services such as packing, unpacking, appliance servicing or piano carrying that you request or that become necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances. A separate entry, appliance service by third party, defines the preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for transportation, with charges that may be in addition to the line-haul charges. ## Typical preparation by appliance Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model. Gas, water and electrical connections are for a qualified technician. - Washer: drain the hoses and secure the drum with the manufacturer's transit bolts or kit - Dryer: disconnect the vent and, for gas models, have the gas line capped by a qualified technician - Refrigerator: empty it, defrost the freezer and let it dry, and secure the doors - Range: disconnect the gas or electrical supply and secure the oven racks - Dishwasher: disconnect water and drain lines ## Who does what Disconnecting a gas line is licensed work in most places, so a crew may rely on an outside technician, which makes it a third-party service. Read the [third-party services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/third-party-services/) entry to see how that charge reaches the bill. Section 375.505(e) requires the mover to tell you when it reasonably expects a special or accessorial service is necessary to move a shipment safely. ## Where it appears on the estimate Charges for services such as these must be determined before the bill of lading is prepared under 375.401(f), or the mover may bill you for them after 30 days. List each appliance at the survey, say which have gas or water connections and tell the estimator whether you want them moved with the household or sold. O'Brien's moves household appliances, so the estimate can include them and say what preparation each needs. See [household appliance moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/appliances/). ## At the new home Plan for the hook-up too. Check that the new space has the right outlet, a vent, a water shutoff and room for the door to swing. A washer that sits in the hallway for a week waiting for a plumber is the most common end to an otherwise smooth move. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.505 bill of lading](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-E/section-375.505) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.401 estimating charges](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-D/section-375.401) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Third party services](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/third-party-services/) - [Household appliance moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/specialty-moving/appliances/) - [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Valuation deductible](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/valuation-deductible/) - [Bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/bill-of-lading/) - [Linehaul](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/linehaul/) - [White glove service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/white-glove-service/) - [Binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/binding-estimate/) - [Non binding estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/non-binding-estimate/) - [Not to exceed estimate](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/not-to-exceed-estimate/) - [Released value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/released-value-protection/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do movers disconnect gas appliances? Many leave gas work to a qualified technician. Ask the estimator how your range or dryer would be handled. ### Is appliance service part of the linehaul charge? FMCSA says appliance service charges may be in addition to the line-haul charges, so look for them as their own line. ### Does O'Brien's move appliances? Yes. Household appliances are on its specialty moving list. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. C Christy R. March 25, 2023 All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service! ### Owner's reply Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us! J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070