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Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 10 to 20 minutes
- Duration: 10 to 20 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $0 to $5
Washing machines that shake, move, leak, or fail to spin typically have a common underlying issue: they are not level. Ensuring that the washing machine is properly leveled is essential for its optimal performance and can prevent more serious issues, such as the water supply hoses disconnecting and causing flooding. Generally, the process of leveling a washing machine can be completed in just a few minutes.
Contents
How Washing Machines Can Become Unbalanced
A washing machine that is not level may result from problems with the flooring, items lodged beneath the appliance, or the front legs not being adjusted correctly. Frequent reasons for this issue include:
- Decayed flooring material
- Inadequate subfloor and beams
- Device positioned on a cushioned surface, such as a carpet.
- Uneven flooring
- Spinning cycles with incorrectly loaded or excessively heavy objects, such as blankets, can cause the machine to become unbalanced.
- The elevation of machine feet varies over time.
- Front-loading washers operate at higher spin speeds compared to top-loading washers, leading to potential misalignment issues.
- Plastic washing machine tray misaligned.
- Place robust anti-vibration pads beneath the feet of the washing machine.
When to Adjust the Level of a Washing Machine
Ensure that the washing machine is leveled only when the drum is devoid of water. If it is safe to do so, start the spin cycle to remove the water from the drum. If not, manually remove the water using a kitchen measuring cup.
Ensure that the washing machine is perfectly level right away. There is no safe angle for operating washing machines that exceeds the maximum slope advised by the manufacturer.
Tip
Numerous Android devices come equipped with a built-in leveling tool, eliminating the necessity for a separate application. Simply request a bubble level through Google Assistant. Similarly, iPhones feature a level application that is already installed. Just launch the Measure app and select the Level option.
Safety Factors to Keep in Mind
Completely detach the washing machine prior to any maintenance. Remove the drain hose, empty the water, and position the hose’s end inside the drum. Also, disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses and lay them inside the drum. Finally, unplug the power cord to prevent any risk of electric shock.
Requirements for Your Project
Devices / Instruments
- Spirit level or smartphone leveling application
- Versatile gripping tools
Materials
- 2×4 timber block
Instructions
Remove the washer.
To inspect the flooring beneath the washing machine, begin by completely disconnecting the appliance. Move the washer forward until the entire space beneath it is accessible. If the machine is positioned on a plastic tray, pull both the tray and the washer forward together.
Inspect for any loose foot pads.
Rubber anti-vibration pads, akin to those used for furniture, might have become dislodged from beneath the feet of the washing machine. To ensure the machine stays level, it requires either all four pads to be intact or none at all.
Assess the State of the Flooring
The flooring must be sturdy, utilizing materials like tile, vinyl, laminate, or wood. It is important that washing machines are not placed on carpeted surfaces. Use a level to ensure that the flooring is even. The surface should be robust and well-maintained, free from any signs of rot, cracks, water damage, or mold.
Tip
The ideal incline for the majority of washing machines should not exceed 1/2 inch of vertical rise for every horizontal foot. Given that washing machines typically measure around 27 inches in width, this means a total vertical rise of approximately 1 inch across the full width or depth of the unit. Treat this as the upper limit for slope, and strive for a completely level installation.
Flooring Restoration
If necessary, fix the flooring. For flooring that is significantly decayed, the ideal approach is to take off the floor covering, then take out and replace the damaged subfloor, and finally reinstall the floor covering. In certain situations, the floor joists may also be compromised. As an alternative, some washing machine manufacturers suggest placing 3/4-inch exterior or marine-grade plywood over the finished flooring. Cut the plywood to 34 inches in depth and 34 inches in width to ensure it spans three floor joists completely. Secure the plywood to the joists using 2-inch screws.
Verify the washer’s water level.
Once the washer is positioned correctly, verify its level from side to side and from front to back. If the washer features a rounded top, opt for flat surfaces, like the side seams or the top edge of the control panel, for your measurements.
Washer Installation
Ensure the lid is closed, then gently tilt the washer back and forth as well as side to side to check if all four legs are making contact with the ground. If the back legs are not level, the issue is with the flooring, as those legs are stationary. If the front legs are uneven, proceed to adjust them using the steps outlined next.
Support the front of the washing machine.
Ask someone to tilt the washer backward to elevate the front by several inches. Place a two-by-four block underneath the front center of the washer.
Modify Washer Legs
Using pliers or your hands, rotate the front leveling feet in a counterclockwise direction to decrease the height of the washer feet, or in a clockwise direction to increase their height. It’s possible that the feet will need to be adjusted to varying heights to accommodate the flooring. Ensure that each foot is firmly connected to the washer’s base.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
Contact a general contractor to carry out significant repairs to the finished flooring, subfloor, or the joists beneath the equipment.
