If your washing machine isn’t on a perfectly flat surface with all four feet touching the floor it can be very noisy – and constant excessive vibrations can actually damage the appliance mechanisms. In many cases, it’s quite simple to fix the problem by initially determining if your washer is sitting level – with a level tool designed for this purpose. Find out more about how to level a washing machine here…
Level Tools
For a simple manual option use a spirit level – a small glass tube containing liquid an air bubble – the tube is fixed in a wooden or metallic block and you place the level on the surface to find the true horizontal when the bubble floats to the top of the tube and centres itself.
Level tools are available with 360-degree red beam lasers that arrange and square room layouts quickly and easily. Manual lock mode locks the laser lines at any angle with protecting pendulum systems that work when the unit is switched off. The control button and one on/off switch to make them easy to operate.
You can also find an app on your smartphone that mimics a levelling tool.
Leveling the Washing Machine
How to level a washing machine on an uneven floor is straightforward – you can loosen the lock nut on each of the two front legs. By screwing the one leg all the way in to avoid vibration you can then adjust the other as needed until the washer sits flat. Confirm with your level tool before you carry on.
You’ll need to check the rear legs next – you may need help with tipping the washing machine forward so that you can lift them a few inches off the floor. Most washing machines have self-levelling rear legs so when you set the appliance back down the legs should adjust automatically. For other models, you’ll need to adjust the legs manually until the machine is level.
Double check the washing machine is level from front to back and side to side – then you can re-tighten the lock nuts to prevent the legs from moving during future wash cycles. How to level a washing machine under a worktop or under a counter will take the same format – you’ll have to pull the machine out completely to carry out the adjustments. You may need to replace floor braces – you can do this with plywood.
Older Models
If your washing machine is an older model and doesn’t have adjustable feet you can use pieces of wood or heavy cardboard to create a level floor. You may find that washer anti-vibration pads are very good at absorbing and preventing “skidding and walking”. These are made of hard rubber that makes the washing machine more stable – and are not as big as to compromise performance. The indentation of these pads is universal so will work with most washing machines.
Regular Checks
If you start to notice additional vibrations, noise, or movement you can check the following:
- House settling – this can happen after several years and you may need to move your machine or re-level
- Incorrect loading – for top load washers it’s important to load the clothes around the agitator in a balanced way without overloading. For front loaders, the clothes should be placed in without tangling and overloading –check your manual for acceptable loads. Bulk counts more than weight so you need to wash large items like blankets and rugs separately to balance the load for a proper spinning action.
- Improperly installed storage bases – on front-loaded washers, alongside improperly stacked washer dryers should also be checked regularly as these issues can cause a washing machine to become off balance.
- Problems with leaks – this may have caused the floor of the laundry room to rot and the floor itself may need replacing.
- Storage base screws – these can loosen over time allowing the machine to vibrate and they just need tightening up.
Laundry Room Location
New homes have started to prioritize the best places for your washing machine to increase convenience, improve efficiency, and ensure safe ventilation. You may want to consider relocating your existing laundry room to the second floor, off the kitchen or Master bedroom, or into the garage. Just make sure you have the adequate ventilation needed to prevent any potential hazards.
Experienced Appliance Repairs
If you’re really struggling with how to level a washing machine then you should simply call in the experts – technicians from Exclusive Repairs will quickly be there to help. Your washing machine will be taken care of by highly trained staff using advanced tools and equipment to get the job done.
You’ll be able to make an appointment without any hassle – and get a short notice one if you need to. Your service will be fully insured – and come with a six-month quality guarantee.