How to Fix a Washing Machine Leveling Problem
A correctly leveled washing machine can usually handle unbalanced loads, and most machines shut off if the load becomes unbalanced enough to cause damage. When not leveled, washing machines can vibrate and move across the room. Securing an unleveled machine in one place can cause it to vibrate so much that items fall off shelves in the house, and washing machine parts can loosen and break. Fix any washing machine leveling problems to prevent pricey repair bills. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
Leveling a Washing Machine
-
1
Unplug the washing machine.
-
2
Place a carpenter's level across the front of the washer on top. It must rest on a flat surface. Check whether the machine is level.
-
-
3
Tilt the machine forward, raising the rear feet a few inches off the floor, if the level showed a problem. (Some washing machines do not have rear feet.) Then set it back down. Most washers have self-adjusting feet, which will often solve the problem.
-
4
Place the level on top of the washer again. If it is still not level, tilt the machine backward and adjust the front machine feet with a wrench or pliers, then check again. You may need to work with the machine feet more than once to get the leveling right.
-
5
Place the level from front to back on both the left and right side after you've verified that the machine is level from side to side. Make any adjustments to the front feet as necessary. Double-check with the level on the left, ride and front sides.
-
6
Tighten the front locknuts with a wrench against the base of the washer to prevent the legs from unscrewing while the machine operates.
-
7
Watch for any further leveling problems with the machine, which may indicate unevenness in the floor. Place washing machine rubber antivibration damper pads, available at many online retail stores, under the feet if the problem continues.
-
8
Place the machine on a 3/4- or 1-inch-thick sheet of plywood to provide a heavy, even support base to eliminate any issues with the underlying floor. If possible, fasten the plywood to the floor with screws.
-
1
