How to Repair a Washer that Walks
Appliance behavior mystifies many people. The new washing machine used to purr along, then changes without warning. Washers grumble, whine, run wrong, and your smoothly running household doesn't feel so smooth anymore. Learn about the washer so that it becomes easier to understand its care and problems. Observe the washing machine's behavior the way you would with a car or computer, and get an accurate diagnosis from an expert if needed. The good news: Sometimes the cure involves a fast and inexpensive fix. The case of the walking washing machine may be one of those times. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check the make and model of the washer. This information will be on your sales receipt and any booklets that came with the washer. With an assistant's help, pull the washer away from the wall and check for model information. If this information is unavailable or not accessible, note the washer's characteristics: top-loading or front-loading, large-capacity, "high-efficiency" (HE) or not.
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Contact the washer's manufacturer first if it's possible it's still under warranty. Most washing machine companies have Web sites and 800 numbers. Go online or call. You may be able to chat with someone who can help with the problem, and if it's under warranty or has a service contract, the company usually sends out a service technician to evaluate and resolve the problem.
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Check the handbook that came with the washer; there's often a washer troubleshooting guide toward the back that lists common problems and solutions. Look for a troubleshooting or help area on the manufacturer's Web site. Enter the washer's model number for specific information.
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Obtain anti-slip pads from a hardware store. Also called gripper pads, these vinyl pads feature a peel-off backing and stick to the floor to reduce washer and drier vibration and stop the appliances from walking. The textured pads hold the washer feet in place, and also protect the floor from scratches and rust marks. Vibration occurs during normal washing machine use. Some floors have less traction than others, or the washer may not be level. In these cases, through no mechanical fault of the machine, the washer walks.
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Unplug the washer or turn off the power at the circuit or fuse box. Acme How-To advises that a washer out of level may make more noise and consume more power and water, in addition to walking. With an assistant's help, tilt the washer back toward the wall. It may be necessary to move it forward a few inches to accomplish this. Placing upside-down carpet pieces, rugs or furniture moving glides under the legs will make it easier to move without damaging the floor. Use a flashlight to determine if the legs are adjustable. Often all four adjust; sometimes only the two in front. Place a level on the washer. It may be necessary to raise the left side or the right, or to raise or lower the front on both sides. Turn the foot toward the left with a wrench or pliers (your left as you face the machine) to lengthen. Adjust, and put the level on the top of the washer. Continue adjusting until the washer is level.
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Apply the anti-slip gripper appliance pads according to the package instructions. Keep fingers clear of the legs when returning the washer's weight to the floor. Now the washer stays put, even during the spin cycle.
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Tips & Warnings
If the washer feet are stuck, use some spray lubricant (available from auto supply and hardware stores to get stuck bolts to move).
If the legs won't adjust, put the level on top of the washer and try moving the washer a few inches in each direction to see it can be made level.
Get plenty of help. A minute to call someone for assistance beats the pain, time and money involved in treating a preventable injury.
Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Always contact the manufacturer first if the washer is under warranty or service contract to avoid doing anything that might void the warranty or contract.
Don't put wedges under the feet as the washer could fall off them during operation and injure someone.
