Why Does Leveling Your Washing Machine Matter?
Let’s be honest: nobody bought a washing machine to watch it do the jitterbug every time it spins. When a washer isn’t level, it’s like giving it an unsteady dance floor. Excess vibrations lead to loud noises, potential damage to the machine’s internal components, and even your floor might start to protest. Plus, if a washer rocks back and forth, it can seriously shorten the lifetime of your investment.
Properly leveling your washing machine isn’t just about making it look nice and neat. It’s a crucial step to reduce vibrations and prevent early wear and tear. Think of it as giving your washer a stable home to work hard and last long.
Get Set: Tools and Prep Needed Before Leveling
Alright, before you channel your inner handyman (or handywoman), let’s round up what you’ll need:
- A carpenter’s level or smartphone with a reliable leveling app
- An adjustable wrench or pliers to turn those tricky leveling feet
- Wooden shims or plastic wedges for filling uneven gaps under feet if needed
- Good lighting and at least one extra pair of hands — washing machines are deceptively heavy!
Pro tip: You might want to pick up a leveling tool kit or sturdy shims if you don’t have any lying around. For Indian readers, here’s a quick link to grab shims or leveling tools that can save some time and sweat.
Step 1: Position Your Washing Machine
First, place your washing machine where it’s supposed to live — not a millimeter off. Make sure you have enough room to get underneath and beside it to adjust the leveling feet easily. Tight quarters like under a countertop can complicate things, so if you’re installing under a cabinet or worktop, pre-level the floor with shims first so your washer doesn’t wobble after the final push-in.
Step 2: Use a Level to Check Evenness
Here comes the science part — grab your carpenter’s level and place it on top of the washing machine. Check the bubble or app reading from side to side, then from front to back. Your goal? The bubble nestled in the middle, telling you everything is balanced. If your washer isn’t level yet, the bubble will give you a visual nudge on which way to go next.
Step 3: Adjust the Leveling Feet
Underneath your washing machine are its unsung heroes—the leveling feet. Use your wrench or pliers to turn them:
- Clockwise usually lowers the foot.
- Counterclockwise raises it.
Adjust each foot a little at a time, checking your level on top after a few tweaks. The goal is simple: all feet snugly touching the floor with no rocking or gaps. Remember, if you can rock the machine, it’s not stable yet.
For certain washers like those with rear self-leveling legs, you might need to tip the machine forward to set those legs properly, as explained in manufacturer guidelines.
Step 4: Test Stability and Rockability
Here’s the classic “palm push” test to make sure you nailed it. Place your hands firmly on opposite sides of the machine and gently push front to back and side to side. If it rocks or wiggles, back to adjusting those feet you go. Shims or plastic wedges can be tucked under troublesome feet on uneven floors to prevent future wobble. For some inspiration, check out this leveling help article on using wedges effectively.
Extra Tips You’ll Thank Yourself For Later
- Two pairs of hands: Don’t try going solo on this. Your back (and the machine) will thank you.
- Keep your floor clean: Dirt or debris under the feet can mess with leveling accuracy.
- Double check drain hoses: Once leveled, confirm your hoses aren’t kinked or stretched—follow guides like how to install washing machine drain hose to ensure smooth water flow.
- Don’t ignore vibration: If despite being level your machine still vibrates, it could be an indicator of other issues worth investigating.
What Happens if You Don’t Level Your Washing Machine?
To put it bluntly: it’s a recipe for disaster. Uneven machines can cause:
- Excessive noise driving you (and your neighbors) up the wall.
- Premature wear on motor, drum bearings, and suspension springs.
- Potential damage or dents to the laundry room floor.
- Failed washes with clothes coming out all tangled or soaked unevenly.
If you want your washing machine to behave and last longer, leveling is a non-negotiable chore.
Troubleshooting: When Leveling Gets Tricky
Uneven floors or funky laundry rooms happen. Here’s what to keep in mind when your setup feels like handling a puzzle:
- Use sturdy shims or plastic wedges: These fill gaps that feet can’t reach on uneven floors.
- Ensure firm contact: Shims must be stable and not compress under weight.
- Don’t force feet beyond their limits: If the adjustment range isn’t enough to level the machine, the problem might be the floor, not the washer.
- Consider a washing machine stand: Sometimes elevating and stabilizing the appliance on a platform improves leveling, as discussed in this guide.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Your Leveling Questions
Can I level a washing machine by myself?
Sure, if you’re confident and strong enough, but it’s safer and easier with a buddy due to the machine’s weight.
Is it necessary to use a professional?
Not usually. Leveling is a simple DIY job. However, if you have an unusual machine model or a tricky spot, call in a pro just to be safe.
How often should I check the washing machine’s level?
Ideally after installation, moving the machine, or if you notice vibration/noise during cycles.
Can I put shims under the feet instead of adjusting them?
Only as a last resort or for minor floor unevenness. Adjusting feet comes first since they are designed for leveling.
Bring It All Together
Leveling your washing machine and the floor beneath it might seem like an annoying chore, but trust me—there’s no shortcut to a happy, long-lasting laundry day experience. A properly leveled washer means less noise, a healthier machine, and better wash results. Plus, it keeps your floors safe from unsightly damage and shaking upheavals.
Plus, once you know the trick, you’ll be the envy of your friends with your perfectly balanced laundry setup—talk about next-level homeowner skills! For more washing machine wisdom, check out how to keep your washing machine limescale free or install new washing machine hoses without tearing your hair out.