Easy Way To Perfectly Level A Washing Machine

If your washing machine isn’t on a completely flat surface with all of its feet touching the floor, it can make it very noisy. Plus the constant vibrations can damage the internal components of the appliance.

This can make it an expensive mistake, but it’s very easy to solve this problem. In many cases all you need to do is level the machine by adjusting its feet to solve this issue.

If your washing machine isn’t level and is making excessive noise as a result, keep reading.

How To Level A Washing Machine: A Step By Step Guide

Although the following steps might seem like a lot of effort, it should take no longer than 10 minutes all in.

You Will Need:

• Spirit Level
• Adjustable Spanner

What You Need To Do:

1. Remove all packaging (if the machine is new) and remove the transit bolts from the back of the appliance.
2. Inspect the floor in the area where the washer is to sit and check that it’s clean and relatively level You might need to lay some plywood on to the floor to account for uneven floorboards etc.
3. Place the washing machine in position and check the level using a spirit level. Check side to side and front to back. If the bubble doesn’t sit in the centre, the washer will need adjusting to get it level.
4. To adjust the level, you’ll need to loosen the locking nut on the front legs of the appliance.
5. Once the nut is loose, you can screw the front legs until it sits level (this is more likely to prevent vibration if the washer is lower to the ground).
6. Screw one front leg in as far as it goes and adjust up from there. 
7. Repeat with the other legs until the level is correct (the rear legs on modern washing machines are self adjusting so all you need to do is tilt the washer forwards and then sit it back down again and the rear legs should adjust themselves. However, some washers have the same legs front and back so you may need to adjust them in the same way as the front legs.
8. Once you’re happy with the level, retighten the locking nuts on all legs.
9. Run a short wash cycle to check that the washer is level and not rocking or vibrating. If there is any movement, recheck the level and consider placing some anti-vibration pads under each leg. 
10. After 4 to 6 weeks, recheck the level on the washer as sometimes the natural settlement of the building can affect the level of the appliance.

Tips To Remember When Levelling A Washing Machine

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when levelling a washing machine for the first time. They include;

• Check to make sure that all 4 feet are firmly on the floor at all times (check for rocking and adjust accordingly).
• Make sure that the floor where the washer is going is level and not damaged in any way.
• Consult your user manual for model specific instructions on how to set up the washing machine.
• Before levelling the washer, ensure it is empty and connected to the water supply and the drain hose is connected as well.
• Always use a spirit level to ensure the level of the machine is correct.
• If you notice that the washer has moved at all after levelling, check that it is still level
• If you are using a stacking kit to stack the dryer above the washer, make sure they are stacked correctly.
• If you notice a leak, get it fixed immediately before it can cause any permanent damage to floors etc.

What Causes A Washing Machine To Become Unlevel?

Once you have levelled the washing machine and run it for a few months you’d think it would remain level. But that’s not always the case, there are several reasons why a washing machine isn’t level which include;

Incorrect Set Up

If you never levelled the washer correctly or forgot to retighten the nuts on the adjustable feet, the washing machine could move around, rock or vibrate.

The more movement the appliance has, the more likely it is to be unlevel.

Uneven Floor

You should always ensure that the floor under the washing machine is level. If the appliance is placed on an uneven floor, you can’t expect it to remain level.

Uneven floorboards should be covered with a piece of plywood to ensure the surface is level.

House Settlement

Over time, all houses settle or move slightly. This settlement could cause the appliance to become unlevel.

If this is the case, all you need to do is adjust the feet to level the machine up again.

Rotting Floorboards

If your washing machine is on wooden floorboards and has developed a leak, the wooden floorboards could start to rot which would account for the unlevel appliance.

This needs rectifying as soon as possible to prevent further damage and the potential damage of the washer. Address the leak and replace any rotten floorboards before releveling the washer.

Imbalanced Loads

Placing too many bulky items in the drum of the washer can cause too much strain on the appliance. This can cause the appliance to move and become unlevel.

Always ensure the drum is evenly loaded and never fill the drum to more than ¾ of its capacity.

Displaced Floor Pads

If you have used anti-vibration pads or placed some other type of pad under the feet of the washer, they could have slipped and become displaced.

This will make the appliance become unlevel until the feet are replaced in the correct position.

When Does A Washing Machine Need To Be Levelled?

You may be wondering when you need to level a washing machine? In most cases, once the washer has been levelled it will remain level for a long time. But, there are certain circumstances when a washing machine might need to be levelled correctly. They include;

• When You Get A New Washing Machine
  A new washing machine will need to be levelled as shown above before you can use it.
• If You Move The Appliance
  If you move the appliance either by accident or when trying to do routine maintenance, you should check it is level after moving it.
• If The Washing Machine Is Extremely Loud
  One of the main causes of a washer becoming loud is vibration or rocking caused by the appliance not being level.
• If The Washer Isn’t Working
  In some cases, the washing machine not working can be caused by it being unlevel. If this is the case, releveling the machine should get it working again. In other cases, you may have moved the washer to repair it. You will need to ensure it is level again before using it.

Why Is It Important That A Washing Machine Is Level?

If the washing machine isn’t level, it will vibrate and all of the internal components can become damaged. That vibration will also create a loud noise and could even damage surrounding cupboards, pipework and floors.

This will not only be costly and annoying, it will also shorten the lifespan of your washing machine and could void any warranty as well.

What Should You Use To Prevent A Washing Machine From Moving?

There are a few products available that can be used to prevent the washing machine from moving. They include;

Anti-Slip Mats

These rubber anti-slip mats prevent the washing machine from moving and reduce vibration as well. They are also treated with an anti-mould additive to prevent mould and mildew forming if the environment is damp.

Temperature resistant between -30^o C to 100^o C as well as being oil and liquid resistant too. They have also been independently tested on washing machines and tumble dryers.

Rubber Pads

These rubber pads are thin enough to create a low centre of gravity but feature suction cups underneath to prevent movement. Made from rubber, these pads can withstand up to 2000 lbs ( 907 kg) weight capacity.

They’re designed to prevent movement, prevent vibration and protect the floor and are suitable for all floor types including hardwood, ceramic and linoleum.

Both of these anti-slip, anti-vibration devices can be used with washing machines as long as you ensure the appliance is level using the adjustable feet.

How To Level Older Washing Machines

If your washing machine is an older style model and doesn’t have adjustable feet, you should still ensure it is level. This can be done using wooden boards or even heavy cardboard to make the floor level. 

You should still use anti-slip mats or pads to ensure the appliance doesn’t move around and recheck the level every so often.

SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Vibrating? Here’s how to stop it

Frequently Asked Questions