Leveling a front load washer is a crucial step for optimal performance, ensuring quiet operation and preventing excessive vibration. It's a straightforward process that you can do yourself with a few basic tools.
Why Leveling Your Front Load Washer is Essential
An unlevel washing machine can lead to a host of problems, impacting its efficiency and lifespan.
- Reduces Vibration: The most noticeable issue with an unlevel washer is excessive shaking and vibration, especially during spin cycles.
- Minimizes Noise: Unnecessary movement contributes to loud banging and thumping sounds.
- Prevents Wear and Tear: Consistent vibrations can stress internal components, leading to premature wear on parts like bearings and shock absorbers.
- Ensures Proper Operation: A level machine distributes weight evenly, allowing the drum to spin correctly and prevent clothes from bunching on one side, which can cause load imbalance errors.
- Protects Your Floor: Severe vibrations can even damage your flooring over time.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these items:
- Spirit Level: A standard carpenter's level or a phone app with a level function.
- Transit Bolt Wrench (or Open-End Wrench): Many washers come with a specialized transit bolt wrench that fits the adjustment and lock nuts. If not, an adjustable wrench or the correct size open-end wrench (typically 17mm or 19mm) will work for the adjustment nuts.
- Pliers or Adjustable Wrench: To loosen and tighten the lock nuts on the washer's feet.
- Gloves: For better grip and protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Front Load Washer
Follow these steps to properly level your appliance and enjoy a quieter laundry experience.
1. Prepare Your Washer
First, ensure safety and accessibility:
- Disconnect Power: Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet.
- Turn Off Water: Close the hot and cold water supply valves.
- Pull Out Washer: Gently pull the washer away from the wall to give yourself enough room to work around all four feet.
2. Locate Unevenness
Place your spirit level on top of the washer, checking in multiple directions:
- Front to Back: Place the level along the front edge of the top panel.
- Side to Side: Place the level along one of the side edges of the top panel.
- Diagonally: For a more precise check, place the level diagonally across the top from corner to corner.
Note which corners are higher or lower. The goal is to get the bubble perfectly centered in all directions.
3. Adjust the Leveling Feet
All front-load washers have four adjustable leveling feet. This is where you'll make your adjustments.
- Identify the Uneven Foot: Determine which foot (or feet) needs to be adjusted based on your level readings.
- Loosen the Lock Nut: First, loosen the lock nut on the foot that needs adjustment. You can typically turn it counter-clockwise using pliers or an adjustable wrench.
- Adjust the Foot Height:
- We recommend using the transit bolt wrench that came with your washing machine. With this wrench (or your open-end wrench), turn the adjustment nut clockwise to raise the foot.
- To lower the foot, turn the adjustment nut counter-clockwise.
- Recheck Level: Make small adjustments, then recheck with your spirit level. It's often helpful to adjust one foot at a time and then re-check the overall level.
- Repeat: Continue adjusting and re-checking until the bubble in your spirit level is centered in all directions.
4. Secure the Lock Nuts
Once the washer is perfectly level:
- Tighten Lock Nuts: Firmly tighten all the lock nuts against the washer frame. This prevents the feet from shifting during cycles and ensures the washer remains level. A loose lock nut is a common cause of recurring vibration issues.
5. Final Test
Before pushing the washer back into place:
- Test Stability: Gently push down on each corner of the washer's top panel. There should be no rocking or movement. If there is, re-check the leveling and tighten the lock nuts.
- Run a Cycle: Connect the power and water, then run a short spin cycle (without clothes) to confirm the machine runs smoothly and quietly without excessive vibration.
Pro Tips for Optimal Washer Leveling
- Stable Floor: Ensure your washer sits on a sturdy, level floor. If your floor is significantly uneven, you might consider using plywood or anti-vibration pads to create a more stable base.
- Anti-Vibration Pads: For extremely noisy or shaky washers, anti-vibration pads placed under each foot can further reduce noise and movement.
- Regular Checks: Periodically check your washer's level, especially if you move it or notice an increase in noise or vibration.
- Full Loads: Always try to wash full loads to help balance the drum, which also reduces stress on the leveling feet.
Common Leveling Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Vibration | Washer shakes violently, especially during spin cycles. | Re-level the washer, ensure all lock nuts are tight, consider anti-vibration pads. |
| Loud Banging Noise | Thumping or banging sounds during operation. | Check leveling, ensure nothing is lodged under the washer, balance laundry loads. |
| Washer "Walks" | The machine slowly moves across the floor. | Re-tighten all lock nuts securely; if on a slick floor, use rubber leveling pads. |
| Out-of-Balance Error | Washer displays an error message indicating an unbalanced load. | Level the machine precisely, ensure loads are not tangled or too small/large. |
By following these steps, you can effectively level your front load washer, extending its life and ensuring a much quieter laundry experience.
