'Honey, why is the washing machine jumping around the laundry room like a kangaroo on a gymnastics mat?' Does this sound like a familiar question in your household? If the answer is yes, then it's high time you learned how to level your clothes washer.
A Rock-and-Roll-Washer: Why You Should Level Your Washer
First things first; let's understand why leveling your washer is so important. An unbalanced washer can be louder than a party next door, leap around as though re-enacting scenes from a kid’s movie, and wear out quicker than your favorite pair of sneakers.
The truth is, a properly leveled washer is a quiet washer. It operates more efficiently, lasts longer, and won't try to take on a life of its own while wringing out your delicate laundry. So, don your DIY hat, ready your toolbox, and let's work some down-home repair magic!
The Tools of the Trade:
Before we spin into the nuts and bolts of leveling your washer, gather up the right set of tools:
- Level: This simple tool will tell you whether your washer is sitting straight.
- Adjustable wrench: This superhero can tackle just about everything involved in your washer-balancing act.
- Shims: The magical units that can put your washer back on an even keel.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Up:
Step 1: Remove any existing washer related debris
Firstly, ensure your washer is installed on a reasonable surface. Remove any loose tiles, small rocks, pieces of old tile — basically, anything that could cause your washer to be off-balance.
Step 2: Check the Initial Level
Place your level on top of the washer. It may be necessary to test it in multiple directions because washers can behave unexpectedly. If the bubble isn’t centered, your washer isn’t level.
Step 3: Adjust the Legs
Most washers have adjustable legs. Use your snazzy adjustable wrench to either bring them up or down, as necessary.
Step 4: Recheck the Level
Nothing in life is done right the first time, and leveling a washer is no exception. Keep adjusting and checking with the level until that elusive bubble stays in the middle.
Step 5: Shim It!
If the legs of your washer have reached their limits and the bubble still isn’t centered, it's time for the shims to come into play! Slip them under the legs that need an extra boost.
Step 6: Tighten the Locknuts
Once you're finally level, don’t forget to tighten the locknuts if your washer has them. This keeps the legs from loosening over time, sending you right back to an off-kilter spin cycle.
No Washer Legs?
If your washer doesn't have adjustable legs, fear not. You can still use shims to achieve that level of perfection. Just be prepared for a little more trial and error.
Long Live Your Washer!
So, this was your down-and-dirty guide on how to level your clothes washer. No need for professional help when you can masterfully do it yourself! Not only will a level washer provide a better performance, but it will also help prolong its life.
So, next time when your dear washer thinks about jumping and running across the laundry room, you know the fix. After all, why let your washer join the circus when it can be steadily doing its magic at your home?
And if your neighbour’s washer decides to go rogue, you’ll be on hand with your toolkit and your wisely polished skills. Happy washing, folks!