If you start a load of laundry and notice that your washing machine is moving across the room, you will need to troubleshoot the issue. Your machine may be unlevel or bolts may have come loose inside it. Unlevel washing machines can cause gouged flooring, ripped linoleum and broken tiles as they move. Leveling your machine can usually prevent it from sliding or shaking across your room. This is generally something that you can remedy yourself with a few tools, which is an economical alternative to calling a repairman.
Things You’ll Need
Carpenter’s level
Adjustable wrench
Owner’s manual
Screwdriver
Rubber-backed carpet
Step 1
Unplug the washing machine. Turn off the water supply by turning the water knobs located next to the washing machine counterclockwise. Disconnect the hoses with your adjustable wrench by turning the hose ends counterclockwise until they come loose.
Step 2
Twist the adjustable legs on the bottom of your washing machine clockwise as much as you can with your adjustable wrench. Your machine should be as close to the floor as possible.
Step 3
Place a carpenter’s level on the machine. Adjust the legs with an adjustable wrench until the bubble in the level is centered between the lines. Adjust both the back-to-front position and the side-to-side position.
Step 4
Tighten the locknuts (bolts that are located on the adjustable legs on the bottom of the machine) with an adjustable wrench. This ensures that the washing machine stays level. You may need to lean your machine to one side in order to reach the locknuts.
Step 5
Check the bolts holding the motor mount for tightness. The bolts need to be tight and not loose. This ensures the motor mount does not move when the washing machine runs through a cycle. If the motor mount has movement (from loose bolts) this can cause your washing machine to move. The gear case is typically located under the tub, and attached with a large mounting plate. Refer to your owner’s manual for specifications on the bolt locations, as this varies depending upon your machine. To access the motor mount you must lean the machine to one side, while supporting it.
Step 6
Move the machine away from the wall and remove the screws holding the back panel in place with a screwdriver. The back panel is the service panel to the machine. Tighten all nuts with an adjustable wrench.
Step 7
Replace the service panel by screwing the panel back into place with a screwdriver and the screws you previously removed.
Step 8
Slide a rubber-backed carpet under the machine. This helps prevent the washing machine from sliding or hopping across the floor.
Step 9
Reattach the hoses by securing them with an adjustable wrench. Plug the machine back in to its electrical socket.
Step 10
Test the machine by washing a load of laundry.
