How To Level A Washer On An Uneven Floor

To set the rear self leveling system tip the machine forward so that the rear legs are about 4 off the floor.

How to level a washer on an uneven floor.

Then drop the washer to set the rear legs. The small bubble in a spirit level tells you if the surface is flat. Cut a 2x4 to the right length. If the uneven floor is due to floor joists that have warped or twisted over time or were incorrectly installed the only way to level the floor is to remove the subflooring and shim the joists.

Then you can use a compass or dividers to scribe a line on the 2x4 parallel to the floor. On the top side of the floor another fix it idea to lay down new hardwood over the existing floor. Unplug the washing machine unhook the drain hose from the drain and unhook the. After adjusting each leg lean against the machine and make sure that you feel no movement.

Measure the length and width of the washing machine with a tape measure and cut a rectangular piece of 5 8 inch plywood with a circular saw. The adjustments on the machine should allow you at least a full inch or more of adjustment by adjusting the high spots to the very minimum and the low spots to the maximum. Tip the washer forward on its front feet being careful not to pull it onto your body. A plywood subfloor will bridge any minor waves in the existing floor and leveling compound would help too.

The bottom of the nylon feet are rubber. Put a level on top and lift the back end until it s level. Front legs are adjustable up or down an inch rear legs are self leveling. If you still need more shimming you have to deal with the fact that the vibration of the machine will cause it to walk off of shims.

Then put it on the floor where you want it. Lay a spirit level from side to side on top of the machine. Drop the back of the washer back down onto its. The back of the washer should be about 4 inches off the floor.

You don t need to paint the 2x4s unless you re going for beauty. Whichever side the bubble sways towards is higher off the ground. There s a strong chance that the bubble will be off center when you put it down which confirms that your washing machine is uneven. You can adjust each leg to the proper height and then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg height from changing.

You will have to make sure your joists can handle the addition of considerably more weight from the plywood subfloor and any floor coverings.