To level a washing machine under a counter, you typically need to tilt the machine slightly to access the adjustable feet and turn them up or down until the appliance sits firmly and evenly on the floor.
Leveling your washing machine is crucial to prevent excessive vibration, noise, and potential damage during wash cycles. An unlevel machine can also lead to uneven wear on internal components and even affect cleaning performance. While working under a counter limits access, the process still relies on adjusting the machine's built-in feet.
Here's a breakdown of how to level your washing machine in a confined space:
Why Leveling is Important
- Reduces Vibration: A level machine minimizes shaking, especially during the spin cycle.
- Decreases Noise: Less vibration means a quieter laundry experience.
- Prevents Walking: Keeps the machine from moving across the floor.
- Ensures Proper Operation: Helps the drum spin correctly and prevents potential errors or breakdowns.
Steps to Level Your Washing Machine
Leveling often involves accessing the machine's adjustable feet, usually located at the front and sometimes the rear.
1. Prepare the Area
- Disconnect the washing machine from the power outlet to ensure safety.
- If possible, gently pull the washing machine slightly away from the wall or counter to gain minimal access, though this may be limited under a counter.
2. Identify Unlevel Spots
- Use a spirit level placed on top of the washing machine – front-to-back and side-to-side – to determine which corners are too high or too low.
3. Access and Adjust the Feet
- Since you are working under a counter, lifting or tilting the machine significantly might be difficult. You will likely need to access the feet from the front or sides.
- As a common method, you might need to slightly lift one side or the front of the machine. You can use a sturdy tool like a two-by-four block. Place the two-by-four block in the washer's center, underneath the front. This can help lift the front enough to access the feet.
- Adjust the washer feet. The feet are threaded posts that can be turned to raise or lower that corner of the machine.
- Turn the front leveling feet either clockwise to elevate the washer feet or counterclockwise to lower them using pliers or by hand.
- Adjust each foot incrementally based on your level readings. Remember that to adjust to the floor, the feet might need to be at various levels.
- If the rear feet are adjustable and accessible, you might need to tilt the machine forward slightly or use the block at the rear to adjust them as well. Some machines have self-leveling rear feet, while others require manual adjustment.
4. Check for Level and Stability
- Once you've made adjustments, carefully lower the machine back down.
- Place the spirit level on top again to check if the machine is now level both ways.
- Gently push down on each corner of the machine to ensure it doesn't rock or wobble. All four feet should be in firm contact with the floor.
5. Fine-Tune Adjustments
- Repeat the process of checking the level and adjusting the feet until the machine is perfectly level and stable. This might take several attempts.
Even under a counter, careful adjustments to the leveling feet can significantly improve the stability and performance of your washing machine.
