How to Level Front-Load Washer Pedestals
Many models of front-loading washing machines have an optional pedestal that is installed below the washer. This pedestal raises the washing machine off of the ground, reducing the strain placed on your back by the act of doing laundry. The pedestal has adjustable legs that are designed to help level the washing machine. If one or more of these legs are improperly matched, however, then both the pedestal and the washer become uneven, resulting in unbalanced wash loads and possible damage to the machine. Thus, ensuring that your washing machine is level is a key component of its proper maintenance.
-
Place a level on the top of the washing machine to determine if it is level.
-
Determine which leg you would like to raise or lower to level the washer. When looking at the level, the bubble will rise to the side with the furthest extended leg. To determine whether to raise or lower the dryer, look at the amount of threading exposed on the legs. If the legs are already greatly extended and a lot of threading is showing, you should lower the higher leg. However, if the legs are not extended, showing little threading, you should raise the lower leg to the same level as the higher leg to level the washer.
-
Gently raise the side of the washer that you have decided to adjust and slide the wooden block under it to remove the washer's weight from the leg.
-
Loosen the lock nut on the top of the pedestal leg with an adjustable wrench. Set the adjustable wrench to fit the lock nut and then turn it counterclockwise to move it away from the pedestal base.
-
Turn the leg with the adjustable wrench clockwise to lower it or counterclockwise to raise it.
-
Re-secure the leg's lock nut by turning the adjustable wrench clockwise once the washing machine is level to ensure that the legs do not move in the future.
References
Writer Bio
Andrew Todd has been writing since 2006. He has written for the Consumer Search website and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
Photo Credits
- Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
More Articles
