Leveling A Residential Washer and Clothes Dryer

Leveling A Residential Washer and Clothes Dryer

 

Recently we bought a new Whirlpool high efficiency model washer and dryer from the Home Depot. When the delivery guys dropped them off, they installed the plastic feet but didn’t take time to check that the feet were installed the same distance from the bottom of the washer and dryer therefore, what I’ll do is adjust the feet before I move the washer and dryer into the enclosure. To get a few ideas on the best way to do this I used the voice command on my Android phone and did Hey Alexa what is the best way to level a washer and dryer.

 

First, I’ll start on the dryer and carefully lay it on its back and then with a carpenter’s speed square, I’ll check each foot. On the dryer the foot is 3/4 inch below the bottom edge of the dryer. If I twist the two feet clockwise it makes them shorter and counterclockwise will make them longer. After getting the feet on the dryer adjusted, I’ll tip it back up and then move it into the enclosure. Next, I’ll move on to the washer and adjust the feet to where the bottom of the feet on the washer are also three quarters of an inch below the bottom edge of the washer. When I get the feet adjusted on the washer, I’ll carefully tip it back up and before I move it into the enclosure, I’ll level the dryer. That’s because with the washer still outside the enclosure, I have access to three of the feet on the dryer. On the clothes dryer I want to check the level side to side and front to back. I need to do a little adjusting on the feet to make the dryer level, so I’ll take a pry bar and raise one side of the dryer and block it up so I can adjust the feet. Pry bars are incredibly handy. They can be used for a wide range of both automotive and around the home repairs and construction projects. They can be used for scraping, for lifting tile, for leveling windows and doors when newly installed, and a whole range of other applications. Pry bars are made by numerous companies such as Tekton, Stanley, Snap On, Mayhew, ANB, Performance Tool, Gear Wrench, and Tech Team https://techteamproducts.com/. The one we like the best is Tech Teams model 707 5pc. Pry Bar Set  https://www.amazon.com/Mechanics-Prybars-Chisel-Angled-Rolling-Head/dp/B07CSBZ4ZM/ref=sr_1_11?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1540409708&sr=1-11&keywords=pry+bar+set as it has 5 different sizes, each one made from high tensile heat treated carbon steel with a comfortable and functional plastic grip. My Stanley 24” bubble level tells me the dryer slopes a bit to the side and the front corner, so I’ll make those feet a little longer using a pair of pliers. Remember that counterclockwise makes the feet longer and clockwise makes the feet shorter.

 

The dryer has a curved top, so to check the front to back level on the dryer. I’ll place a level to get an accurate reading. The next step is to slide the washer into the enclosure and check it front to back and side to side for level. I’ll also pry up and block the front edge of the washer to make my adjustments.

 

When I get the washer level, the washer and dryer are now ready to use after the leveling is done. It’s a good idea to try and rock each appliance to make sure that all four feet on the washer and dryer are touching the floor. Remember that a properly leveled washer and dryer will reduce noise and vibration in the appliances.