San Francisco

(415) 969-7155

San Mateo

(650) 215-6525

Marin

(415) 942-8160 

Alameda

(510) 808-6679

Contra Costa

(925) 690-4278

San Jose

(669) 333-0534
The Appliance Repair Doctor
Click to Call: (877) APPLIANCE

Resource Centre

5 Important Points To Keep In Mind When Installing A Washer

Owning a laundry machine is becoming more of an essential thing in many homes, since it makes it more convenient to keep clothes clean. When thinking of investing in one, it’s important to remember that the decisions you make during installation might have an influence in the longevity of the device. Making sure that it’s properly installed should be a primary goal to ensure that maintenance does not cost you much in future. Some of the things you can do to this end include:

Making sure that it fits

Always measure the spot you are going to put the washer in before you go shopping. This will give you an idea of the maximum size of washer you can get. There is a risk of damaging the washer by trying to manipulate it into a space that is too small for it, which you would be avoiding by doing this.

Try to make it accessible

DSC_2649

Having a washer that is accessible makes repairs much easier. When installing it, you should therefore do it in such a manner that you will not need to do things such as damaging the floor and walls in order to get it out later on. This will also help in keeping the cost of repairs down.

Get help during installation

Most of the time when washers fail during installation, it is as a result of the person installing it having no skill. If you are moving or have just bought a new washer, only do the installation on your own if you are sure about how it’s supposed to be done or have done it before. If not, using a qualified contractor will not only be cheaper but also more convenient.

Go through the manual thoroughly before using the machine for the first time

When you buy a new washer, make a point of reading the manual to find out how to make it ready for use the first time. For instance, most front loading washers have a mechanism to immobilize the drum so that it does not move about during shipment. If this is still in place when you load the machine and switch it on, it could damage the tub and the motor. You will then need to spend money on the washer even before using it.

Make sure it is placed on a level ground

Installing a washer on uneven ground is guaranteed to result in damage to the washer. Depending on the degree of unevenness, the device could fall over or move about when in operation. This can be a very expensive thing to repair.

Keeping the above in mind during installation will make the washer last longer, and this in turn means that you will spend less on it in the long term. The most important thing to remember is that if you are not sure about the technical aspects of washer selection and installation, always get professional help. This might mean spending a bit more money, but you save yourself a lot of trouble in the long run!