how do they level in such tight spaces?

19 years ago

Our laundry room configuration is probably tighter than most and I'm concerned about how they're going to level the washer. (Stupid question but do they level the dryer too?)

They're going to have to install our dryer first because of where our venting duct is located, and then they'll slide in the washer. But how do they get to the rear legs then?

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Featured Answer

housekeeping

19 years ago

The simple answer is by tedious trial and error, pulling machine in and out until it's just perfect. (And hopefully careful marking of exactly where the feet are before pulling it out each time.)

However, in my experience with appliance installers, you may have problems getting it done perfectly, and they may try to skimp in frustration. Do you really have to install the dryer first? That would be a pity, because having the ability to slide the dryer out without disturbing the washer makes routine cleaning and periodic maintenance and inspection much easier since one can leave the washer with its critical leveling and balancing in place. It's fairly common to have to re-tighten the washers on the feet and re-adjust the washer over time, too. (I certainly do that about every 6 months or so, much to the disgust of my DH who has to do the heavy lifting.) I'd rethink installing the dryer first, if possible.

Dryers are usually much less difficult to get set up since they are not so picky about being perfectly balanced.

HTH,

Molly

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Comments (8)

asolo
19 years ago
Precise levelling is less important than equal weighting of the feet. Approximate levelling is quite sufficient.

My own installation of a Duet was similar to what you describe. Typically, they will set the back legs (the ones they can't get to) in about 1/2-way position then adjust the front ones (easy to reach) as-needed when the unit is in place. Depending upon the result with the floor they're working with, they may have to repeat the process. Kind of a nuisance, but not too difficult.
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meg711
Original Author
19 years ago
When I spoke with the installation expert at the local appliance store, he said the dryer would have to be installed first--primarily because we have an unusual venting duct location. (And this in a new house. Grr!) But I'll ask him again with regard to the leveling, etc.

Either way the space will be tight so even if they get the washer in and it's leveled, how will they be able to get access to properly vent the dryer, tighten the clamps, etc.? Also, I don't think there's even enough room to get the dryer BY the washer.
asolo
19 years ago
"I don't think there's even enough room to get the dryer BY the washer."

Are you telling us you don't know whether or not they'll fit at all?
meg711
Original Author
19 years ago
No, I'm pretty sure they'll fit. The room is 63" wide so it will just be a tight squeeze to get the dryer past the washer if the washer is installed first. I think the dryer has to go in first to avoid that whole issue.

Although the depth of the machines has been an issue for me (because I would like to have more room in front of the machines) the width might be an even bigger issue because of the location of the venting duct. As it is, I think I'm going to have about 8 feet of venting but three elbows. And the machines will be sticking into the room around 36" if I'm lucky.

I'm just thinking ahead to the leveling and wondering how they'll accomplish that in such a narrow space.
itgeek
19 years ago
With such a difficult installation you might want to get someone to pre-level your *floor*. Options include - concrete/mortar base, a plywood "subfloor" on top of whatever floor is in place w/ shims to level it out, and any number of solid surface materials (like you would use on a countertop) with a mortar bed. The more time you spend leveling and sturdying the floor, the less time you're likely to spend leveling the washer.

PS... In this instance pedestals might actually be a good idea! They can be sat in place, leveled and made ready for the washer and dryer to be dropped on top. Since they're relatively short and lightweight compared to the actual washer or dryer, in your case you'd be more likely to end up with level appliances. And you could pull the drawers out to clean behind/underneath them. I'm not a big pedestal fan... but in your case I think they'd be helpful.

- IT Geek
cluelesshusbandman
19 years ago
I have a pair of 8300's on pedestals. You can easily remove the pedestal drawer and then it is childÂs play to get to and adjust all the legs and set the locknuts.

After getting the level perfect I "fine tuned" it by running a load and adjusting one leg slightly to minimize vibration. The level was still perfect.

However, I still notice what I would call excessive vibration. Tonight the wife washed a load of jeans on during the final spin the washer was vibrating 1/2 inch (What I mean is that I could place my hand until it would hit it as it shook and there was about a 1/2 inch of movement)

I have to wonder if that is normal or not.

My Lowes installers (I would call them delivery boys rather than installers) slid our washer in place, did not level it at all, did not set the lock nuts, nothing, just adjusted one leg until the thing didnÂt tip back and forth, then ran the drain and spin cycle and noted how smooth it was running. Well DUH, with no clothes to throw it off it should be smooth as silk I would hope. It was just easier to wait until they left and do it myself as I will take however long is needed to get it right. I just wish I had a benchmark to know how much is too much vibration.
Babka NorCal 9b
19 years ago
Yes, they do need to level them both. Our washer was leveled, but they didn't do the dryer. It didn't wobble on the floor when we pushed on the corners, BUT the dryer door would not remain open long enough to put things in or take them out. It kept slowly closing on me. They came back and leveled it and all is well now.

-Babka