How to Level a Washing Machine

Leveling your washing machine is essential to preserving your appliance and ensuring that none of the components are damaged from excessive vibration and shaking, including the walls and floor of your laundry room. If you notice your machine is shaking excessively, you’ll need to level your washing machine by following a few simple steps. In most situations, leveling your washing machine only takes a few minutes.

Why A Washing Machine Becomes Out of Level

There are a few reasons an out-of-level washing machine could occur. For instance, there could be issues with the flooring, built-up items under the machine, or legs that are incorrectly adjusted.

Other common reasons:

• The floor cover is rotted
• The machine is on carpeting
• The floor isn't leveled
• The machine's feet height changed over time
• The front-loading washer is spinning faster than the top-loading washer, which causes the misalignment
• Defective joists and subfloor
• The plastic washing machine pan is misaligned

Safety Tips When Leveling Your Washing Machine:

1. Disconnect the washing machine
2. Disconnect the hose
3. Drain the water
4. Place the end of the hose in a bucket
5. Disconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses and place them in the bucket

Tools You’ll Need to Level Your Washing Machine:

• Bubble Level (you could also download an app for this)
• Adjustable pliers
• 2x4 block

Steps To Level a Washing Machine:

Step 1: Pull the Washer Towards You

To check the flooring under your washing machine, you should fully disconnect it and slide the washer towards you until the area below the washer can easily be seen. If your washer is set in a plastic tray, you can slide the tray and washer towards you.

Step 2: Verify There are no Loose Foot Pads

Check to see if the foot pads have become loose. If the foot pads are loose, then you will need to replace all four of the foot pads so the machine is leveled.

Step 3: Verify the Condition of the Floor

The machine should be on a solid and stable tile, laminate, vinyl, or wood flooring. Take your level and check if the floor is level and verify the flooring is not damaged with cracks, mold, or rotting.

Step 4: Repair Damaged Flooring

If you noticed in step 3 that the floor is damaged, you will need to replace the damaged floor completely to get it in good working condition for your washing machine.

Step 5: Check Your Washer Level

Once you have put the washer back in its place with the repaired flooring (if it was damaged) you can check the level of the washer on both sides and front to back. If your washer has a rounded top, try to find the area that is as flat and straight as possible.

Step 6: Rock the Washer

Once your lid is down, you can carefully rock your washer back and forth and side to side to verify that all four of its legs are on the floor.

If you notice the back feet are uneven, then you most likely still have an issue with your floor. If the front feet are uneven, then you can adjust them. Prop up the front of the washer and have someone help you tilt the washer back to raise the front by a few inches. Once you have enough room, place the 2x4 block under the front of the washing machine. Next, turn the leg of the washer feet with the pliers or by hand if it seems doable. Start turning the front leveling feet counterclockwise so you can lower the feet or clockwise to lengthen the legs.

Keep in mind: The feet may need to be at different levels depending on the floor. Make sure each of the feet is perfectly secure.

At Queen City, we have various washers and dryers to choose from, whether you are looking for front-load laundry, top-load laundry, stack laundry, or other laundry accessories. Choose from laundry brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, GE Appliances, LG, Samsung, Bosh, Electrolux, and more. We currently have 16 convenient locations in both North and South Carolina, where you can purchase a washing and drying machine.

If you are still having trouble leveling your washing machine, feel free to give us a call, and one of our experts can get in touch with you to help!

FAQs: Answers for Leveling Washing Machines

Why is it important to have a perfectly level washing machine?

At Queen City Homestore, we emphasize that leveling your washing machine is essential to prevent excessive vibration and shaking. A level machine protects your appliance's internal components from premature wear and ensures your laundry room walls and flooring are not damaged during high-speed spin cycles.

How do I adjust the feet on my washing machine to level it?

To level your washer, Queen City Homestore experts recommend tilting the machine back slightly (using a 2x4 block for safety) to access the front legs. Use adjustable pliers to turn the leveling feet clockwise to lengthen the legs or counter-clockwise to lower them until the bubble level shows the machine is perfectly balanced from side-to-side and front-to-back.

What tools do I need to level a washing machine at home?

Our product specialists suggest keeping a few basic tools on hand for a successful DIY leveling project: a bubble level (or a smartphone leveling app), adjustable pliers, and a 2x4 wood block to safely prop up the front of the machine while you make adjustments to the feet.

What should I check if my washer is still shaking after leveling the legs?

If your machine continues to vibrate, our team recommends checking the condition of your flooring. Ensure the washer is on a solid surface like tile or wood, as carpeting or rotted subflooring can cause instability. If the back feet remain uneven, it may indicate a deeper floor issue or the need for new foot pads to regain a secure grip.

Can Queen City help if I’m unable to level my washing machine myself?

Absolutely! If you’ve followed our DIY steps and are still experiencing vibration or issues with your appliances, feel free to contact one of our Queen City Homestore locations in North or South Carolina. Our appliance experts are always available to help you troubleshoot your laundry setup or find a high-performance replacement from brands like Whirlpool, LG, or GE.