We’ve seen washing machines all our lives. Washing machines of various sizes from small to big, slow and fast. Wheels aren’t a must for washing machines, but sometimes wheels might come in handy while relocating the machine or giving it to repair.
So, do washing machines have wheels? Most modern washing machines don’t have wheels because washing machines aren’t usually needed to move that much unless we relocate them or send them to repair. Also, wheels would make them less stable.
Washing Machines actually don’t have wheels, but they have enormous size and weight. Moving or relocating them can seem like a nightmare.
So, in this article, I’ll discuss in detail the Ways of Dealing with Washing Machines 101, especially how you can move or relocate them without any trouble.
Is It Hard To Move a Washing Machine?
A washing machine usually weighs 200-300 pounds. Again, most washing machines don’t have wheels. So, it’s actually hard to move a washing machine.
From what I have seen, most people ask for professional help to move the washing machine upstairs or to bring the washing machine down from upstairs.
In my perspective, moving a washing machine is hard. I said it’s hard but not impossible.
But doing it alone is not a good idea due to their enormous size and weight.
You will need some help from friends or family. Yes, it’s possible to move your washing machine without professional help.
But you will need a certain plan and things before you can do it. That’s what I am going to discuss moving forward.
How To Get Ready To Move Your Washing Machine
You must prepare for a major move before you begin the task of transferring your washing machine. Before you move your washer to your new location, there are a few things you need to do.
The majority of these stages are critical to your DIY washing machine removal project’s success. As a result, make sure to complete each step, as skipping some of them may result in additional obstacles during the transferring procedure, or worse, failure to complete this assignment.
Make Sure You Have All Of The Tools You’ll Need.
After you’ve enlisted the support of at least a couple of pals, you’ll need to arrange your transit bolts and purchase an appliance dolly.
Small metal rods called transit bolts, shipping bolts, or washer locks are placed into particular slots beneath your washing machine.
During transportation, it maintains the drum immobilized and steady. Moving your washer without transit bolts is extremely dangerous since vibrations and unexpected jerking motions can cause damage to the drum suspension systems.
Don’t
If you try to move your washing machine without these bolts, you risk causing significant damage to your machine. If you can’t find the shipping bolts that came with your washer, contact the manufacturer or a local home appliance store for assistance.
Meanwhile, you’ll need an appliance dolly to get your washing machine from your home to a moving van. Washing machines range in weight from 140 to 230 pounds. So, don’t take the risk of causing muscle damage by insisting on moving it physically.
Unless you’re a powerlifter, there’s no way you can accomplish this exercise without using one. It’s a good idea to rent an appliance dolly from the same provider as your moving vehicle.
Your washing machine should be drained and disconnected (24 to 48 Hours Before Moving)
- Check to see if your washer is full. Look for stray garments or other loose items.
- Run a wash cycle or a clean cycle with a pack of washer cleaner or bleach to clean out your washer (optional). This will remove any detergent residue from the drum and drain pipe of the washing machine.
- After the wash or clean cycle, open the door or lid of the washing machine to allow the inside to dry.
- Disconnect your machine from the power supply. This will eliminate the possibility of being shocked or electrocuted.
- Finally, turn off the water. All you have to do with most washers is turn a valve behind it clockwise. If you need to pull on the washer to get to the water supply valve, be careful not to pull anything free in the process.
- Disconnect the water supply hose from the water valve using your slip-joint pliers. Make sure you have a pail or basin handy to capture any surplus water that the hose may produce. After all, you don’t want to cause a mess!
- Remove the supply hose from the washing machine. Place them in a plastic bag that should be sealed before being placed in a cardboard box.
- Disconnect the washer’s drain hose from the wastewater canal, as well as any hoses that connect to it. If any water remains, pour it into the bucket, you used previously. While relocating the unit, keep the drain hose connected to the washer.
How Do You Move a Washing Machine?
Before you begin the job of relocating a washing machine, make sure you have these available:
- Look for the user handbook.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- Get the transit bolts ready.
- Purchase a furniture dolly.
- Take measurements of the doors and stairwells.
- Get the remaining of your stuff.
- Assemble your helpers.
Before Moving the Washing Machine:
- Clean out your washer and dryer.
- Clean the drain pipes and the drum.
- Turn off the electricity.
- Turn the water supply off.
- The water supply hoses should be drained.
- Remove the hoses that feed water to the house.
- Drain the water from the drain hose.
- Place the transit bolts in their proper locations.
Moving the Washing Machine:
- Prepare your assistance: Make sure your friends or family are available to assist you on the big day. You should never try to move the washing machine by yourself.
- Wrap blankets around the washing machine: Wrap the entire washer in heavy blankets to keep scratches and dents at bay. Use packing tape or rope to secure them.
- Place it on the dolly: Slide the dolly underneath the washer and tilt it to one side. Lift it back up so that it is upright on the dolly. Use rope or movable straps to secure the equipment.
- Transfer the washing machine: Slowly and carefully move the washer outdoors, taking extra caution on stairwells.
- Load the washing machine into the vehicle: Load the washing machine into the moving van using a loading ramp or the vehicle’s tail lift. Strap it to the sides to keep it from shifting during transport. Make certain that it is transported upright and will not shift or fall over during the journey.
Getting The Machine Into A Moving Vehicle with a Dolly from upstairs:
- Get the washer onto the appliance dolly by working jointly with your helpers. Slide the appliance dolly under the washer unit and tip it back a little. Secure the washing machine to the dolly with a bungee cord or forearm forklifts.
- Tilt your cart back to make it easier to move. It would be excellent if you could enlist the support of your companions here as well.
- Drive your cart through your residence with care. Straighten your path through doorways. When passing through them at an angle, the washer or the doorway may be scratched.
- If you need to descend some steps, cautiously drop the dolly one step at a time with a spotter underneath it. In the meantime, if you need to climb some stairs, slowly move the dolly behind you while a spotter stands beneath it.
- To move your dolly, use a ramp once you’ve arrived at the vehicle. If there isn’t a ramp, you’ll have to lift the dolly with your helpers. To avoid back injuries, remember to raise your knees.
- Remove the washing machine from the dolly and unload it near the moving truck’s cab. Maintain the machine’s upright position. Strap the equipment down if possible to prevent it from shuffling or moving while in transit. [Source]
Reminders for the Last Minute
When putting all the parts back together, make sure to secure the water supply and drain hoses properly to prevent water from spilling or leaking out while the washing machine is in operation.
Before operating your washing machine again, remember to remove the transit bolts. If you’re worried about taking on this difficult chore, don’t hesitate to enlist the assistance of a professional appliance and furniture mover.
Related Questions:
Do LG washing machines have wheels?
LG Semi-Automatic Washing Machine has Magic Wheels that rotate 360 degrees. Now the washing machine’s movable with ease and without assistance. The 360-degree wheels allow for effortless travel and rotation in any direction.
Do Washing Machines have wheels inside?
No, they don’t. They have an Agitator or Paddle to help in getting the detergent in remote places and wash the clothes thoroughly by moving them around.
Do Dryers Have Wheels?
Yes, they need to have drum wheels and they’re called Idler Pulley.
Final Thoughts:
The lesson of the day is that moving a washing machine takes planning, tools, and at least two people. And, to transport your washer, make sure you have a furniture dolly.
Before relocating, carefully disconnect the appliance from the outlet, drain the water from the hoses, and check beforehand to see whether the washing machine will fit through your doors.
Lastly, if transferring a washing machine proves too tough, or you’re not sure you can handle it yourself, you can always call in the professionals.
