Does your washing machine shake and rumble during the spin cycle, leaving you frustrated? A vibrating washer can be noisy and disruptive, but what causes it? The problem may not just be inside the machine itself. Believe it or not, the floor underneath can also amplify vibrations if it’s uneven or too flexible.
This article explores common sources of washing machine vibration, including floor-related issues. Learn how to diagnose vibration problems, strengthen unstable floors, improve machine installation, and balance loads.
With some diligent troubleshooting and preventive care, you can stop annoying washing machine vibration for smooth, quiet operation.
Common Causes of Washing Machine Vibration
A washing machine that vibrates can be super annoying. The shaking and noise can make you not want to run a wash!
What causes all that vibration? There are some common reasons why washing machines shake. Knowing them can help you fix the issue.
Unbalanced Loads
When your washing machine vibrates, the first thing to look at is how you loaded the clothes. An unbalanced load is a very common cause of vibration. Here’s why:
- Uneven distribution of clothes – Did you toss a lot of clothes to one side of the washer? If they are all crowded on one side, it can make the drum unbalanced. Try to spread clothes out evenly to balance the load.
- Washing single heavy items – When you wash one large, heavy item like a comforter, it can throw off the drum balance. Try adding some towels to balance out the load.
Improper Installation
If your washing machine is brand new, how you installed it could also cause vibration:
- Unlevel washing machine – The machine needs to be perfectly level. If one corner is higher than the others, it can vibrate. Make sure to use a leveler during install.
- Shipping bolts not removed – New washers have shipping bolts to secure the tub for delivery. If you don’t remove them, it can make the tub unstable and shaky.
Worn or Damaged Parts
With frequent use over time, some washing machine parts can wear out or get damaged. When this happens, vibration can occur:
- Faulty shock absorbers – Worn out shocks don’t dampen vibration well. If they need replacing, it can reduce vibration.
- Worn suspension springs – Springs at the base also absorb vibration. If worn out, replacing them helps.
- Damaged drum bearings – These allow the drum to spin smoothly. If worn out, the drum may wobble and cause shaking.
Floor-Related Issues
Believe it or not, the floor under your washing machine could also be the culprit! Here’s how:
- Weak or flexible flooring – If the floor flexes or moves when the machine runs, it can vibrate. Solid flooring prevents this.
- Uneven floor surface – If the floor dips or is uneven, it makes the machine unsteady and prone to shaking.
So look at both the machine itself and the floor underneath when dealing with washing machine vibration. The issue could be with either one!
How Your Floor Can Contribute to Vibration
We looked at some common causes inside the washing machine itself that can lead to vibration. But what about underneath the machine? Believe it or not, the flooring can also cause extra shaking.
Let’s look at how the floor construction and condition can transfer vibration and make your washer shaky:
Types of Flooring and Their Impact
The type of flooring material makes a big difference:
- Concrete floors vs. wooden floors – Concrete is thick and rigid, which prevents vibration transfer. However, wood is more flexible and amplifies vibration through the floor.
- Impact of subflooring materials – Subfloors like plywood add strength to the floor to reduce vibration. Particle boards and other light materials transfer more vibration.
Floor Structural Issues
Problems with the floor structure itself can also come into play:
- Inadequate floor joists – If the joists that support the floor are spaced too far apart or are too small, the floor won’t be rigid enough and can vibrate more.
- Loose floorboards – If the floorboards have gaps between them, the floor will flex more easily and can vibrate from the washing machine’s movement.
Floor Levelness
The flatness and stability of the floor make a difference, too:
- Importance of a level surface – If the floor is not perfectly level, the washing machine can rock and shake. Slight uneven spots cause vibration.
- How slight slopes affect washing machine stability – Even small dips or slopes in the floor can set the washer off balance, allowing vibration to occur.
So next time your washing machine is noisy and shaking, take a closer look at the floor! The problem may be below, not inside the washer.
Diagnosing Floor-Related Vibration Problems
Figuring out if the floor under your washer is the reason for vibration can be tricky. Here are some tips to check out potential floor issues:
Visual Inspection
First, look at the floor carefully to spot these problems:
- Checking for visible floor damage or unevenness – Look along the floor and see if there are any obvious dips, slopes, or damage you notice. Kneel down and look at it from floor level.
- Feel for weak or loose areas – Push down on areas around the washer to feel for spongy spots or loose boards. This can indicate flex in the floor.
Using a Level
A basic-level tool can help assess floor flatness:
- How to properly check floor levelness – Place the level on the floor around and under where the washer sits. The level should read the same all the way around.
- Look for slight variations – Even small deviations of 1/4 inch or less over several feet can mean the floor isn’t perfectly flat.
Testing Floor Stability
Try these DIY methods to test floor strength:
- Check for deflection – Place a heavy object on the floor and see if the floor flexes down slightly. Movement indicates the floor is flexible.
- Use coins to check for gaps – Put coins in gaps between floorboards with the washer running to see if vibration makes them rattle.
- Water level test – Partially fill a dish with water and set it near the washer. Check if the water vibrates a lot when the washer spins.
Use these tips to assess if the floor is potentially causing extra vibration in your washing machine. Addressing floor issues may be the solution!
Solutions for Floor-Related Vibration Issues
If you’ve determined the floor under the washing machine is causing extra vibration, there are some good ways to address it:
Reinforcing the Floor
Strengthening the floor can help reduce flexing and vibration transfer:
- Adding support beams – Strategically placing additional support beams or posts underneath can make the floor more rigid.
- Installing plywood underlayment – A layer of plywood over the subfloor provides a sturdy surface that won’t amplify vibration.
Leveling the Floor
Fixing uneven spots and slopes can improve washing machine stability:
- Using self-leveling compounds – These compounds can fill in dips and low spots to level the floor flat.
- Professional floor leveling services – For major fixing, a flooring contractor can grind high spots and level the entire floor.
Anti-Vibration Pads and Mats
These products add a buffer between the washer and the floor:
- Types of anti-vibration products – Pads, mats, and cradles made of rubber or foam absorb vibration, so less transfers.
- Proper installation and use – Make sure to precisely level the washer while on the pads. Check that all feet are making contact.
Relocating the Washing Machine
If possible, moving the washer to a new spot can help:
- Consider alternative locations with stronger flooring – A concrete laundry room floor is ideal if available.
Preventive Measures
To help avoid problems with washing machine vibration down the road, keep these tips in mind:
Regular Maintenance
It’s important to stay on top of machine maintenance:
- Keep the washing machine level – Check for levelness every few months and adjust feet as needed. This prevents vibration.
- Periodic checks for worn parts – Inspect shocks, springs, and drum bearings for damage every year or two. Replace early to prevent vibration issues.
Proper Loading Techniques
Be mindful when loading clothes:
- Balance clothes in the drum – Distribute laundry evenly and avoid overloading one side. This prevents the drum from getting unbalanced.
- Avoid overloading – Don’t pack too many clothes into the drum. Overloading strains the machine and can lead to vibration over time.
Choosing the Right Washing Machine
Select a model suited for your space:
- Consider models with advanced vibration control features – suspension systems, anti-vibration tub designs, and sensors help minimize vibration.
- Importance of proper sizing for your space – Make sure the capacity, dimensions, and features fit your laundry room well.
When to Seek Professional Help
Dealing with an off-balance, vibrating washing machine can be frustrating. Here are some signs it may be time to call in a professional:
- The washer vibrates violently, even with small loads. This indicates something is seriously wrong.
- You’ve tried all the common troubleshooting steps, but the vibration persists. There could be a complex underlying problem.
- Leveling the machine and floor doesn’t help at all. The issue likely requires major repairs.
- There are strange new noises along with the vibration. Something may be broken or worn out.
- The floor feels very weak or shifts when the washer runs. Reinforcing it is probably needed.
The pros have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and fix a washing machine vibration properly. Seeking help can:
- It saves you time and hassle trying to pinpoint the problem.
- Avoid incorrect or incomplete repairs that don’t permanently solve the issue.
- Provide access to replacement parts you can’t source on your own.
Conclusion
Dealing with a shaking, noisy washing machine is super annoying. But hopefully, you’ve now gotten a good grasp of the common causes of washing machine vibration.
The issue could be an unbalanced load, worn machine parts, or installation problems. But don’t forget, the floor underneath can also amplify vibration if it’s uneven or too flexible.
Be sure to inspect both the washer itself and the floor when troubleshooting. Look for simple solutions like leveling the machine, reinforcing floors, and using anti-vibration products. And don’t hesitate to call a professional if needed.
With some diligence and preventive care, you can stop vibration in its tracks. You’ll be able to enjoy smooth, quiet washes and a laundry room where you want to spend time. No more frustrating rumbling or having to balance on one foot to distribute the load!