Ella Walter
Installing a washer pan is a great way to prevent water leaks and the damage they can cause to your floors and, if your washing machine is on an upper floor, the ceiling of the room below. While it is easiest to install a washer pan before the washing machine is in place, it is still possible to install one with the machine already in situ. In this case, you will need to turn off the water supply, unplug the machine and disconnect the supply and drain hoses. You will then need to lift the machine and slide the pan underneath. This is a job best done with two or three people. Once the pan is in place, reconnect the hoses and plug the machine back in.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing to install a washer pan
Clear the Area and Gather Tools
First, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials, including a measuring tape, pipe wrench, hose clamp, PVC pipe, and possibly some plumber's putty. You may also need a flashlight for tight spaces and a level to ensure proper placement. Clear the area around the washing machine to create a workspace. Place furniture blankets on the floor and walls to protect them from scratches or dents that may occur during the installation process.
Turn Off Water Supply and Disconnect Washing Machine
Turn off the water supply hoses at the wall and unplug the washing machine from the power outlet. Disconnect the supply hoses and drain hose, placing a bucket underneath to collect any residual water. Have a towel ready to wipe up any spills or leaks.
Move the Washing Machine
Moving a washing machine is not a task to undertake alone. Enlist the help of one or two other people to lift and move the washer. Use a dolly or hand truck to lift and move the machine away from the wall, being mindful of your posture and lifting technique to avoid injuries. If you do not have help available, consider hiring movers or handymen through apps or services.
Prepare the Drain Pan
If your drain pan does not have a pre-existing hole, you will need to drill one to correspond with the drain fitting on the floor. The pan lip should be higher than the ending top of the drain pipe to ensure proper drainage. Mark the spot for the hole and drill it on a piece of sacrificial wood to avoid fracturing the pan. If you need to cut the drain pipe, use a Dremel cut-off wheel or attach a bit to a drill if you don't have a Dremel.
Install the Drain Hose
Feed the drain pan's hose through the drain pipe to ensure the washer pan can slide with the washer. If you have a floor drain, you may need to run a hose from the pan into the drain. Ensure that the hoses are new or, if not, replace them with braided metal hoses, which are now the standard.
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Lifting and moving the washer
Lifting and moving a washer is a challenging task and should not be done alone. Two people are necessary, and three people are ideal. Before you begin, make sure to unplug the washer and disconnect all hoses. Protect your floor and walls by using furniture blankets. Be mindful of the washer toppling over while shifting or lifting.
If you are simply lifting the washer and sliding the pan underneath, you can lift it with two people on either side and have a third person slide the pan underneath.
Alternatively, you can use a dolly to lift and move the washer. Again, this should be done with at least two people.
If you are unable to get a dolly, you can use a belt or movers' straps to wrap around the lower back of the washer and use this to lift it. You can also use your thighs to support the weight of the washer as you lift.
For those who want to avoid lifting the washer, you can create a ramp with 2x4s or PVC pipes. Place the ramp against the pan and slide the washer down into the pan.
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Positioning the washer pan
Preparation
Before positioning the washer pan, it is essential to have the right tools and take the necessary safety precautions. Gather a measuring tape, pipe wrench, hose clamp, PVC pipe, plumber's putty, a flashlight (for tight spaces), and a level to ensure proper placement. Ensure you have a bucket and towel ready to collect any residual water left in the hoses.
Moving the Washer
Moving the washer out of the way is typically necessary to access the area where the pan will be installed. This task should not be done alone due to the weight of washing machines. Engage the help of one or two other people to lift and move the washer. Use a dolly or hand truck to lift and move the machine, being cautious not to rest the washer on its side as it can disrupt the drum alignment and damage the transmission.
Installing the Washer Pan
Place the washer pan in the designated area, ensuring it is level. If there is an existing drain pipe, adjust the pan as needed to fit the pipe. If there is no drain hole, you may need to drill one into the pan to correspond with the drain fitting on the floor. Ensure the pan is secure and stable.
Repositioning the Washer
Once the pan is in place, carefully reposition the washer. Tilt the washer slightly and use 2x4 or 4x4 wood pieces along the front edge of the pan to prevent the washer from crushing the pan's edge. Walk the washer back into position and slowly lower it down inside the pan. Ensure the washer is level, and adjust the feet if necessary.
Connecting the Drain Hose
After the washer is in place, reconnect the washing machine hoses securely using a wrench. If your washer pan has a drain hole, feed the drain hose through the indirect drain pipe to allow the washer pan to slide with the washer and dryer stack. Ensure the connections are tight to prevent leaks.
Final Checks
After completing the installation, check for leaks around the hose connections over the next few washes. Regularly clean and inspect your drain pan to prolong its life. Lift the washing machine slightly and wipe down the pan with a mild detergent and water solution, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the pan.
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Securing the washer pan
Secondly, if your washer pan has a pre-existing hole, install the drain onto the new pipe. If there is no hole, you will need to drill one that corresponds to the drain fitting on the floor or wall. This can be done by marking the spot on the pan and drilling it with a sacrifice piece of wood or another protective layer underneath to prevent fracturing the plastic.
Thirdly, use a dolly to lower the washing machine onto the pan, ensuring it sits flush and level. Reconnect the washing machine hoses securely using a wrench. Plug the washer back into the outlet and turn the water valves on.
Finally, check for leaks after the next few washes, especially around the hose connections. Regular cleaning and routine inspections will help extend the life of your drain pan. Clean the pan with mild detergent and water, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the pan.
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Final checks and maintenance
Once you have installed your washer pan, there are a few important checks to make and maintenance tips to follow to ensure your washer pan is functioning correctly and prolong its lifespan.
Firstly, always check that the washer is level after installing your drip or drain pan. Use the feet of the washer to adjust as needed. If your washer is not level, it can cause issues with the drum alignment and transmission. You can also add Anti-Vibration Pads to the bottom of the pan to reduce vibration and "walking" of the washing machine.
Secondly, check for leaks after the next few washes, particularly around the hose connections. This is important to ensure that your washer pan is functioning properly and preventing water damage.
Regular cleaning and routine inspection can help your drain pan last longer. Clean your drain pan regularly by lifting the washing machine slightly and wiping down the pan with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing tools that could damage the pan. Regular cleaning, such as quarterly maintenance checks, helps prevent the buildup of dirt, detergent residue, and other debris that can cause clogs and odours.
If you have a drain hole in the floor, you may not need a washer pan, but it is still recommended to have one to contain any potential water leaks. If you have a drain pan, ensure that the pan lip is higher than the ending (with fittings) top of the drain pipe so that water can drain effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The simplest method is to lift the washing machine and slide the pan underneath. You will need at least two people to lift the washer, and a third person or a spare foot to slide the pan underneath.
You will need a measuring tape, pipe wrench, hose clamp, PVC pipe, and possibly some plumber’s putty. You may also need a dolly or hand truck to help lift and move the machine, and a hacksaw if you need to cut a new drain pipe.
Make sure the drain hose is connected and secured with a wrench. After the first few washes, check for any signs of leaking to ensure everything is connected properly.
If you are unable to lift the washer alone, ask friends for help or hire movers. You should never attempt to move a washing machine by yourself.
