Emilie Meyer
Installing a drip pan under your washer is a great way to prevent leaks and water damage. While it may seem daunting, it can be a simple process with the right tools and instructions. This process will involve unplugging your washing machine, disconnecting all hoses, moving your machine, placing the drip pan, and then carefully moving your machine back into place. Depending on your setup, you may also need to cut down any protruding pipes or install a drain.
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What You'll Learn
Unplug the machine and disconnect all hoses
Before you begin installing your new drain pan, it is important to unplug your washing machine and disconnect all attached hoses. This is a critical safety precaution when working with electronics, especially those that use water. Once you have safely unplugged the machine and disconnected all hoses, you can carefully move the washer a short distance from its original position. This step will allow you to access the floor drain in your laundry room. It is recommended to have a helper or two during this process, as moving a washing machine is not a task you should attempt alone.
When preparing to lift and move your washing machine, it is essential to use proper lifting techniques. Always lift with your legs, not your back. The average weight of washing machines is around 180 lbs, with larger washers weighing even more. Know your limits and don't be afraid to ask for help or use tools to lighten the load. Additionally, always be mindful of the machine toppling over during the moving process. Take precautions to protect your walls and floors by using furniture blankets where needed.
After you have successfully moved your washer and accessed the floor drain, you can begin the next steps of the installation process. Place your new washing machine drain pan directly over the floor drain. If there is a protruding pipe, you may need to cut it down so that the drain pan can be installed securely. Once the drain pan is in place, carefully move your washing machine back into its original position, ensuring that it is properly aligned over the new drain pan.
Before reconnecting the hoses and plugging the machine back in, use a level to check if the washer is level. If the level tilts, you may need to adjust the position of the drain pan. If the washer remains level, you are ready to reconnect the hoses and plug it back in. Remember to ensure that your laundry room floor is completely dry before completing all the necessary reconnections.
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Move the machine to uncover the floor drain
Moving a washing machine is not a one-person job. It is recommended to have at least one other person to help with the lifting and moving of the machine. Before you begin, unplug the washing machine and disconnect all the hoses attached to it. When dealing with electronics, especially those that use water, safety should be your top priority.
Now, carefully move the washing machine a small distance from its original spot to uncover the floor drain. Be sure to lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury. The average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs, with larger washers weighing upwards of 200 lbs, so be sure to know your limits and use appropriate tools to lighten the load. Always be mindful of the machine toppling over while shifting or lifting it. Protect your walls and floors by using furniture blankets where applicable.
Once the washing machine has been successfully moved and the floor drain uncovered, you can proceed to the next step of placing the new washing machine drain pan directly over the drain.
After the drain pan has been installed, carefully move the washing machine back into its original spot, ensuring that it is placed over the newly installed drain pan. Again, this step should be done with the help or supervision of another person.
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Place the drip pan over the floor drain
Now that you have successfully moved your washer and uncovered your floor drain, you are ready to place the drip pan. If you have not moved your washer yet, make sure to unplug it and disconnect all the hoses attached to it. You may need two or three people to help you lift the washer.
Once you have uncovered the floor drain, place your new washing machine drain pan directly over it. You may need to cut down the pipe if it protrudes from the ground and install the drain if you don't already have one. Make sure that your new drain pan is secure before proceeding.
Next, carefully move your washing machine back into its original position, taking care to place it over the newly installed drain pan. This task should always be done with the help or supervision of another person.
Finally, before reconnecting your washing machine's hoses and plugging it back in, place a level on top of the washer. If the level tilts, you may need to adjust the position of your drain pan. If the level stays in place, you're all finished.
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Adjust the pipe if it protrudes from the ground
If the pipe protrudes from the ground, you will need to cut it down before installing the drain. You should also ensure that your new drain pan is securely in place before proceeding.
To cut down the pipe, you can use a hacksaw. Measure out how much PVC pipe you will need and how many elbow joints you will require. You can then purchase the necessary materials from your local hardware store. It is recommended that you also buy a hacksaw and some plumber's putty.
It is important to note that PVC fumes are highly toxic, so take the necessary precautions when working with this material. Additionally, PVC pipes are usually measured by their inner diameter (ID), so make sure to measure the pipe you are attaching to and watch videos online that detail proper PVC work.
If you need to drill a hole in the pan, it is suggested to mark it in place and then drill it elsewhere with a sacrifice piece of wood or another material underneath. This is because plastics tend to fracture if not properly supported, and you will need a significant amount of pressure to hold the bit in place.
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Move the machine back into place
Now that you have successfully installed your drip pan, carefully move your washing machine back into its original spot, taking care to place it over your newly installed drip pan. Always be mindful of the washing machine toppling over while in the process of shifting or lifting. Protect your hardware and your home by using furniture blankets where applicable. Sliding and repositioning your washer can cause scratches and dents on the wall and floor.
Heavy lifting of this sort should always be done with the help, or at the very least, the supervision of another person. The average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs., with larger washers being upwards of 200 lbs. Know your limits and use appropriate tools (like other helpers) to lighten the load.
Once you have moved the washing machine back into place, reconnect the washing machine's hoses and plug it back in. Before making all the necessary reconnections, make sure that your laundry room floor is completely dry.
Finally, check that the washer is level. Use the feet of the washer to adjust as needed. Add Anti-Vibration Pads to the bottom of the pan to reduce vibration and "walking" of the washing machine and pan.
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Frequently asked questions
First, unplug your washing machine and disconnect all the hoses attached to it. Then, move your washing machine a small distance from its original spot. Place your new washing machine drain pan directly over the floor drain. If you don't have a floor drain, you may need to install one. Move your washing machine back into its original spot, taking care to place it over the newly installed drain pan.
If you are simply lifting the washing machine and sliding the pan underneath, you do not need to remove the washer. However, if you plan on significantly tilting the washing machine, it is recommended to remove it from its original position.
Yes, it is recommended to have at least one other person to help lift and move the washing machine.
Always be mindful of the washing machine toppling over while shifting or lifting it. Protect your walls and floors by using furniture blankets where applicable. When working with electronics, especially those that use water, safety should be your top priority.
Installing a drip pan under your washer can prevent leaks and water damage to your laundry room floor.
