Cody Casey
A washing machine drain pan is used to collect leaking water and prevent damage to your property. It is particularly important to have one installed on the second floor of a building. When installing a drain pan under a washer, it is important to have at least one other person to help you lift the washer and slide the pan underneath. If you are installing a new pan, you will need to disconnect the washer and move it out of its original position. If you are simply sliding the pan underneath, you can lift the washer a few inches off the ground and slide the pan underneath.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing a Drain Pan Under a Washer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people required | 2-3 people are recommended; 1 person is possible but challenging |
| Tools/Equipment | Furniture blankets, tape, transit bolts, anti-vibration pads, PVC pipe |
| Steps | 1. Drain the hose and tape loose cords to the back of the machine. 2. Fasten transit bolts if tilting the machine. 3. Lift the washer with your legs, not your back. 4. Slide the drain pan underneath. 5. Ensure the washer is levelled and adjust with the feet. 6. Drill a hole in the drain pan for the drain pipe, if necessary. |
| Additional Tips | Use a non-draining pan with a moisture alarm if direct connection to the drain system is not possible. |
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What You'll Learn
Lifting the washer and sliding the pan underneath
Lifting a washer and sliding a drain pan underneath is a challenging task that is best done with two or three people. The average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs, with larger washers weighing upwards of 200 lbs, so it is important to know your limits and use appropriate tools to lighten the load. Before beginning, tape the loose cords to the back of the washing machine to keep them out of the way. If you plan on significantly tilting the washing machine, fasten the transit bolts to keep the drum aligned.
To lift the washer, two people should position themselves on either side of the machine. They should lift the washer a few inches off the ground, at which point a third person can slide the pan underneath. Alternatively, one person can lift at the back of the machine while using their thighs to support the weight, while the other person slides the pan underneath.
If you are working alone, you can use PVC pipe to lift the washer. First, roll the PVC pipe under the washer, then start rolling the machine out. Take another piece of PVC pipe and roll the washer onto it. Once the washer is clear of the space, you can replace the pan and put the washer back.
When sliding the pan underneath the washer, be careful not to scratch or dent the wall and floor. Use furniture blankets where applicable to protect your hardware and home.
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Using ramps to lower the washer into the pan
First, drain the hose to keep your floor surface dry and safe during installation. Tape the loose cords to the back of the washing machine to keep them out of the way. Fasten the transit bolts if you plan on significantly tilting the washing machine. This will keep the drum aligned.
Next, place the ramps on the floor, in front of the space where the washer will be placed. Use 2x4 ramps to support the weight of the washer. With the help of at least one other person, carefully tilt the washer backwards and place the back edge of the washing machine onto the ramps. Gently slide the washer along the ramps until it is positioned above the drain pan. Once the back edge of the washer is in the pan, carefully lower the washer by sliding the ramps out from underneath.
Finally, check that the washer is level and adjust the feet of the washer as needed. Add Anti-Vibration Pads to the bottom of the pan to reduce vibration and "walking" of the washing machine.
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Drilling a hole in the pan for the drain pipe
Drilling a hole in the drain pan for the drain pipe requires careful planning and execution. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Mark the Spot: Before drilling, carefully mark the location where you want the hole to be drilled on the drain pan. Ensure that the mark is aligned with the drain pipe for a proper connection.
- Use a Sacrifice Piece: Place a sacrifice piece of wood or similar material underneath the marked spot. This will provide support during drilling and help prevent the plastic from fracturing.
- Drill the Hole: Using a power drill with the appropriate drill bit, drill the hole through the marked spot. Apply firm pressure to hold the bit in place during drilling.
- Pipe Fitting: Select a fitting that matches the diameter of the drain pipe. The fitting should be designed to press inside the drain pipe, creating a snug fit.
- Glue the Fitting: Apply a suitable adhesive, such as glue or construction adhesive, to the fitting. Securely attach it over the gasket ring and inside the pipe to form a tight seal.
- Adjust Pipe Height: If needed, cut the drain pipe to the appropriate height. You can use a Dremel cut-off wheel or attach a bit to a drill to cut the pipe from the inside.
- Seal the Connection: To ensure a watertight connection, apply a generous amount of high-quality silicone caulk around the pipe and the hole in the pan. This will help prevent leaks and water damage.
It is important to note that PVC fumes can be toxic, so take necessary precautions when working with PVC pipes and fittings. Additionally, always measure and mark the drill spot accurately to avoid mistakes.
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Using PVC pipe to lift and move the washer
To put a drain pan under a washer, you will need to lift and move the washer. This can be a daunting task, as the average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs, with larger washers weighing upwards of 200 lbs. It is recommended to have at least two people, and ideally three, to safely lift and move the washer.
If you are using PVC pipe to lift and move the washer, here is a step-by-step guide:
First, gather the necessary materials: PVC pipe with a diameter of about 2.5 inches or taller than the drain pan, and possibly an additional piece of PVC pipe for support.
Next, lift the washer slightly and roll the PVC pipe under it. Make sure to lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injury. Now, start rolling the washer onto the PVC pipe, using the pipe to lift and move the washer. If needed, use another piece of PVC pipe on the outside of the pan to provide additional support and a smoother rolling surface.
Once the washer is clear of the space, replace the drain pan. Then, carefully roll the washer back into place on top of the new drain pan, removing the PVC pipe as you go.
Finally, check that the washer is level and adjust as needed using the feet of the washer. You can also add Anti-Vibration Pads to the bottom of the pan to reduce vibration and "walking" of the washing machine.
Note: Before lifting and moving your washer, be sure to drain the hose and tape any loose cords to the back of the machine to keep them out of the way. If you plan on significantly tilting the washer, fasten the transit bolts to keep the drum aligned.
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Hiring movers to lift and move the washer
To put a drain pan under your washer, you will first need to lift the washer and then slide the pan underneath. This can be a daunting task to do alone, as washers weigh an average of 180 lbs, with larger washers being upwards of 200 lbs. It is recommended to have at least two people on either side to lift the washer, and a third person to slide the pan underneath.
If you don't have enough people to help you, or lack the necessary equipment, you may want to consider hiring movers to help lift and move the washer. There are several companies that offer these services, such as HireAHelper, Moving Help, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
HireAHelper offers local movers at competitive prices, with transparent, real-time quotes. They only partner with the best 5-star moving companies, ensuring that your belongings are handled with expertise and care. Their services include packing, loading, and unloading, and they also provide furniture pads to wrap around your appliances and furniture.
Moving Help is an online marketplace that connects you to local, independent, and customer-reviewed helpers. You can reserve Moving Help by the hour, starting at two hours, and they will help with loading and unloading your items.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offer appliance moving services, including heavy lifting and delivery. They can help move appliances in and out of your home, up or down flights of stairs, or around tight corners into another room. They also provide services for customers who have purchased new appliances and can coordinate with you to build a schedule for pickup, delivery, and unloading.
When hiring movers, it is important to consider the cost, the number of movers you will need, and the time it will take. The average cost of hiring movers is $490, and most people hire two movers for an average of three hours. Make sure to also ask about any additional services you may require, such as packing or providing furniture pads.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to move a washing machine without help, but if you must, unplug the washer and unhook the hoses from the wall. Drain the hose and tape loose cords to the back of the machine. Tilt the machine forward so that it is at a 45-degree angle and position it on your thighs with your knees slightly bent. Grab the back of the washer and lift it slightly, using your thighs to support the weight. You can then slide the drain pan underneath.
First, get help from one or two other people. Drain the hose and tape loose cords to the back of the machine. Lift the washer and slide the drain pan underneath. Once the back edge of the washer is in the pan, gently lower the rest of the machine into place.
It is important to protect your hardware and home by using furniture blankets where applicable. Always be mindful of the washing machine toppling over while shifting or lifting. Know your limits and use appropriate tools to lighten the load.
