Emilie Meyer
Water leaks from washing machines are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. This can be prevented by installing a washing machine drain pan, which is an inexpensive, shallow tray that slides under the washer to collect and redirect water to the exterior or to a floor drain. This article will discuss the steps to take to put a washer in a pan, including important safety precautions to take, and the tools and materials required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect your home from water damage caused by leaks or drips from the hose connection. |
| Installation | Place the pan under the washer, ensuring it is level and does not block access to the washer's drawer. |
| Materials | Plastic, composite material, or stainless steel. |
| Drainage | Directs water away from the home through a pipe connected to a drain hole in the pan. |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning with mild detergent and water to prevent the buildup of dirt and residue. |
| Safety | Ensure the washing machine is turned off and unplugged before installation or maintenance. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the area and tools
Preparing the area and tools is a crucial step in installing a washer in a pan. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Clear the Area and Prepare the Tools:
Start by clearing the area around your washing machine to create a workspace. Gather all 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 carpenter's level to ensure proper placement.
Safety Precautions:
Before beginning any installation work, it's important to take the necessary safety precautions. Turn off the water supply by shutting off the water hose and disconnect the washing machine from the power source by unplugging it from the wall outlet. Disconnect the water hoses to prevent any accidental spills or electrical hazards. It is also recommended to have a bucket and towel ready to collect any excess water remaining in the hoses.
Prepare the Washing Machine:
Empty the contents of your washing machine, including any water left in the drum. You may need to drain the hose to keep your floor surface dry and safe. Tape any loose cords to the back of the machine to keep them organised and out of the way. If you plan on tilting the washing machine, fasten the transit bolts to maintain the alignment of the drum.
Moving the Washing Machine:
Washing machines are heavy, so it's essential to use proper lifting techniques and never attempt to move it alone. Enlist the help of at least one other person to assist you in lifting and moving the machine. Use a dolly or hand truck to lift and carefully move the machine away from the wall, exposing the floor drain. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings to prevent any injuries or damage to your property.
Install the Drain Pan:
With the washing machine moved, it's now time to install the drain pan. If your pan doesn't have a pre-cut hole, you may need to cut one to correspond with the drain fitting on the floor. Adjust the pan as necessary to ensure a proper fit and alignment with the drain pipe. If you're installing a new pan, you may need to cut the drain pan pipe to the correct size using a hacksaw.
By following these steps to prepare the area and tools, you can ensure a smooth and safe process when installing a washer in a pan. Remember always to prioritise safety and never hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.
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Lift the washer safely
Lifting a washer safely requires careful preparation and planning. Firstly, it is important to note that washing machines can be very heavy, with weights ranging from 150 to 230 pounds, depending on their capacity and type. Therefore, it is recommended to have a helper or a few helpers to assist in lifting and moving the washer.
Before attempting to lift the washer, ensure that the area around it is clear of any clutter, such as clothing, bins, or other obstacles. This will create a safe workspace and make it easier to manoeuvre the washer. Additionally, it is crucial to disconnect the washer from its power source and water supply. Turn off the power using your home's breaker box and unplug the washer from the wall outlet. Secure the electrical cords with twist ties or ropes, and tape them to the side or back of the washer. Shut off the water valves and detach the cold and hot water hoses at the back of the washer.
When lifting the washer, use proper techniques to avoid injury. If possible, use a dolly or hand truck to support the weight of the washer. Lift the front end of the washer first, then slide the hand truck underneath. Secure the washer to the dolly with ropes to ensure it remains stable during transport. If using a dolly is not feasible, consider using moving straps to help distribute the weight more evenly and reduce strain on your back. Work with your helpers to carefully lift the washer, ensuring that there are enough people to handle the weight safely.
If the washer needs to be lifted vertically, additional equipment may be required. For example, installing heavy-duty hooks into ceiling joists and using suction cups, a block and tackle, or a pulley system can help lift the washer safely. It is important to secure the hooks into something solid to bear the weight of the washer.
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Slide the pan underneath
To install a washing machine pan, you'll need at at least one other person to help you with lifting and sliding the pan underneath the washer. Two people are necessary, but three are ideal.
First, empty the contents of the washing machine and shut off the breaker. Then, unplug the washer from the outlet and drain the hose. Tape any loose cords to the back of the washing machine to keep them out of the way. If you plan on tilting the machine, fasten the transit bolts to keep the drum aligned.
Next, lift the washer a few inches off the ground with your helper(s). Be careful not to lift with your back, as most back injuries are related to improper lifting. Use your legs instead and be mindful of the machine toppling over. If you're sliding the pan underneath without disconnecting the washer, make sure the connections have enough slack. Once the washer is lifted, a third person can slide the pan underneath.
Finally, lower the washer back down inside the pan. Make sure the washer is centred and not resting on the walls of the pan, as this can bend the pan walls and disrupt the drum alignment.
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Adjust the washer and pan
Adjusting the washer and pan involves several steps, from preparing the washer to positioning the pan and ensuring proper levelling. Here is a detailed guide:
Preparing the Washer
Before adjusting the washer and pan, it is crucial to prepare the washer for the installation process. Start by emptying the contents of the washing machine. This includes any laundry or detergent that might be inside. Next, shut off the power and unplug the washer from its power source. It is important to turn off the power supply to the washer to ensure safety during the installation process. Additionally, close the hot and cold water valves to prevent any water flow during the procedure.
Moving the Washer
After preparing the washer, it is now safe to move it. Disconnect the hoses from the wall and keep a bucket and towel nearby to catch any spills or excess water from the hoses. It is recommended to have someone assist you during this process, as washing machines can be heavy. Use a dolly or hand truck to lift the front of the washer and move it away from the wall, providing access to the floor drain.
Positioning the Pan
With the washer moved, it is now time to position the drain pan. If your drain pan has a pre-existing hole, ensure it aligns with the drainpipe. If not, you may need to cut a hole to correspond with the drain fitting on the floor. Place the drain pan so that the drainpipe fits through the hole, allowing for proper drainage. If you are using a plastic washing machine pan, it may have a punch-out hole that can be pre-drilled for easier installation.
Adjusting the Washer Position
Now that the pan is in place, it is time to adjust the washer's position. Carefully lower the washing machine onto the pan, ensuring it sits flush and level. Use a carpenter's level to guarantee that the washer is level, and adjust the legs of the washer if necessary. Newer washers often have adjustable legs to facilitate levelling. Be cautious not to rest the washer on the walls of the pan, as this can bend the walls and disrupt the drum alignment.
Reconnecting Hoses and Power
Once the washer is level and securely positioned on the pan, it is time to reconnect the hoses and restore power. Utilize a wrench to securely reconnect the washing machine hoses. Then, plug the washer back into the power outlet and turn on the water valves.
Final Checks
After completing the installation, there are a few final checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly. For the next few washes, keep a close eye on the drain pan to verify that there are no leaks. Additionally, regular cleaning and routine inspections of the drain pan will help extend its lifespan. This can be done by lifting the washing machine slightly and wiping down the pan with a mild detergent and water solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing tools that could damage the pan.
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Check for leaks
Once you've installed your washer and drain pan, it's important to check for leaks. After the first few washes, check for any signs of leaking to ensure everything is connected properly. Check the drain pan under the washer for leaks due to cracks or other damage and replace the pan if necessary.
If you notice water in the pan, check your washer's hot and cold water supply hoses to ensure they're securely fastened and undamaged. Inspect the internal hoses for wear and replace any damaged ones. Tighten any loose clamps. Check the drain pump for signs of leaks and replace it if needed. If your washer is leaking during the fill or agitation of the wash cycle, a damaged tub seal may be the culprit and will need to be replaced.
If your washer is leaking from the bottom, the cause could be a faulty washer tub seal or a cracked or loose drain pipe. If your washer is leaking during the spin cycle, it may be off-balance. Check that your washer is level and adjust the levelling feet until the machine is balanced. Other possible causes of a leak during the spin cycle are a clogged water pump or drain hose or damaged seals between these two parts. If your washer is leaking during the drain cycle, the drain hose clamps, hose, or drain pump may be damaged or loose.
You can also check for a slow leak at the hose connections to the washing machine by wrapping some toilet paper around both hose connections. If the toilet paper is wet the next morning, there is likely a leak.
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Frequently asked questions
A washing machine pan, also known as a drain pan, is a shallow tray that slides under the washer to catch any leaks or drips from the hose connection. It is an inexpensive way to protect your home from water damage.
First, turn off the water supply and disconnect the washing machine. Then, lift the washer with the help of another person and slide the pan underneath. If you are installing a new pan, you may need to install a drain pan pipe as well. Move the washer back into place, reconnect the hoses, and plug it in. Finally, check for leaks after the next few washes.
You will need a measuring tape, pipe wrench, hose clamp, PVC pipe, and possibly some plumber’s putty. You may also need a flashlight for visibility, a level to ensure proper placement, and a dolly to move the washer.
