Removing The Washer Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a washer pan can be a daunting task, but it is a necessary part of maintaining your washing machine and protecting your home from water damage. A washer pan, also known as a drain pan, is a container that sits under your washing machine to catch any water leaks and prevent water damage to your floors. This is especially important for homes with upper-floor laundry rooms, where a leak could result in significant damage. By effectively containing and directing water away from vulnerable areas, a washer pan can save you from the hassle and financial burden of extensive water damage repairs.

Disconnect the washing machine

Disconnecting your washing machine is the first step in removing your washer pan. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to doing this safely and effectively:

Firstly, turn off the washing machine by turning off the water hose. You can do this by locating the water supply valve or valves, which are usually situated behind the machine, and turning them clockwise to shut off the water flow.

Next, unplug the machine from the wall. This is a crucial safety step to ensure the machine is powered down and will not start unexpectedly during the removal process.

Now, disconnect the water hoses. These are the rubber hoses that connect your washing machine to the water supply. You may need a bucket and towel to catch any excess water that comes out of the hoses.

At this point, your washing machine should be fully disconnected. You can now move on to the next steps of removing the washer pan.

It is important to note that washing machines are heavy appliances, so it is recommended to have a helper for this process. If you are disconnecting and moving the washer by yourself, be sure to take extra care and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Lift the washer with help

Lifting a washer with help is the safest way to remove a washer pan. The average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs, with larger washers being upwards of 200 lbs. It is important to know your limits and use appropriate tools to lighten the load. Two people are necessary for this task, but three are ideal.

Before lifting, ensure you have emptied the contents of the washing machine, shut off the breaker, and unplugged the washer from the outlet. 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.

Now, to the lift. First, tilt the washer back slightly. Then, run the straps underneath and have two people on opposite sides place the straps around their forearms/waist. It is important to lift with your legs, not your back, as most back injuries are related to improper lifting.

Once the washer is lifted, slide the pan underneath. Then, lower the washing machine back down inside the pan. No cords or hoses need to be disconnected, making this one of the quicker methods.

If you are unable to get help, there are other methods you can try, such as using an appliance dolly or a ratchet strap.

Slide the pan underneath

To slide the pan underneath the washer, you will need to first lift the washer. This is not a one-person job, as the average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs, with larger washers weighing upwards of 200 lbs. It is recommended that two or three people are involved in the process. When lifting, be sure to lift with your legs, not your back, as most back injuries are related to improper lifting.

If you are not able to lift the washer with the help of others, there are a few alternative methods you can try. One suggestion is to unhook the electrical cord, water lines, and drain hose. Lay a 3-4' tub about 6" from the bottom on the floor and tip the machine over onto it so that the bottom is elevated and fully supported. Protect the top edge by having the machine land on a towel or rug to avoid scratches. Then, install the pan on the bottom, strapping it to the sides with tape. Finally, upright the machine and hook it back up.

Another suggestion is to tip the washer up on one foot, slide the pan underneath, and then put it back down. Repeat this process on the opposite foot, pivoting the pan around until the first foot is within the pan. Put the washer down, and slide the pan and machine into place.

If you are able to lift the washer with the help of others, there are a few methods you can try. One is to use forearm/waist straps, which are more ergonomic for lifting heavy objects and minimize back injuries. To do this, tilt the washer back slightly to run the straps underneath. Then, have two people on opposite sides place the straps around their forearms/waist and lift the machine. Slide the pan underneath, lower the machine onto the pan, and remove the straps.

Another method is to use two people to lift the washer a few inches off the ground, and then have a third person slide the pan underneath. Lower the washer back down inside the pan. No cords or hoses need to be disconnected with this method.

Finally, you can use two 2x4s attached together and placed inside the pan along the front edge, with the wood protruding above the height of the pan lip. Walk the washer up to the pan and tilt it back towards you, walking it over the pan until the 2x4s are about half the depth of the washer. Then, tilt the washer back in the opposite direction and continue walking it towards the back of the pan. Once the washer is completely inside the pan, tilt it back enough to remove the 2x4s, lower it back down, and centre it in the pan.

Lower the washer into the pan

Lowering the washer into the pan is a crucial step in the installation process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a safe and efficient procedure:

Firstly, it is important to have at least two people on hand to lift and lower the washer. With the washer raised a few inches off the ground, the pan can be carefully slid underneath. This basic method is straightforward and quick, as it does not require disconnecting any cords or hoses. However, it is important to take precautions to avoid injury and damage to the washer and surrounding area.

To ensure safety, always lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent back injuries. Additionally, be cautious of the washer toppling over during the process. Use furniture blankets to protect walls and floors from scratches and dents. Ensure the washer is not rested on the walls of the pan to avoid bending.

Another method involves using forearm/waist straps, which are more ergonomic and can reduce the risk of back injuries. Tilt the washer back slightly to run the straps underneath, then have two people on opposite sides place the straps around their forearms/waist. Lift the washer, slide the pan underneath, and then lower the washer onto the pan.

For a more innovative approach, attach two 2x4s together to create a support structure inside the pan, with the wood protruding above the height of the pan lip. Walk the washer up to the pan, tilt it back towards you, and walk it over the pan until the 2x4s are about halfway up the depth of the washer. Then, tilt the washer back in the opposite direction and continue walking it towards the back of the pan until it is completely encompassed. Finally, tilt the washer back to remove the 2x4s and lower it down into the pan, centring it accordingly.

If you are unable to find assistance or have physical limitations, consider hiring professional movers or handymen to help with the installation.

Secure the washer and reconnect

Now that you've successfully removed the washer pan, it's time to secure the washer and reconnect it. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Secure the Washer

Before reconnecting the washer, ensure it is stable and secure. If you used straps or a hand truck to lift the washer, carefully remove these, lowering the washer back onto the pan. Make sure the washer is level and sitting flush within the pan. Check that the pan is not supporting the full weight of the washer; instead, adjust the washer so that it rests on its own feet or base.

Reconnect the Hoses

Now, you can reconnect the water hoses to the washer. Use a wrench to ensure the connections are tight and secure. Be careful not to overtighten the connections, as this can lead to damage.

Plug the Washer Back In

Once the hoses are connected, plug the washer back into the power outlet. Turn on the water valves to restore the water supply to the washer.

Test the Washer

At this point, your washer should be fully reconnected. Run a test cycle to ensure everything is functioning properly. Pay close attention to any signs of leaking around the washer and the pan. Check the drainage system to ensure water is flowing properly through the drain pipe.

Regular Maintenance

To extend the life of your washer and pan, perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the pan with mild detergent and water to prevent the buildup of dirt and detergent residue. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks in the pan or rust on metal surfaces. Inspect the drainage system regularly for any blockages or slow drainage issues.

By following these steps, you can securely reconnect your washer and maintain a functional and safe setup. Remember to always exercise caution when working with appliances and plumbing, and don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.

Frequently asked questions