Cody Casey
A washing machine drain pan is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent water damage from a leaking washing machine. It is placed under the washer and typically uses either bottom or side drains to channel the water out of the pan. Drain pans are often made of plastic or other composite materials that crack and leak over time. Therefore, you may need to replace your washer drain pan to protect against leaks. This can be done by first turning off the water supply, unplugging the machine, and disconnecting the supply and drain hoses. Next, lift the machine and place it on a dolly, then move it away from the area where the pan will be installed. Install the new pan onto the floor and adjust as necessary for the drain pipe to fit into the floor or wall drain opening. Finally, move the washing machine back into place, reconnect the hoses, and plug it in.
How to replace a washing machine pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When you notice leaks, cracks, or rust on the pan |
| Preparation | Turn off the water supply, unplug the machine, empty the contents, drain the hose, tape loose cords to the back of the machine |
| Lifting the machine | Use a dolly or hand truck, and get help as machines are heavy |
| Disconnecting | Disconnect the supply and drain hoses |
| Bucket | Place a bucket underneath to collect residual water from hoses |
| Towel | Have a towel ready to soak up residual water |
| Existing pipe | If replacing an existing pan, use the existing drain pipe |
| Drain hole | If there is no drain hole, drill one into the pan |
| Caulking | Caulk around the interface between the pipe and the drain pan |
| Pan lip | The pan lip should be higher than the drain pipe to allow for drainage |
| Hose connections | Reconnect the hoses and check for leaks |
| Power | Plug the machine back in and turn the power on |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare the area: turn off the water supply, unplug the machine and disconnect the hoses
- Move the machine: lift and move the washing machine away from the area where the pan will be installed
- Install the new pan: place the new pan on the floor and adjust for the drain pipe
- Move the machine back: walk the machine back over the pan and centre it
- Reconnect the hoses: reconnect the hoses and plug the machine back in
Prepare the area: turn off the water supply, unplug the machine and disconnect the hoses
Before beginning to replace your washing machine pan, it is important to prepare the area. First, turn off the water supply by turning off the water hose. Next, unplug the machine from the power source and outlet. It is important to note that washing machines are very heavy, so it is recommended to have assistance when handling the machine. Once unplugged, disconnect the water supply hoses and the drain hose. Place a bucket underneath to catch any residual water left in the hoses that may drain out, and use a towel to soak up any excess water.
If you plan to move the washing machine, use a dolly or hand truck to lift and move it away from the area where the new pan will be installed. If you are moving the machine, it is also important to empty its contents and drain the hose to keep your floor surface dry and safe during installation. Tape any loose cords to the back of the machine to keep them out of the way.
Now that the area is prepared, you can begin the process of installing the new washing machine pan.
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Move the machine: lift and move the washing machine away from the area where the pan will be installed
Moving a washing machine is no easy feat, and it is always recommended to hire professional movers to do the job. However, if you are moving the machine yourself, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and the machine.
First, ensure the area around the washing machine is clear of any clutter, clothing, or other obstacles. Next, remove any clothes from the washer and clean out and dry the drum. Then, disconnect the power supply by unplugging the machine and bundling and securing the electrical cords with tape. After this, turn off the water supply by shutting off the valves behind the washer and locating the cold and hot water hoses.
Now, you can begin to prepare the machine for transport. Wrap the appliance in furniture or moving blankets, securing them with twine, rope, or straps. Make sure to cover the machine entirely to protect it from accidental hits during the move. Then, with the help of at least one other person, carefully lift the machine and place it onto a dolly, securing it with ropes. Keep the machine upright as you wheel it out of the house and into the new location.
Once you have reached the new location, reverse the process to safely install the washing machine in its new place.
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Install the new pan: place the new pan on the floor and adjust for the drain pipe
To install a new washing machine drain pan, you must first empty the contents of your washing machine and unplug it from the outlet. It is recommended to have another person help you with this process, as washing machines are heavy and can cause injury if not handled properly. Next, use a dolly to lift and move the machine away from the area where the new pan will be installed.
Now that you have access to the area, place the new pan on the floor and adjust it to fit the drain pipe. If there is no existing drain hole, you may need to drill one into the pan. The pan should be positioned so that the drain pipe fits into the floor or wall drain opening. The pan lip should be higher than the ending (with fittings) top of the drain pipe so that it can drain effectively.
Once the new pan is in place, you can move the washing machine back into position. Reconnect the hoses, plug the machine back in, and turn on the water supply. Be sure to check for leaks after the next few washes, especially around the hose connections.
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Move the machine back: walk the machine back over the pan and centre it
Moving the washing machine back into place is a delicate task that requires careful execution to avoid damage to the machine, the pan, or yourself. It is highly recommended to have at least one other person to assist you in this process.
Before moving the machine back, ensure that the new drain pan is securely installed and ready to receive the machine. If you are replacing an old pan, you can use the existing drain pipe. However, if you are installing a new pan, you may need to install a drain pan pipe using a hacksaw to cut it to the correct size.
Now, with the pan in place, it's time to move the washing machine back. First, tilt the washer towards you and walk it over the pan. Continue walking the washer towards the back of the pan until it is completely encompassed by the pan. Once the washer is centred in the pan, carefully tilt it back to remove any supporting structures, such as 2x4s, that were used during the walking process.
Finally, lower the washer back down and centre it in the pan. Be sure to check that the washer is stable and secure in its new position. After installation, always check for leaks, especially around hose connections, to ensure that your new drain pan is functioning properly.
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Reconnect the hoses: reconnect the hoses and plug the machine back in
When reconnecting the hoses, it is important to ensure that the washing machine is pushed back into place, leaving at least four inches between the machine and the wall so the hoses don't kink. Leaving this space will also make it easier to access the rear of the unit and the hose connections for inspection.
To reconnect the hoses, start by adding the new hose to the connectors. Tighten the fittings first, and then use pliers to securely tighten the washing machine hose on both ends. Repeat the process on the other side before adding the other new hose. By replacing and tightening one hose at a time, you will eliminate the risk of connecting the cold water supply to the hot water intake on the washing machine.
After reconnecting the hoses, turn on the handles at the water supply slowly and one at a time. Watch closely for leaks as you turn the water on again. If you notice a leak, turn off the water supply, check your connections, and tighten the hoses properly. Once you are confident that no leaks will occur, turn the water on full blast.
Finally, plug the machine back in and turn the power on. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before using the washer to allow any silicone used on the fittings to dry. Always check for leaks after the next few washes, particularly around the hose connections.
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Frequently asked questions
A washing machine pan, also known as a drain pan, is used to protect your floors from water damage in the case of leaks. Over time, the pans can crack or leak, so replacing them ensures protection against leaking washers.
First, turn off the water supply and unplug the machine. Disconnect the water hoses and drain hose, placing a bucket underneath to catch any residual water. Next, lift the machine and move it away from the area where the pan will be installed. It is recommended to have someone help you with this step as washing machines are heavy. Install the new pan onto the floor and adjust it so that the drain pipe fits into the floor or wall drain opening. Move the washing machine back into place, reconnect the hoses, and plug it in.
Regularly check your drain pan for any signs of wear, including visible cracks, rust on metal pans, or water not draining properly. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to replace the pan. Additionally, if you notice an unpleasant smell around your washing machine, it could be due to stagnant water collecting in the pan, which also indicates that the pan should be replaced.
