Washing Machine Drain Pan: Picking The Right Size

A washing machine drain pan is a simple yet effective way to protect your home from water damage caused by a leaking or broken washer or water supply line. It is a tray that sits under your washing machine to catch leaks before they spread and cause costly damage to your home. When choosing the right size for your washing machine drain pan, it is important to properly measure your machine's footprint and clearance space. Measure the width and depth of your clothes washer, as well as the clearance space around the front, back, and sides. The ideal pan size is slightly bigger than your washing machine's dimensions yet smaller than the max width and depth figures. Additionally, consider the type of material, drainage capabilities, and other features when selecting the right drain pan for your needs.

Measure the width and depth of your washing machine

To measure the width and depth of your washing machine, grab a tape measure and follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure the Width

Measure the width of the space where you plan to install the washing machine. This will give you an idea of the maximum width your washing machine can be. Keep in mind that you will need to allow for some clearance space on both sides of the machine for proper ventilation. The standard width of a washing machine is 60 cm for front-loading models and 40 cm for top-loading models.

Step 2: Measure the Depth

Measure the depth of the space by starting from in front of any plugs or pipes and not from the wall itself. This is important because you will need to account for the space taken up by these elements. The standard depth of a washing machine can vary depending on the model, but it typically ranges from 40 to 70 cm. Keep in mind that front-loading models are usually 5 to 10 cm deeper than top-loading machines due to the door and other protruding parts.

Step 3: Consider Additional Factors

When measuring the width and depth of your washing machine, don't forget to consider the following:

• Pipes: You will need to allow for up to 7 cm of space at the back of your machine for pipework.
• Protrusions: Some washing machines have protruding parts, such as a lid that overhangs at the back or a bulky front design. These elements can affect how much space the machine will actually take up, so be sure to measure from the outermost points of the machine.
• Clearance: Make sure to allow for adequate clearance space when measuring. For front-loading machines, you will need at least 20 inches of clearance to fully open the door. For top-loading machines, allow for 24 inches of clearance.
• Other Features: If your washing machine has an extended control panel or extra features, this can add to the overall depth of the machine.

Measure the clearance space around it

To measure the clearance space around your washing machine, you'll need a tape measure. Start by measuring the width of your washing machine by stretching the tape from the left to the right sides. Next, measure the depth, which is the distance from the front to the back of the machine. Write these numbers down.

Now, measure the clearance space around the washing machine. This includes the space at the front, back, and sides of the machine. You should aim for at least 1" of clearance space between the side of the washer and the wall of the pan. Additionally, the washing machine should be placed at least 4 inches from the wall. For the back of the machine, a clearance of around 6" is generally recommended.

Once you have these measurements, you can calculate the maximum pan width and depth. Add the width measurement to both side clearances to find the maximum pan width. Similarly, add the depth measurement to the front and back clearances to determine the maximum pan depth.

It's important to choose a pan that is slightly bigger than your washing machine's dimensions but still smaller than the maximum width and depth figures. If you opt for a pan that extends to the back wall, it can provide additional protection for your floor in case of a washer drain overflow.

Calculate the maximum pan width and depth

To calculate the maximum pan width and depth for your washing machine drain pan, you must first measure the width and depth of your machine. Take your tape measure and stretch it from the left to the right side of your machine to get the width. Then, use the measuring tape to find the depth by measuring from the front to the back of the machine. Write these figures down.

Next, measure the clearance space around the washing machine, including the front, back, and sides.

Now, you can calculate the maximum pan width and depth. For the maximum pan width, simply add the width measurement of your machine to the clearance space on both sides. For example, if your machine has a width of 24 inches, and there is a 2-inch clearance on each side, your maximum pan width would be 28 inches (24 + 2 + 2 = 28).

Similarly, for the maximum pan depth, add the depth measurement of your machine to the clearance space at the front and back. For instance, if your machine has a depth of 28 inches, with a 3-inch clearance at the front and a 2-inch clearance at the back, your maximum pan depth would be 35 inches (28 + 3 + 2 = 35).

Remember, it is recommended to get a pan that is slightly bigger than your machine's dimensions but still smaller than the maximum width and depth figures you calculated.

Choose a pan made from plastic or metal

When choosing a washing machine drain pan, you can opt for either plastic or metal. Plastic is a popular choice due to its lightweight and affordable nature. These pans are made from high-impact injection-molded polypropylene, which makes them reasonably durable. However, plastic pans can warp or crack over time, leading to potential water leaks onto the floor. Therefore, regular inspections are necessary, and you should be prepared to replace the pan at the first sign of damage.

Metal drain pans, on the other hand, offer a more robust solution. Made from stainless steel or galvanized steel, they effectively eliminate the risk of cracks. Galvanized metal pans have a zinc coating for added protection against rust. While metal pans can still warp, they tend to last longer than plastic ones, making them a better long-term investment. However, they are also more expensive, typically costing up to three times as much as their plastic counterparts. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and risk tolerance.

Install the drain

Now that you have a drain pan, it's time to get it underneath your washing machine. Installing a washer drain pan can be a daunting task without help. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install the drain:

Preparation:

• Know your limits and use appropriate tools, and if necessary, enlist some help. The average weight of washing machines is 180 lbs., with larger washers weighing upwards of 200 lbs.
• Protect your hardware and your home by using furniture blankets where applicable.
• Be mindful not to rest the washer on the walls of the pan, as they can bend from the full weight of a washing machine.
• Refer to your owner's manual regarding the handling of your washing machine unit.
• Empty the contents from the washing machine.
• Shut off the breaker and unplug 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.
• Fasten the transit bolts if you plan on significantly tilting the washing machine.

Installation:

Old-Fashioned Lifting:

• With the help of two other people, lift the washer a few inches off the ground.
• Get a third person or use a spare foot (be careful) to slide the pan underneath.
• Lower the washing machine back down inside the pan. No cords or hoses need to be disconnected, making this one of the quicker methods.

Forearm/Waist Straps:

• Tilt the washer back slightly to run the straps underneath.
• Have two people on opposite sides place the straps around their forearms/waist.
• Lift the washing machine up and slide the pan underneath.
• Lower the washing machine onto the pan and remove the straps from underneath.

Using 2x4s:

• Move the washer out of the way.
• Attach two 2x4s together and place them inside the pan along the front edge, ensuring the wood protrudes 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.
• Now tilt the washer back in the opposite direction and continue to walk it towards the back of the pan.
• Once the washer is completely inside the pan, tilt the washer back enough to remove the pieces of 2x4.
• Lower the washer back down and centre it in the pan.

Using an "I" Beam:

• Move the washer out of the way.
• Get five pieces of 2x4 wood planks. Attach three together to create an "I" beam.
• Place the "I" beam up against the pan. Use the other two planks as a ramp on the middle section of the "I" beam.
• Lift the washer onto the ramp and shift it up towards the middle of the beam.
• Continue sliding the washing machine over the other side of the ramp, down to the pan. Ensure the beam is tall enough so that the ramp doesn't interfere with the wall of the pan.
• Once the back edge of the washing machine is in the pan, slide the 2x4 ramps out from underneath, gently lowering the rest of the washer into place.

Hire Professional Movers:

• If you have no help from friends and no means to do it alone, hiring movers can be a reasonable solution.
• Use apps like Takl and Handy to find movers and handymen.
• Ensure the movers do not harm the walls of the pan in the process.

Always check that the washer is level after installing your drip or drain pan. Use the feet of the washer to adjust as needed.

Frequently asked questions