The washing machine is not a tool that is often moved around in the house. This machine is usually placed in a basement, special laundry room, or garage, and left there for the entire life of it. However, sometimes you may need to move the washing machine. When moving to a new house or about to replace it, you need to remove the hoses and cables on the machine that serves to deliver water and power. The instructions below will show you how to remove the washing machine from its place and prepare it so that it can be moved from its original location.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Uninstalling the Washing Machine
Step 1. Turn off the water tap
The faucet that supplies cold and hot water is usually located behind the washing machine and in a wall-mounted box. Turn off the faucet by turning it clockwise until it can no longer be turned.
You need to turn off the faucet before doing anything else. This will protect you from splashing water if you accidentally damage the hose in step 2
Step 2. Pull or drag the washer away from the wall
If you are working alone, hold one side of the machine and move it forward, then do the same on the other side. If you are being helped by someone else, try pulling both sides of the washer at the same time.
- Pull the machine as far as possible without pressing the water hose. Ideally, the washing machine should be far enough away from the wall that you can step behind it.
- If your home is modern enough, the water control box is usually on top of the washing machine so it's easy to reach without moving the machine.
Step 3. Unplug the washing machine power cord
Make sure the washing machine is not turned on, then unplug the power cord from the power source. Thus, the washing machine will lose its power source.
Step 4. Prepare a bucket
Place the water basin or bucket behind the washing machine, just below the wet water line. Place a few washcloths around the bucket to absorb any excess water that splashes when the tubing is removed.
Step 5. Remove the water hose from the washing machine
If the hose is clamped, turn the screw at the top counterclockwise until the clamp loosens. After that, point the end of the hose towards the bucket to collect the water. Alternatively, you can point it to the drain hole in the water control box.
- We recommend that you double-check the condition of the faucet before performing this step. Some faucet handles are very easy to accidentally open, for example when you move the washing machine or step behind it.
- It's a good idea to wait a few seconds after turning off the faucet before removing the water hose. This will take the pressure off the faucet, making it easier to remove the object.
- Turning on some of the faucets in your home might make the water dry faster.
Step 6. Disconnect the water hose from the wall
Turn the tip of the faucet counterclockwise until it releases.
- You may need to use adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen the hose, especially if the object has been stuck to the washing machine for a long time.
- Once you've removed it, dump the rest of the water into the bucket.
Step 7. Remove the hose from the drain line
Depending on the plumbing arrangement, the hose may be removed from the sink, floor drain, wall drain, or tall stand pipe. The process of removing the hose on each machine is different. Read the instructions for using the machine if it is still not clear.
Point the open end of the hose at the bucket to allow water to flow through it
Method 2 of 2: Preparing the Machine for Moving
Step 1. Empty the bucket of water
Before moving the machine, first remove the water in the bucket. Wipe up spills or water droplets. You certainly don't want to slip when moving the washing machine.
Step 2. Check the cables on the machine again
Make sure that no cables or hoses are still connected to the wall. Continue to move the machine away from its place. Sometimes, there is still water left in the washing machine.
Step 3. Clean the inside of the machine
If you still want to use the machine, it's a good idea to clean the water inside with a washing brush to remove the dust that has accumulated over the years.
Step 4. Unplug the power cord
If you didn't put the washing machine where it was before, it's a good idea to unplug the power cord. If it can't be removed, use tape to secure the power cord in place.
- This will protect the cable and prevent it from being accidentally pulled when the machine is moved.
- It's also a good idea to remove the knobs on the washing machine so they don't get lost.
Step 5. Tighten the drum
If you are moving your washing machine to a remote location, it is very important to tighten the "drum" area, which is the space inside the machine that moves when the machine is started.
- Depending on the model of your washing machine, this can be done by tightening the bolts, turning the large Y-shaped foam, or tightening the screws on the back of the machine.
- Read the washing machine's manual to find out how to tighten the drum. You may need to purchase a special kit for this purpose.
Step 6. Wrap the washing machine parts
If you are moving the machine, leave the power cord plugged in. You can attach the dangling cord to the side of the washing machine so it doesn't get in the way.
Tips
- Remove as much dust and dirt as possible on the washing machine before removing it. Even if you provide a bucket, it is almost impossible to prevent water from dripping onto the floor.
- If you have time, after removing the water hose, leave the washing machine for a day or two with the door open. This method will make the remaining water in the machine dry.
- If the hose connection valve is cracked or is more than five years old, it is best to discard it and replace it with a new one.
