Sometimes, knowing the right answer to some questions can save you from further trouble. That is the case with transporting a washing machine. If you don’t know how to do this properly, it may cost you your nerves, time, and money.
So, can you transport a front load washer on its side? If you are planning on moving your front-load washing machine from one place to another, ensure to read this article and avoid a mistake that can easily be made.
Let’s discover more!
Can You Transport a Front Load Washer on Its Side?
If you are excited to move out, but the thought of transporting your heavy appliances gives you a headache, I got you. One wrong move, and besides a new home, you will need to be buying new appliances.
To put it short, if you want to keep your front-load washing machine in pristine condition, then no. You must avoid laying your washer on its side at any cost during transportation.
Why is this so, you might ask? Well, you can read more about it down below.
What Are the Potential Risks of Laying Your Washer on Its Side During Transportation?
After briefly seeing can you transport a front load washer on its side or not, it is time to explain the potential damages and risks.
Namely, if you lay your front-load machine on its side, it is more likely that there will be road bumps, curbs, and other disturbances that will make the washer move or shake slightly during transportation.
Because of this, if the washer is on its side, its inside parts might start bumping into one another and cause serious damage. More specifically, the biggest risk lies in the two tubes moving and in wrecking the suspension system that keeps these tubes upright and floating.
What to Do Before Transporting Your Front-Load Washing Machine
If you want to be 100% safe that your washing machine will survive the transport, there are a few things you must do and check before prepping the washer for transport.
First, you must ensure that you unplug the washer and, more importantly, that the water is turned off and disconnected from the appliance.
Next, to avoid forming mold or bacteria, you will have to thoroughly clean the machine and remove any remaining water in it by using a wet/dry shop vacuum.
Once you are sure that the washing machine is all set, you may continue with the packing process.
Read more: Can You Use A Washing Machine Without A Lid?
What Is the Best Way to Transport a Front-Load Washing Machine?
Now that you know that you mustn’t transport a front-load washer on its side, I would like to share some tips on safely transporting your front-load washer for minimal damage risks.
Follow the transportation instructions by the manufacturer
First, you must follow the transportation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Here you can find extremely useful tips and methods of what you must do and how to transport your washer safely.
Suppose you can not get ahold of the instructions or manual by any chance. In that case, you should search the Internet, as all of the manuals usually have an online version too, or directly contact the washing machine’s manufacturer.
Reattach the shipping bolts
The next thing you want to do is to reattach the shipping bolts. These bolds will hold the drum and other fragile parts in place, reducing the risk of parts damaging or bumping into one another.
Of course, when you transport your machine and when it is ready to be used, ensure to de-attach these shipping bolts and remove them before using the washer.
Put and secure the washer into its original box
After the washer is completely ready, you will have to put it into its original or some other box to protect it from internal and external damage. You can even place some bubble wrap around it for extra protection.
Use a ramp
If you want to smoothly and safely move the washing machine from one place to another, the best thing to do is use a ramp whenever possible.
Also read: Can You Use A Studor Vent On A Washing Machine?
Keep it upright
Finally, the last thing you must do is ensure to place and keep the front-load machine upright during the entire transport.
Conclusion
Transporting a front-load washing machine requires careful consideration to avoid potential damage and ensure its safe relocation.
So, can you transport a front load washer on its side? Attempting to move the washer on its side is risky, as it can lead to internal components colliding and damaging the appliance. That is, you shouldn’t do it.
To safeguard the washing machine during transport, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s transportation instructions and reattach shipping bolts to secure the delicate parts.
Placing the washer in its original box or a suitable alternative with added protection, such as bubble wrap, helps prevent external damage.
Additionally, using a ramp for smooth movement and maintaining an upright position throughout transportation are crucial measures to ensure the washer’s pristine condition upon arrival.
