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It’s pretty sad that your washing machine vibrates loudly while functioning. However, it’s not only yours that does that – virtually all washing machines vibrate when in use. But can washing machine vibrations damage house properties?
Yes, washing machine vibrations can cause structural damage to a house. Of course, the vibrations would disturb the neighbors living above or below your flat (if you live in a story building or apartment).
When the vibration is not noisy, it’s pretty normal. But when it’s noisy, or your washing machine bumps while functioning, that’s when it becomes a big problem.
Here, we tried to explain the various possible causes of washing machine vibrations and how you can minimize/stop them.
What Causes Washing Machine Vibrations?
There are many possible reasons why a washing machine vibrates while functioning. Mostly, it could be that the braces installed at the bottom are not well-fitted, or they are not balanced on the floor.
Another common cause of washing machine vibration is the design of the machine. For example, front-loading washing machines tend to vibrate more than top-loading options.
Over the years, minimizing vibration is the key selling point of brands that produce these machines.
It is practically impossible for a washing machine not to vibrate while it’s in use; hence, here are the most effective ways to reduce these vibrations and save the delicate items and furniture in your home from getting damaged.
Can Washing Machine Vibrations Damage House?
The simple answer is YES. However, the damage does not happen immediately – it takes a long time before it finally happens.
If you use the machine every day, the vibrations and rumbling can gradually shift certain items in your home, causing those items to lose balance and probably fall and get damaged.
More so, constant vibrations exerted on the floor (where the washing machine is placed) can weaken the floor and cause cracks to appear.
If the house is old, these constant rumbling and vibrations can affect the walls, joists, and other members of the structure.
Well, when we talk of house damages that could result from constant (heavy) vibrations of your washing machine, we do not mean to say that washing machine vibrations can cause a house to collapse.
The worse damages that could result from washing machine vibrations include damaging of the machine itself, several cracks on your floors & walls, and breakage of some fragile furniture or home fancies around the washing machine bay.
How To Reduce Washing Machine Vibration
These possible solutions would most likely reduce the vibrations to a very minimal level that won’t matter to you anymore.
1. Remove The Parking Bolts
According to most Redditors, removing the parking bolts that ship with washing machines can reduce the vibrations drastically.
Typically, the installers should remove these bolts, but if you did the installation by yourself, you should ensure to remove the bolts. The bolts are typically situated at the back of the machine.
2. Level Out The Machine
When the machine is not balanced on the floor, the vibrations would be fiercer, and the machine may even bounce at some times (when running with high RPM).
Apparently, every washing machine has four legs, and they are usually adjustable. So, you have to ensure that the legs are leveled and balanced on the floor.
To validate that your machine is balanced out, you could use a leveling device; place the device atop the washing machine’s cover and check if it’s balanced. If not balanced, adjust the feet/legs until you achieve a perfect leveling result.
3. Use Anti-Vibration Pads
There are anti-vibration kits designed for washing machines. Since it is almost impossible to see a washer or dryer that does not vibrate at all, anti-vibration kits are produced as aftermarket gears for washing machines.
You can purchase these anti-vibe pads from the same store where you bought the machine or search for them in your favorite online shop. They work efficiently in reducing vibrations to a bearable minimum.
4. Even The Load
According to some persons in different forums, a washing machine may vibrate more intensely when it’s not carrying an even load. You should not add just one cloth into the machine for washing.
Some washing machines work smoothly when loaded up to 2/3 of their capacity. Well, your unit may require being loaded fully – read the manual for more information on how to load your machine.
5. Buy a New Washing Machine
Yes, if the machine is old and all of these tips shared above seem not to work, then it may be that it’s time for a new unit.
When going for a new washing machine, look out for units with anti-vibration technology (the tech is standard with Samsung washers).
More so, if you were using a front-loading washing machine, your next buy should be a top loader. As attested by most people, front-loading washers tend to vibrate more than front loaders.
Final Thoughts
So, can washing machine vibrations damage house? Yes, the vibrations can cause several damages in your home, from breaking your plates to knocking off the framed pictures on your wall, and then cause cracks on your walls and floors.
Getting anti-vibration pads would go a long way to minimize these vibrations, but before you do that, ensure that the machine is well-balanced on the floor and the shipping bolts are not still attached at the back.
Hopefully, the suggestions discussed above would help you in this regard.