Doing laundry is a never-ending task for most families, and we rely on our washing machines to run smoothly. However, few things are as annoying as a washer that “walks” across the floor or bangs loudly during the spin cycle. We know that a vibrating washer is more than just a noise problem. If your machine shakes too much, it can damage your floors, ruin the internal parts of the washer, and even leak water everywhere. Our team at Freedom Appliances wants to help you understand why your machine is acting like it wants to escape the laundry room.
Most washer vibrations come from simple issues that we can fix quickly. Whether you have a front-load or top-load machine, balance is the most important factor. When a washer spins at high speeds, even a small imbalance can create a lot of force. We believe that a quiet laundry room is a happy laundry room. If your machine is making a lot of noise, you should look into washer repair Calgary to stop the shaking before it causes permanent damage.
Checking the Level of Your Machine
The most common reason a washer moves is that it is not sitting level on the floor. Every washer has adjustable feet that you can turn to raise or lower each corner. If the floor is uneven or a foot has shifted, the machine will rock back and forth. This rocking turns into a violent vibration when the spin cycle starts. We suggest using a bubble level to check the top of your machine from front to back and side to side.
Furthermore, the locking nuts on the feet can sometimes come loose over time. This allows the feet to vibrate out of position. Our team can help you level your machine and secure the legs so they stay in place. We also recommend checking the floor itself. If the floor is weak or bouncy, the washer will never stay still. We pride ourselves on finding these small structural issues that others might miss. We want your machine to stay exactly where you put it.
Balancing Your Laundry Loads Correctly
We often see washers vibrating simply because of how they were loaded. If you put one heavy towel or a single pair of jeans in with a lot of light shirts, the heavy item will pull to one side during the spin. This “unbalanced load” makes the drum wobble. Many modern washers have sensors that will stop the cycle if this happens, but older machines will just keep shaking. We suggest always washing heavy items together or adding more items to balance the weight.
Additionally, avoid overstuffing your washer. When you put too many clothes in at once, the water cannot move freely, and the clothes bunch up into a heavy ball. This puts massive stress on the motor and the suspension springs. We find that filling the drum about three-quarters full is the best way to keep things balanced. Our professional technicians see many broken parts caused by years of overstuffing. By following these simple loading rules, you can extend the life of your machine.
Inspecting the Shock Absorbers and Suspension
Inside your washing machine, a system of shocks and springs holds the drum in place. These parts act just like the suspension on a car. Over time, the shock absorbers can wear out or the springs can snap. When this happens, the drum has nothing to hold it steady, and it will bang against the outer cabinet during the spin cycle. This is usually the cause of a “banging” sound rather than just a vibration.
We recommend checking these parts if your machine is level but still shakes violently. You can often tell if the shocks are bad by pushing down on the drum and seeing how much it bounces. A healthy machine should stop moving almost immediately. If it keeps bouncing like a pogo stick, the shocks are finished. Our team can replace these parts quickly to make your machine whisper-quiet again. We believe in fixing the root cause of the problem to save you money in the long run.
Removing the Shipping Bolts
If you just bought a new washer and it is shaking like crazy on its first day, you might have left the shipping bolts in. Manufacturers install heavy metal bolts in the back of the machine to keep the drum from moving during delivery. You must remove these bolts before you ever turn the machine on. If you leave them in, the suspension cannot move at all, and the entire force of the spin cycle will go directly into the frame of the machine.
We see this mistake more often than you might think. Leaving these bolts in can actually crack the outer tub or destroy the bearings within minutes. If you are unsure if your bolts were removed, we can check for you. We want to make sure your new investment lasts for a very long time. Our washer repair Calgary service includes a full safety check to ensure your machine is ready for work. We treat your new appliances with the respect they deserve.
When to Call for a Professional Inspection
If you have tried leveling the machine and balancing your loads but the vibration continues, it is time for professional help. The problem might be deeper, such as worn-out tub bearings or a broken “spider” arm that holds the drum. These are complex repairs that require taking the whole machine apart. We believe that an early repair is much better than waiting for the machine to break down completely. If you hear a roar like a jet engine during the spin, your bearings are likely failing.
Our professional technicians have the experience to diagnose these issues in minutes. We explain the problem in plain English and give you an honest quote for the fix. We serve the entire Calgary region and carry many parts in our service vans to get the job done fast. We know that you can’t go long without a working washer. If you are tired of your machine moving across the room, you should Contact Us today to schedule a visit.
FAQ
Why is my washer making a loud banging noise during the spin?
This usually means your load is unbalanced or a suspension spring has broken. When the drum is not held correctly, it hits the sides of the machine. Try pausing the cycle and rearranging the clothes to see if that stops the noise.
Can a vibrating washer damage my floor?
Yes, constant vibration can crack tiles, dent linoleum, and even damage the wooden structure of your floor. We suggest using “anti-vibration pads” under the feet of the washer to help absorb some of the movement and protect your home.
How do I know if my washer is overloaded?
A good rule of thumb is the “hand test.” You should be able to fit your hand comfortably between the top of the laundry and the top of the drum. If you have to push the clothes down to close the door, you have too much inside.
Is it worth repairing an old washer that shakes?
If the shaking is caused by simple things like feet or shocks, a repair is very much worth it. However, if the main bearings or the drum are broken, it might be more cost-effective to buy a new machine. We can give you an honest opinion during our visit.
Why does my front-load washer vibrate more than my old top-loader?
Front-load washers spin much faster than top-loaders to get more water out of your clothes. Because they spin faster, they are much more sensitive to being unlevel. Even a tiny shift can lead to big vibrations at high speeds.
Can I replace the suspension springs myself?
While it is possible, it involves working with very heavy parts and high-tension springs. It can be dangerous if you don’t have the right tools. We recommend letting our professional technicians handle it to ensure the machine is put back together safely and correctly.
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