Moving a heavy washing machine

Make-it-3

Help! Our washing machine is leaking and we need to pull it out and investigate.

However, the not-very-helpful previous owners sited the washing machine plumbing in a cupboard at about waist height.

So its not just a case of sliding the machine out, we need some kind of platform at the same height to pull it out onto.

We've got nothing in the house that fits that bill and I've checked and to higher a hydraulic platform would be over £100 - ouch

Any suggestions?

Jonesya

Build a suitable platform out of MDF and some brackets?

Have you got a DIY store with a panel saw nearby? The larger B&Q stores normally have a cutting service with a number of free cuts; you could design a basic platform out of a 4ft x 2ft mdf sheet and get it cut for you, put it together using some brackets (perhaps from a cheaper supplier - Screwfix/Toolstation).

18mm MDF sheet, brackets from Screwfix/Toolstation, and screws, might be able to get it in for under £25.

keystone

Make-it-3 wrote: »

So its not just a case of sliding the machine out, we need some kind of platform at the same height to pull it out onto.

Perhaps you could explain this a bit more? Is the WM under a worktop? Perhaps you have sheet vinyl flooring which would undoubtedly rip? Thought about a sheet of hardboard cut to size?

We've got nothing in the house that fits that bill and I've checked and to higher a hydraulic platform would be over £100 - ouch

Very droll.

Cheers

Gloomendoom

keystone wrote: »

Perhaps you could explain this a bit more? Is the WM under a worktop? Perhaps you have sheet vinyl flooring which would undoubtedly rip? Thought about a sheet of hardboard cut to size?

It would have to be thick hardboard. The bottom of the washing machine is at waist height.

keystone

Gloomendoom wrote: »

It would have to be thick hardboard. The bottom of the washing machine is at waist height.

Really? OP said that the WM plumbing is in the cupboard at waist height.

This is why I asked OP if he'd mind telling us a little bit more about whay he thinks he needs a platform. It's not clear to me. Alternatively one of us has seriously misread it then.

Cheers

dacouch

Before bothering with that, check and clean the filter which is normally at the bottom of the machine at the front and generally unscrews.

It could be leaking due to the filter being full.

Norman_Castle

If the height is right, borrow or buy a workmate. Check for access at the side of the cupboard.

Make-it-3

Sorry for any confusion, yes the washing machine is sited in a built-in cupboard at waist height. As that is where the plumbing was when we moved in and not having the money to change it we stuck with it.

Ridiculous really, I have to stretch up high to put the soap powder in the tray.

There's no access to the machine above/below or to the sides. We will check the filter first - good tip thanks.

Do you think a homemade platform would take the weight. I don't think a workmate would be big enough

mummyroysof3

Can't you do the reverse of what you did when you put it in?

evoke

Get some strong family/friends - one at each corner - if you only need to pull the machine out for a minute or so.

Avoriaz

evoke wrote: »

Get some strong family/friends - one at each corner - if you only need to pull the machine out for a minute or so.

As above, plus two or three kitchen chairs to rest it on when removed.

Protect the chairs with towels, cardboard, newspaper wrapped in plastic bags or similar.

Be aware that the hoses and power cable may not be long enough to allow you to lower the machine onto the chairs so may need to be removed while the machine is being help up by your helpers.