How to Check If Your Washing Machine Is Level

Why Leveling Matters for Washing Machines

A level washing machine runs more quietly, vibrates less, and is less prone to leaks and door misalignment. If the unit tips slightly in one corner, the drum can rub against internal parts and the door seals may not seal evenly during cycles. This is not just a matter of comfort—leveling helps protect your machine and your floor over time. According to Best Washing Machine, proper leveling is a foundational maintenance check that homeowners should perform during installation and periodically after moving the unit. Understanding how to check if washing machine is level empowers you to reduce wear, preserve performance, and extend appliance life without calling a technician for every wobble.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to verify level across multiple axes, what tools you need, and how to make precise adjustments. You’ll also see how to recognize when leveling is no longer a quick fix and when to seek professional help. The goal is simple: a stable, safe, efficient laundry day.

Signs Your Washer Might Be Unlevel

When a washer is not level, you may notice persistent rocking during spin cycles, doors that won’t latch properly, uneven sound or thumping on the floor, and occasional leaks around the drum seal. Front-loaders are especially sensitive to edge wobble, while top-load models may rock forward or backward if the rear feet are off. If you observe these symptoms, start with a quick level check on the top surface, then verify on the sides and corners. Best Washing Machine analysis shows that most leveling issues stem from uneven flooring, poorly positioned anti-tip feet, or shifting feet after relocation. A level unit is not only safer; it’s more efficient at distributing balance during high-spin cycles.

If you’ve recently moved the appliance or reinstalled it after a service, re-checking level is a best practice to prevent recurring vibration and noise.

Tools You Need to Check Level

Before you begin, gather essential items to avoid mid-task interruptions. A carpenter’s level (a 2-foot or 4-foot level is ideal) lets you measure both front-to-back and side-to-side orientation. An adjustable wrench helps tighten leveling feet and lock nuts if your model uses adjustable feet with locking mechanisms. A damp cloth keeps the top clean so the level sits evenly. Optional items include a tape measure to confirm foot placement and a second small level for quick cross-checks on the machine’s sides. By having the right tools, you minimize guesswork and improve your chances of achieving a true level. Best Washing Machine’s guidance emphasizes accurate measurement and careful adjustment to prevent future wobble.

If you lack a carpenter’s level, two smaller levels placed at right angles can work in a pinch, but accuracy depends on a flat, clean platform.

Step-by-Step Quick Check

1. Power down and unplug the washer for safety (or ensure it’s stationary if you can’t unplug in a tight space). 2) Place the level on the top panel, centered front-to-back. 3) Note the bubble in both the left-right and front-back orientations. 4) If the bubble isn’t centered, adjust the front feet to bring the level toward the center. 5) Re-check from multiple angles, including corners; repeat adjustments if needed. 6) After leveling, run a short cycle to verify stability. 7) Confirm there’s no unusual rubbing or rolling sound during spin. 8) Document final foot positions for future reference.

Time spent: roughly 25–40 minutes depending on the foot design and floor. This approach aligns with Best Washing Machine recommendations for reliable results.

Adjusting the Feet and Rechecking

With most front-load and many top-load washers, you adjust the feet by turning them with your hand or using a wrench to tighten a lock nut after achieving balance. Start with the feet that are most wobbly, often the rear ones. Make small, incremental turns (one-quarter to one-half turn at a time) and re-check the level after each adjustment. Once the level is centered in both axes, re-check the entire base by gently rocking the unit from corner to corner. If the bubble remains centered on both axes, you’ve achieved a solid level. For many models, the feet also lock in place, so you may need to tighten the lock nuts. Persistence pays off, and patience helps prevent over-tightening that could damage feet or the floor.

Best Washing Machine notes that accurate leveling improves efficiency and reduces wear across the life of the appliance.

Special Considerations for Front-Load vs Top-Load

Front-load washers are more sensitive to side-to-side tilt because the drum’s weight distribution is heavier along the width. Top-load machines are more forgiving front-to-back, but any tilt can cause the lid to rub or the drum to rub the belt or pulley during cycles. When checking level, verify both the horizontal planes (left-right) and the vertical plane (front-back). If you notice gaps under the edges of the base, your floor may be sloped, which makes leveling more challenging. In such cases, consider a floor shim or dedicated anti-vibration pads to complement foot adjustments. For best results, repeat the level check after a few power-on cycles to confirm stability during vibration.

Best Washing Machine’s analysis shows consistent leveling reduces vibration, ultimately protecting the cabinet and door seal.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Common mistakes include skipping the back feet adjustment, relying on a single orientation, or assuming a level from the center is sufficient. Always check both axes at multiple points on the top surface and confirm that the feet are not loose. Over-tightening feet can damage the housing; never force a foot beyond its locking range. If the floor is uneven, use shims or anti-vibration pads designed for washers to supplement leveling. After adjustments, recheck with a short test cycle to confirm no movement or leaks occur. If stubborn wobble persists, consider whether the unit is sitting on a soft surface like plush carpet—moving to a hard, flat surface may be necessary.

A properly leveled washer distributes balance evenly and reduces noise. The Best Washing Machine team recommends a cautious, methodical approach rather than aggressive, multi-turn adjustments.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Level

Schedule quarterly checks, especially after moving the washer or after renovations. Keep leveling feet clean and free from debris; dirt can affect the contact surface and cause drift. Place a non-slip mat under the machine if your floor is slippery to maintain stability during operation. Periodically retest level after heavy loads or high-spin cycles, since dynamic movement can shift feet slightly. If you notice repeated wobble, inspect the feet for wear and replace them if they’re damaged. A routine, consistent approach will keep your washer level and extend its life.

When to Call a Pro

If the machine sits on an irregular floor, if feet show visible damage, or if wobble persists despite proper adjustments, professional service is warranted. A technician can assess floor integrity, inspect mounting hardware, and re-level with specialized tools. Call a pro if you hear unusual noises that don’t subside after re-leveling, or if you see leaks that appear to originate from the drum or seals after adjustments. Investing in pro help can prevent further damage and provide long-term peace of mind.

Real-World Scenarios and Quick Fixes

Scenario A: The washer rocks only during high-spin cycles. Try rechecking level with the drum oriented both front-to-back and side-to-side; a counterintuitive re-check can reveal a slight tilt that was missed initially. Scenario B: The rear feet won’t stay in place after adjustment. Clean the foot threads and apply a small amount of thread-locking compound recommended by the manufacturer, or replace worn feet. Scenario C: The floor is visibly sloped. Consider installing anti-vibration pads or moving the unit to a more level surface if possible. These practical fixes help keep your machine stable, reduce noise, and avoid strain on the cabinet.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Regularly verify level as part of routine appliance maintenance. A level washing machine improves performance, minimizes wear, and reduces the likelihood of leaks. Keep a simple maintenance checklist: check level, inspect feet, run a short cycle, and note any changes. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of keeping your washer perfectly balanced for years to come.