What Are the Best Tips for Removing a Washing Machine?

Before removing a washing machine, it is best to unplug it from the electrical outlet, turn off the water pipe leading to the machine, and disconnect the waste pipe. Once these disconnections have been made, it may be necessary to have more than one person push and possibly lift the washer until it is outside the home. This process can be slow, especially if one is being careful not to scuff the tile or knock the molding off nearby walls. There are two popular ways of removing a washing machine from the curb: waiting until the city picks it up as part of large trash day or calling someone, normally someone who wishes to recycle it, to pick it up.

Locating and turning off valves can prove to be the most difficult part of removing a washing machine from the home. If possible, it is best to consult the manual that came with the machine because the exact process can differ from machine to machine. First, someone must pull the machine far enough away from the wall to reach the electrical plug and knobs behind it. Next, the power supply should be disconnected; it is necessary to do this before disconnecting the water for safety reasons. Finally, the water valves can be turned clockwise to prevent water from reaching the machine.

Removing a washing machine also requires the disconnection of multiple pipes: the pipe that pumps in clean water and the one that drains dirty water. It is best to have a bucket on hand to catch the water that might come out of these pipes once they are disconnected. If the pipes are to be replaced along with the washer, a person can place them in the washer once they are disconnected and have finished draining. This is an easy way to store them, and they will be picked up along with the machine.

Moving the washer often requires more than one person. It may be necessary to lift rather than push and scoot the machine to avoid permanently damaging the floor. If pushing or lifting the machine is not possible, there are other options for moving large objects, like flatbed trolleys, that can be rented or purchased.

It is normal to be excited about the installation of a new washing machine and forget to arrange the disposal of the old one. Many places have give-away or recycling groups who gladly pick up machines and try to fix them for their own use or resale. They can often be found on the Internet or in local newspapers. As a last resort, the washer can sometimes be picked up and recycled or thrown away by the city garbage.