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January 5, 2009
How to minimize washing machine
We will be installing our stacked washer dryer on the third floor, right above the living room. I am starting to get worried about vibrations from the machines ruining sheetrock seems or disturb tv viewing (god forbid!). Is there a product that anyone has used to minimize vibrations? I am picturing some sort of a platform packed with foam……or a very dense gel pad….
Thanks!
Comments
Sorry- The post should have read "How to minimize washing machine vibrations?"
Posted by: PHfamily at January 5, 2009 6:28 PM
are you sure that you took out the packing screw from the base of the washer?.the unit should not vibrate at all if installed properly
Posted by: eman1234 at January 5, 2009 8:06 PM
It isn't installed yet, just thinking ahead and paranoid about vibrations during the spin cycle...
Posted by: PHfamily at January 5, 2009 8:13 PM
there are such products, but they are totally unnecessary if your machine is installed properly..dont fix it if it aint broke
Posted by: eman1234 at January 5, 2009 8:33 PM
no-- this is a known issue with even properly installed washers, particularly with some of the newer high efficiency washers. If you research the topic online there are many homeowners who have expressed concerns re this matter, particularly those living in older or wood frame houses and who have washer/dryers installed on upper floors. Mine is a new but more traditional stacked washer and dryer, professionally installed and with a platform to boot. Initially I had thought that there were no vibrations being transmitted but it so happens that my kitchen is located directly below my laundry, and I have a loaded pot rack installed in one of the joists in the kitchen ceiling. I began to notice a faint sound generated from the pots bumping ever so slightly together whenever I was doing laundry.Inundated with visions of my ceiling eventually crashing down- and at minimum being knocked unconscious by all of the pots-I ended up ordering these pads that you place underneath the feet of the washer/dryer---- they are called Good Vibrations (GVI Enterprises) Vibration Dampening Pads. Approximately $25- there is a "demo" on the website. They look like thick rubber hockey pucks and they are really good-they also reduce the sound being transmitted. I would suggest installing your washer and if you do feel vibrations on proximal walls/ceilings, consider these or similar pads. It has been worth the peace of mind for me.
Posted by: oceans247 at January 6, 2009 1:22 AM
Is your floor already installed?
If not, you can put in a sound isolation pad between your sub-floor and finished floor.
I would worry more about protecting the area from leakage than noise.
Make sure you have:
- waterproof membrane between sub-floor and finished floor.
- Drip Pan under washer with leak sensor
- Automatic shut-off valves
- Backflow prevention device on the water supply line
- A 'no burst' water supply hose
And don't forget to add fabric softener :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at January 6, 2009 11:05 AM
definitely go for the drip pan/sensor and automatic shutoff, especiially if you dont have a floor drain in the area that the w/d is installed, although that is common practice on most new construction/ renovation...a backflow device on the supply is code, so that should already exist...re. the vibration isuue , just go to economy hvac supply on the bowery in manhattan, or i think they have another branch by costco and get 4 hvac vibration isolation pads, and place one under each leveling leg on the unit
Posted by: eman1234 at January 6, 2009 9:00 PM
You can also try the interlocking rubber flooring mats. You know, the stuff you see in playgrounds or day-cares. I know BJ's sell it. They come in different colors and thicknesses. The rubber will also keep water (you never know) directly off the floor.
Posted by: i_heart_brooklyn at January 7, 2009 1:01 AM
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