Washing machines are awesome inventions that help us with our laundry tasks and perform them with ease. But do you also know that when you get a new washing machine delivered to your house, it may also come with a slew of so-called shipping bolts? It’s supper important to take these bolts out before you start using your washing machine. Understanding washing machine shipping bolts – and why they are important.
Before you use your new washing machine, you must remove the shipping bolts. These are purpose made bolts to secure the drum on the washing machine whilst in transit. Attempting to operate your washing machine with the shipping bolts inserted can result in significant damage to the machine. Such damage can be expensive to fix and cause your washing machine to be unusable.
To check if your washing machine has shipping bolts, check the back of the machine. You should see large bolts that hold on the drum. You must have a wrench or screwdriver to remove the shipping bolts. Very gently unscrew all the bolts and set them somewhere you won’t lose them. Keep track of where each bolt is so that if you do need to move the washing machine, you can remind the tension element.
Shipping bolts are crucial to guarantee your washing machine is in good shape when transported. Without shipping bolts, the drum of the washing machine can bounce and be damaged. Such damage can result in leaks, odd sounds, and in some cases, a total machine breakdown. You can prevent expensive damage by removing the shipping bolts before you use your washing machine, which also helps you make use of your washing machine in the years to come.
It's extremely dangerous to leave the shipping bolts on your washing machine. If the bolts are not removed, the drum may be off balance during the wash cycle. Result, the machine can begin to hop around and - in a worst case scenario - roam the floor. In the worst-case scenario, the drum can come loose and the washing machine’s insides can be torn apart, sometimes damaging to the machine, and possibly even you. It is undoubtedly better to take the shipping bolts out before you use your washing machine to avoid these potential dangers.
Make sure to follow the washing machine's manufacturer instructions when removing shipping bolts. Make sure to use the correct tools and take the time to avoid stripping the bolts. Store the bolts in a safe location and in a manner so you can retrieve them should you ever need. If the day comes where you will move then your washing machine move with you, simply put back the washing machine shipping bolts to avoid damages while on the move.