Is it possible to transport a washing machine lying down?

We prepare the unit for moving

Before loading the machine into a vehicle, it must be protected with factory-made packaging material. When this is not available, you will need additional protection from foam pads, foam sheets, and soft blankets. Such options are considered more successful. Considering the fact that the factory box of the machine is stored for no more than the warranty period, then it is simply thrown away, you will have to use available options. In addition, the machine will have to be securely fixed so that it does not get damaged.

Transport the laundry washing unit as follows:

Disconnect the SMA from the electrical network. Then the water supply and sewerage are turned off.
The remaining water in the drum, hoses, pump and pipes is drained. If this is not done, then during carrying you can have several unpleasant moments or get some things wet. To drain the water as much as possible, the machine should be tilted and the free end of the hose should be lowered into a bucket or basin. Attempts to disconnect the hoses from the washing machine are prohibited, since these elements form an integral composition. After draining the water, the loading hatch should be left open so that the tank of the machine dries out better.
All wires, hoses and pipes are secured. This action is performed with tape or plastic clamps. This measure will protect all of the listed elements from accidental damage.
Each protruding element is fixed with tape. This way you will reliably protect not only the SMA, but also the objects surrounding it. Do not forget about the edges of the case so as not to damage the enamel coating.
The drum is screwed through the rear panel with transport bolts to prevent it from rotating.

The washing machine is ready for transportation. All that remains is to securely fasten it in the body, making it impossible to move.

Many experts agree that the best option for transporting a laundry washing machine is in a vertical (standing) position. You just have to securely fasten the drum. Loading onto the vehicle body must be carried out vertically. If you have large items, it is recommended to install the machine tightly among them. During transportation, the unit must not be turned upside down. This is an exceptional case for new devices that do not contain a drop of moisture.

Package

If you still have the original box, use it. But now it’s rare for anyone to keep the original packaging of large household appliances for years. Therefore, here are simple instructions on how to properly pack the unit:

Prepare the necessary packaging material - sheets of thick corrugated cardboard (you can cut boxes), bubble wrap, protective corners made of polyurethane, tape.
Place the washing machine on corrugated cardboard.
Protect corners with corners or polyurethane profiles. You can secure them with paper tape.
First, completely wrap the body of the machine with film.
The second layer is cardboard. It must completely cover the front, bottom and top of the machine. Carefully tape all joints of packaging materials with tape.
Mark the front part with a marker: “glass”, “fragile” or the “glass” icon.

Is it possible to transport the machine without bolts?

Rarely does anyone remember about transportation bolts, because many people lose them soon after purchasing the machine. And if this happens, you will have to look for alternative options.

Washing equipment is often transported without such fasteners. In this case, it is necessary to remove the top panel to immobilize the elements inside.

After removing the body, arrange the gasket. It is not recommended to use hard elements - only foam rubber, rags or polystyrene foam.

Having filled the free space, screw the lid into place. Once the tank is immobile, protect the side walls. For this purpose, the body is wrapped in fabric and secured with cord.

Now you don’t have to worry about the safety of your equipment - everything will be delivered without damage.

Where to begin?

When moving the household appliance, you will need shipping bolts to secure the drum. If you can’t find them at home, then try buying new devices. When you can’t cope with this task, improvised devices will come to the rescue.

Below are detailed tips that will help you use the equipment correctly. Pay attention to whether packaging is required when loading, as well as in what position the device should be moved.

If there is a packaging box left in the house, then you can safely use it for your purposes. Fill the gap between the walls of the device and the box with foam rubber or polystyrene foam. In cases where the packaging has been disposed of long ago and the fasteners are lost, you can use other available items.

Before loading the washing machine, carry out preparatory work according to the following scheme:

Make sure that the device is disconnected from the water supply and network. Be sure to unfasten the drain hoses to prevent them from being damaged while moving the item.
Disconnect the drain hose and drain the remaining fluid if necessary. Tilt the device slightly to one side, this will make it easier to carry out the procedure.
Open the tank valves to allow the inside of the device to dry.
Carefully secure the wires, hatch, and hoses so that they do not move during transportation. In this case, it will be much more convenient for you to carry the device.
Securely secure the powder container with tape so that this part is not damaged and is closed.
Use tape to secure sharp corners and protruding elements; this measure will prevent you from getting hurt when carrying the item.

Pay special attention to preparing the drum of the electrical appliance.

Is the washing machine transported lying down?

There are standard requirements for transporting a washing machine, which are necessarily listed in the instruction manual. The following conditions of carriage are stated there:

it is performed only in vertical form,
Before loading the drum is securely fixed, it is best to use special bolts,
the machine must be dry,
Factory packaging is used for transportation,
the device is securely fastened in the car body,
When moving, the driver should try to avoid sudden maneuvers and braking, and choose smooth sections of the road. In addition, the optimal speed mode is selected to avoid unnecessary maneuvers. If these recommendations are followed in full, then this guarantees almost one hundred percent success in delivering the product to its destination.

Naturally, every rule has its exceptions, which are determined by life situations. In such cases, you have to find the right way out so as not to damage the equipment. But remember that all violations of the instructions are fraught with consequences and will remain on the owner’s conscience.

In exceptional cases, it is allowed to transport the device lying down (on its side). The floor in the body is first lined with soft material or foam rubber. The machine is placed “on its back”, the sides with the drum and panel should remain on top. For the machine, the position “along” is determined in relation to the movement of the vehicle.

Hoses, wires, hatches, trays

If the water supply hose becomes detached, it is best to remove it and transport it separately. Otherwise, securely tape it behind the machine along with the power cable. As a rule, premium equipment is equipped with special grooves and holders for hoses and wires, so there should be no problems here. Additionally, you can wrap everything that dangles in a soft cloth or packaging film with pimples.

The laundry hatch along with the tray should also be securely secured with the same tape, preferably in two or three layers. In extreme cases, you can transport the washing machine lying down. Then the door with the tray will definitely not open, but not every equipment is designed for such a violation of the transportation instructions.

Some subtleties of transportation

Remember that the machine must not be turned over. It is better to carry her on her side or on her back than upside down. A certain amount of water will definitely remain inside, which can flow onto the panel responsible for general control. Repair work will be expensive in this case, so it is best to dry the machine thoroughly.

By the way, moisture can accumulate in the detergent tray. It is recommended to remove it and transport it separately from the main device. If this is not possible, wipe it with a dry cloth.

Remember that you can put all models and brands of cars on the back wall, except Zanussi. It is in it that the weighted counterweight elements are located so that in the given position “on the back” they are capable of damaging the valve responsible for water intake.

Definitely do not place the machine on the front wall. During transportation you will damage the loading hatch and rubber seal.

How to transport a washing machine safe and sound

Issues discussed in the material:

If you have to move, you will need to transport a huge amount of things, including household appliances. Then you will be faced with the question: how to transport a washing machine? Transporting it simply as a large item is not an option. Can it be shipped without the box or shipping bolts? Is it permissible to transport the machine on its side? How to transport it correctly? You will learn about all this in our article.

What are the consequences of violating transportation rules?

Without studying the established rules, SMA owners quite often cause significant damage to the equipment during its transportation. Even a short trip of no more than fifteen minutes can result in complete failure of the device.

What can happen if transportation is disrupted:

the power cord breaks,
machine parts made of plastic material break,
the rubber cuff of the loading hatch breaks,
the hatch fastenings and its guides break off,
shock absorbers fail,
rubber components are torn - pipes, hoses,
wires, contact groups are oxidized and short-circuited,
The selector wheel on the control panel for setting programs breaks,
the pump that drains the water loses its functionality,
If you forget to fix the powder receiver, it can also be damaged.

Each of the breakdowns is eliminated, except for the damaged housing part or the complete loss of functionality of the electrical unit. Connecting the machine for testing is permitted after it has been completely unpacked and the bolts securing the drum have been removed. It is likely that they may be needed someday. The best storage option is in a plastic bag secured with tape on the back wall of the washing machine.

The machine should be installed in the designated place after the levelness of the floor has been checked. If this requirement is neglected, then during operation the unit may leak or “refuse” to perform the specified function.

To prevent anything like this from happening, the machine must be carefully prepared for the upcoming move and its movements from the bathroom to the new destination must be carefully monitored.

Transporting a new unit

The cars are transported for the first time during purchase from the store to the apartment. Many people solve the problem simply - they buy the product and have it delivered to their doorstep. The device is packaged in a factory box and has reliable protection against negative effects. This option is convenient and is used by many retail stores as a free service if an expensive model is purchased.

Not only is there no need to look for a car and people for loading, but all responsibility for the integrity of the goods lies with the supplier, which in our case is the store. However, after delivery, it is recommended to check the device immediately - inspect the integrity of the packaging, completeness, and make sure there is no damage.

Expert advice

If the machine needs to be lowered from a multi-story building, you will have to try not to turn it over. Knowledgeable people assure that the device descends only in a vertical state, only slight inclinations are allowed. Such carrying is impossible for one person, so several people will be required for such an operation. The fact is that during careless carrying or installation the machine can be easily damaged.

It is not recommended to drag the washing machine around. There is a possibility of not only damage to the floor covering, but also to the body of the unit. The shape of the machine is streamlined, there are no additional handles for carrying, so you will have to tilt it a little whenever you move it. Before performing such “maneuvers,” it is better to enlist the help of another person who will secure the device from the opposite side.

If you don't have bolts to secure the drum, you can purchase them at a hardware store.