Removal of transport bolts and dismantling of the upper cover are the first mandatory steps that allow you to reduce the dimensions of the unit before trying to evacuate it through a narrow doorway. If you ignore these actions, you risk damaging the drum when tilting or getting stuck in the opening due to the extra 5-10 centimeters of height and depth. In a cramped bathroom, every millimeter of space becomes critical, so the preparation of equipment takes longer than the process of moving.
To successfully complete the operation, you will need a minimum set of tools: a cross screwdriver, a 10 or 13 mm wrench, and tight working gloves. Clear the passageway in advance of rugs, buckets and other foreign objects that may become an obstacle or cause injury. Security When working with heavy household appliances in a limited space comes to the fore, requiring composure and a clear plan of action.
Preparation of equipment and release of communications
The first priority is to completely disconnect the device from the power grid and water supply, which requires careful handling of the device. lock-off And electrical cables. Close the water supply tap and gently unscrew the filler hose, having previously substituted the container for draining the remaining liquid from the system. Sharp movements are unacceptable here, as you can damage the thread or spill water on the floor, which will create a dangerous slippery coating.
The drain hose fixed to a siphon or sewer pipe must also be released, trying not to splash the water contained in it. Often the hose has a margin of length that allows you to pull it out along with the machine, but in very narrow passages it is better to disconnect it completely. Tightness The re-mounting of the joints depends on the condition of the rubber gaskets, so inspect them for cracks or wear.
- 🛑 Be sure to pull the plug out of the socket before starting any water manipulation.
- 💧 Prepare a flat basin or several rags to collect water from hoses.
- 🔧 Check whether the key for transport bolts is included or select the appropriate size.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to drag a car behind hoses or electrical wires, this will cause them to break and possibly short circuit.
Dismantling of protruding structural elements
To squeeze the unit through a narrow opening, it is often necessary to remove the upper cover, which reduces the height of the device by several centimeters. The process begins with the twisting of two screws at the back, which fix the lid, after which it must be moved back and lifted. In some models Indesit or LG Additional steps may be required to remove decorative stubs, so carefully examine the case.
The next stage is the dismantling of the door of the hatch, which is the most protruding element and often interferes with the passage of equipment in the doorway. The hinges are usually attached with two screws, but before twisting them, it is recommended to support the door or ask the assistant to hold it to avoid falling. The removed door greatly reduces the overall width The vehicle allows it to maneuver in a limited space of the corridor.
Removal of the basement panel
In some cases, to reduce the height, it is necessary to remove the lower decorative panel. It is mounted on latches or screws hidden under a rubber plug. Removing this part gives a gain of 3-5 cm, which can be a decisive factor in a narrow bath.
Removal of transport bolts
Transport bolts lock the tank inside the housing, preventing it from being damaged during transportation, and their removal is critical for the safe tilt of the machine. On the back wall of the device there are four bolts that must be twisted counterclockwise using a wrench. If these elements are not removed, when tilted to pass through the threshold, the internal suspension may not withstand the load, which will lead to serious breakage.
After the bolts are removed, the holes should be closed with plastic plugs that are supplied in the kit to prevent dust and moisture from entering the body. Keep the bolts and instructions themselves, as during further transportation or relocation, their re-installation will be mandatory. Hard fixation The tank in a static position when the machine is moving is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer.
Technology of movement in limited space
The main difficulty is to deploy a bulky body in a space where the count goes by centimeters. The best strategy is to move the car upright, tilting it slightly towards the movement, but not piling it completely on its side. For sliding on the floor, you can use dense fabric, cardboard or special furniture sleds, if the gap between the floor and the bottom of the machine allows them to be put.
When passing the doorway, it is necessary to control the corners of the body so as not to scratch the joints and damage the tile in the bathroom. One person must guide the car from above, controlling the distance to the walls, while the second carefully pulls or pushes the unit from below. Coordination The actions between assistants are more important than physical strength, since jerks can lead to the fall of heavy equipment.
☑️ Checklist before starting movement
Comparison of methods of evacuation of equipment
The choice of the method of removal depends on the specific layout, weight of the model and the availability of free space in the corridor. The table below compares the main approaches that are used by masters and users to solve this problem.
| Method | Required number of people | Risk of gender injury | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight transfer | 2-3 people | Low. | Tall. |
| Slip on the fabric | 1-2 | Medium. | Low. |
| Use of the trolley | 1 person | Low. | Medium |
Weightlifting is the safest for the device itself, but requires considerable physical effort and wide aisle. Using a trolley or sled is effective for long corridors, but requires the ability to bring equipment to the platform. Slip. on dense fabric - a compromise option, popular in apartments with narrow openings, where it is impossible to turn around with a trolley.
Protection of flooring and walls
In the process of moving there is a high risk of damaging not only the equipment itself, but also the decoration of the room, especially if we are talking about laminate or linoleum. To minimize scratches and dents, it is recommended to cover the path with dense cardboard, old blankets or special protective mats. The corners of the walls and door jambs should also be laid with soft material, since when maneuvering, the machine can touch them with the body.
Particular attention should be paid to the lanes between the bathroom and the corridor, which often become an obstacle and a point of support when rolling. If the straw is high, it is better to temporarily dismantle it or use a wooden board to create a gentle exit. Integrity The interior is important no less than the safety of household appliances, so you should not neglect protective measures.
Use paint tape to fix protective cardboard on the floor so that it does not move during work.
Frequent errors and precautions
One common mistake is to try to take the car out alone, which often ends in a back injury or a drop in the unit. Even if you think you can handle it, the weight of the device combined with the inertia of movement makes the help of a second person a must. Also, do not ignore the manufacturer's instructions regarding the inclination, as exceeding the angle of 45 degrees can lead to water entering the electronic modules.
Another mistake is not paying enough attention to fixing hoses that can catch on the handles of cabinets or door handles in the corridor. Before starting the movement, conduct a visual inspection of the route and remove all hanging items, clothes or decor. Trajectory planning It prevents emergency stops and jerks, which are the most dangerous in narrow spaces.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the handles on the sides of the body to move the machine unless they are designed to lift the full weight of the device – they may come off.
The main secret of success is the dismantling of all removable parts (lid, door, legs), which reduces the dimensions of the car to 15%.
Completion and sustainability testing
After the car has successfully left the bathroom and installed in a new place, you need to check its stability and horizontal position. Use the building level for control, as skewing can lead to vibration and noise when pressed in the future. Adjustment of the legs is carried out by twisting or twisting them, after which they are fixed by counternuts.
Only after the final installation and level check can you start the reverse installation of hoses and connection to communications. Turn the device on the network only after you make sure that all connections are tight and there are no leaks in the docking places. Final check All systems guarantee long and uninterrupted operation of the washing machine in a new place.
When you first start at a new location, run the "Washing" mode without underwear to check the tightness of the joints and remove the residue of water from the tank.
Can I take out the washing machine alone?
It is theoretically possible to use a special sled or cart, but the risk of back injury or falling is very high. It is recommended to attract at least one assistant for insurance and shipment.
Do I have to remove the door of the hatch?
In very narrow openings (less than 65 cm), the door removal is a must, as it adds considerable width. In wider aisles, you can try to carry a car with an open or closed door, but it is better to be safe.
What to do if the car is stuck in the doorway?
Don't put too much effort into it. Stop, assess which element interferes (body angle, hose, handle), and try to change the angle of inclination or remove the interfering element. Often helps a slight sway from side to side.
Do I need to drain water from the car before taking it out?
Yes, it's necessary. The car always has water in the tank and pump (about 1-2 liters). If you do not drain it through an emergency drain or hose, the water will splash when tilted, which will wet the floor and can damage electronics.