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washerdude

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Jun 10, 2013
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361
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As many of you know, I own the Whirlpool Duet WFW72HEDW. All though we love almost everything about it (Cleaning,cycle times, selections) there is one problem that continues to linger. Vibration. I'm pretty sure that this is largely due to it being on the second floor. But it's now come to a point where I'm saying enough is enough. We are currently debating to switch out this washer with another brand front loader. Yes, this thing is only a little over a year old. So in an effort to combat this were going to install it in the basement (Where it probably should have been in the first place) that way we can have two washers going at once. My question to you guys is, what brand/model front loader is best suited for a second-floor installation? And yes...(sigh) Give me suggestions for an HE top load as well. We're still unsure of if switching out this machine for another is even a good option but if we do, it will be nice to have some references. With that being said, load in your ideas!

Disclaimer: I cannot purchase a Speed Queen TL or FL in my area.
 
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What about shipping? Here in America most online retailers ship everywhere in the lower 48 at least,
e.g. I bought our SQ from a distributor over 2,000 miles away. There must be some online appliance outfit up there that carries SQ products (by whatever name).
 
I don't think they make them anymore, but the Duet Sport was designed for second floor installs for the vibration issues....

there are a few new machines that offer vibration reduction technology.....

but can we look at the location install that you have, and maybe beef it up some....even for the next setup you put in there.....maybe a sheet or two of 3/4 plywood screwed down to the joist, or even from underneath, extra supports put in to brace the floor....sound insulation as well...

I have a newer home, and one of the installs is in the main floor bathroom, and its just a simple Frigidaire Gallery set, on pedestals, the most you hear is the drain pump.....pedestals usually will make it wobble more.....
 
If the Duets are to shaky for your installation, I guess you can't say for sure a different FL washer would perform better. So with FLs, there won't be a certain solution.
And, given you want a smoother spin, you might have to trade in extended cycles due to more sensitive balancing routines.
Conclusion: HE TL is the safer bet.

Electrolux widely claimed their 2nd floor installment properties, and with a new E-Lux lineup comeing, you might get pretty decent deals on theur previous models.
Further, LG FLs seem to be often highly praised fo their silence, but known for fuzzy spinning as well.

On HE TLs, we have positive reviews on both the "old" floating basket Oasis machines if you still could get one, and positive reviews about the new Hybrid Oasis&#92VMW models, and there is the one guy on YT who filmed his hybrid Whirlpool a lot.
Further, the F&P models still seem to have a great deal of flexibility, but I'm not sure about the whole Canada avaible or not thing.
 
The 3/4 plywood is something I'm definitely going to try if we choose the route to keep this machine. Another thing that I just remembered was the vibration rating I saw for this machine someone posted on a thread on here. The vibration rating was rated "good" by consumer reports. Now I have been keeping an eye on LG FL's in particular. Especially the WM3570HWA with turbowash, I noticed that LG's front loaders have all gotten a "very good" rating in vibration from consumer reports. And with their pressure switch having the screw on top, it would make it easy for adjusting water levels too. So LG is definitely up on the list.
 
I have a set of Duets that are going on 4 years old now. They are on the second floor. I have them stacked. No vibrations at all. Maybe the dryer on top holds the washer down. Just a couple of clips on the back of the dryer that attach to the washer and a couple of pieces of double sided tape. This is also newer construction.

Jon
 
Before you do anything else

Follow Martin's sound advice about putting a thick board (marine ply) under the washer (and dryer too if is adjacent and not stacked. It also helps if the machines are located near a supporting wall as there will be less opportunity for the floor joists to flex in this circumstance. I have had this arrangement twice in my life (different homes) and this was the answer in both cases. Also, try to fill the machines as much as possible when doing laundry - full loads will have fewer vibration and balance issues than partial loads.

For a few dollars you can have the way ahead laid out for you for other machines will have the same issue without it. You can then decide whether to supplement the machines you have or not, relocate them or not.

Al
 
I'd suggest you build a new house centered around the washer and dryer so you can have whatever your little heart desires. End of problem.
 
centered on the advice....

but with friends like that, you don't need enema's!

better to let them think your a fool, than open your mouth and erase all doubt!

washerdude, keep us posted as to how you make out or discover, some of us are interested in your progress![this post was last edited: 4/6/2016-13:58]
 
Have you checked that the legs are set properly and supporting equal weight? If not, get on the floor during a shaky spin and see if extending a bouncing leg makes a difference.
 
I think the older now Kenmore 28102 doesn't shake the floor in the Laundry nook in our manufactured home. It's a top load direct drive but so far runs quiet and just cleans nicely.
I doubt any outlet stores still have them now and the new mode!s are a bit bigger and belt drive. I think putting the thicker plywood sheet down is a great idea and might save you buying a new machine, unless you wanted a second one anyways.
Wish we had a separate Laundry room, or a basement but we make do with what we have.
 

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