So I bought a washer - advice for installing it myself? Pick up tomorrow!

[meldew]

I'm sure everyone who read my other posts is ready for me to make a decision and be done! TL;DR at the end!

Well I passed on the Miele I asked about. Thanks everyone for that advice.

I called the local SQ dealer and they said no front loaders any more ever, only stacks, or a commercial FL and it would be 2-3 month wait for that.

Then... the stomach virus hit my home today. When you have a lot of little ones it can be a big mess. Thankfully my 11yo has made it to the bathroom without incident but if/when the younger ones get it - well, I'd better have a washer by then! And it would be great if it had a sanitize cycle!

So we arrived back home today from a trip and (as the virus hit) I got on the phone and online. Basically there is only one independent dealer of appliances within 1.5-2 hours and they don't deliver on weekends. They also mostly have the new SQ TL and Maytag TL... they did have an Electrolux and some whirlpool and Maytag FL. I considered the Electrolux but they don't have it in stock other than the floor model which isn't white (my preference).

Maybe it's the economy but all the big box stores were out of immediate stock of the white Electrolux and any LG I wanted (with turbo wash). They could deliver in 1-2 weeks.

I found a Best Buy warehouse that has the LG 3770 available for pickup tomorrow - and it's only about an hour from here. No delivery available though. So my teenager and his friend are driving there in the morning with a diesel pickup and a dolly to load it and bring it home!

Is there anything I should know about installing? Other than getting it inside it should be simple - attach water hoses, place drain hose, level, and plug in? Any special tool for leveling the washer feet?

Lastly EVERYONE is out of the matching dryer around here. Best Buy *may* have it by 8/18. DH is wondering if I could get a better quality dryer for less that wouldn't look completely silly next to the washer (we see them from our kitchen/dining table). I know the whirlpool/maytag dryers were recommended. Unless anyone has specific favorites I may look at one of those. Otherwise we will use the clothesline until we get one.

I so appreciate all the advice and opinions. So helpful. My preference was a SQ front loader but I need something now and the turbo and sanitize options would be nice to have. Oh I did buy the 5 year Geek Squad warranty since we put so much wear on appliances. I can cancel if someone knows of a better option - this was only around $159 I believe.

TLR Ordered an LG 3770 to be picked up by a couple of teens tomorrow morning. Advice welcome wrt transport and installation, dryer, and extended warranty!

 

[meldew]

one more thought

I believe these can stack, so I could put a second washer in the laundry closet... but how would one reach the controls at the top of the dryer? Has anyone done this? I would like to have this option.

 

[askolover]

If it's too tall for you, get one of these step stools.  As far as installation, the owner's manual should tell you everything you need to know...how to set it up, hook it up, remove shipping bolts if it has them, and level it. 

 

[mattl]

You will need to remove the shipping bolts from the back of the machine, should be 3 maybe 4.  Other than that noting special to do.

 

[iowabear]

A Well Reviewed Machine - Good Luck!

Found this from https://www.reviewed.com/laundry/content/lg-wm3770hwa-front-loading-washing-machine-review

 

<span class="review">"A magnetic door stopper keeps the door slightly ajar between cycles, to prevent the mold and mildew stink that plagued many early front loaders. This is much safer than the trick many front-loader owners have had to employ — leaving the door wide open between uses, to let things dry out."</span>

 

<span class="review">If only Maytag had thought of this...the trouble they could have saved themselves...</span>

 

 

[foraloysius]

Only one advice:

<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Read the manual from cover to cover!</span>

 

[meldew]

Thanks y’all. I will do all above^^^

Frantically trying to pick a dryer at 2am... think I will sleep on it!

Super excited. If I couldn’t get the SQ in time I’d narrowed it down to this vs the Electrolux 627. This was slightly better-reviewed, slightly less expensive, slightly more available. I think I’d be happy with either.

 

[rolls_rapide]

Agreed...

... Absolutely DO read the User Manual from cover-to-cover...

Especially the initial 'Installing the Appliance' section, which usually mentions transit bolts/brackets/bars, levelling of feet(and locking them), water hoses, and any special 'First Wash/calibration cycle'.

When I got my latest front-loader (another brand altogether) about 18 months ago, I did the following:
- removed the packaging;
- removed User Instructions, hose, etc from the drum;
- read Installation Instructions section;
- lowered machine onto its back, extended both rear feet to 5mm each, locked them tightly in place;
- put machine upright, and removed transit bars;
- fit any supplied covers over the transit bolt holes (where available);
- carefully attached fill hose to machine (careful not to misalign the threads);
- manhandled the machine into position, attached hoses to water pipes and drain;
- extended and adjusted front feet, using a spirit level not only on the lid, but also on the front panel and side panels.
- I have a worktop immediately above the machine, but if you have nothing above it, also use the spirit level diagonally (corner to corner) on the lid. And alter the front feet accordingly and lock them in place. The machine MUST NOT rock at all.
- run a calibration/wash cycle. This can be important, as different manufacturers have special instructions. Some manuals might say to use a small quantity of detergent to remove any manufacturing residues; some may say not to use any detergent at all. Other manufacturers possibly require a 'special calibration programme sequence' to be run before doing any wash whatsoever.

Well done, and good luck!

 

[meldew]

Wow that is a lot! I will have to kindly send the teens on their way after bringing it in the house and slowly do all this myself, as they are the type to forge ahead and read later. I will be fine except maybe for tipping the machine on its back but we’ll figure it out I think. I understand now why professional delivery people do all the setup outside. This is going in a narrow hallway. And I’m a little nervous about the boys getting it up the stairs. The pros use those straps that rest on their backs and go under the machine. I’m hoping the dolly will make it up the stairs!

 

[rolls_rapide]

Where is your laundry cupboard? Upstairs (not on the ground floor)?

 

[rolls_rapide]

Oh, and don't remove the transit bolts UNTIL the machine is within a few feet/yards of its final location position.

This is because the freed internal suspension can cause wobbling pendulum effects as you try to lift it up stairs etc. Basically it fights against you.

 

[meldew]

It's on the ground floor but there are either 7 stairs up to the front door, or 3 coming in the garage door but not sure it will fit in that door.

 

[pierreandreply4]

best advice would be to 1 measure the door to see if the set will pass and 2 if this will help would be to remove the door to get the set in then after the set is in put back the door?

 

[meldew]

OK I will - I purchased a Maytag dryer too - basic model with lint screen on top - panic mode purchase so I hope I don't regret getting the matching dryer.

 

[appnut]

Melissa, sorry the little ones got the tummy ache.  If you feel like you need the Sanitize Allergiene, or Whites, use them.  Normal has Extra Hot as a wash temp option, but it still won't be as hot as Whites cycle.  Given Normal is the energy Star cycle, Hot will barely be warm on this cycle.  Warm will be cool to tepid at best.  When I use my Normal cycle, I always select Hot because this cycle uses so relatively little water the temperature of the water quickly cools down.  The speed/quick cycle, it's quick because it defaults to light soil.  Also there is probably no spin between wash and rinse.  My quick wash does a wash, drain and rinse, spin, final rinse, and final spin.  If you are pretty intent on using this cycle, added an extra rinse or two.  LG washers can allow you to select more than one extra rinse from what I understand.  also, investigate what types of cycles are available through the download feature.  Also remember, these machines are pretty intelligent.  It automatically adjusts cycle times based upon size, weight, and composition of the loads. That Maytag dryer is a very good dryer.  It's based on the tried and true Whirlpool dryer design that's been in production since the mid 1960s. 

[this post was last edited: 7/28/2018-15:38]

 

[meldew]

Well the LG washer was a breeze. So easy. The Maytag though. I don’t know. After unboxing I noticed a dent on the side. When installed won’t see it. Then there’s an area on the base that didn’t get spray painted and looks like it could be starting to rust. Then the legs. One is mid-shapen so it installs at an angle. Lastly I didn’t notice from the picture online or they changed their design but the top slopes downward which prevents me from setting detergent or folded clothes. I’m almost sure it wasn’t that way in the picture.

Can’t take it back as we’ve cut the box up and I can’t ask the boys to go back. I’m just going to take a deep breath and live with it.

 

[ea56]

Melissa,

Take pictures of the dryer, call the store, ask to speak with the manager and request a discount for damaged goods. I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that you’ll get a nice discount after you’ve sent the manager the photos. And if you can’t see the dent, so what. As for the area tha may be starting to rust, if its also in an area that can’t be seen when installed, just get some white Rustoleum paint and touch it up. Maybe the cockeyed leg can be bent back into the proper position.

I’ve had appliances delivered that had slight damage, that couldn’t be seen once installed and the store has always given me more of a discount than I would have requested. Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose. If they get nasty, just tell them you’ll be returning the damaged dryer for a complete refund and then get another one some where else.

Eddie

 

[meldew]

Ok that’s a good idea. I’ll do that. Thanks.

 

[thomasortega]

Congratulations on your new washer.

THis model is excellent and I'm sure you will also love it.

Run away from the "normal" cycle, use hot water and bleach always you can, leave the door ajar between uses and you'll never have issues with mold.