Anti-vibration supports for the washing machine: types, selection and installation

Anti-vibration supports for the washing machine managed to earn positive reviews from the owners of modern household appliances. But when choosing these useful devices, you have to decide which is better, determine the shape and size, etc. Before installing them under the automatic machine, it is worth learning more about the features of the application and the principle of operation of anti-vibration stands.

Improper installation of household appliances leads to the fact that they begin to vibrate and make much louder noise than is established by the standards. It is impossible to solve this problem without additional efforts. Anti-vibration supports for the washing machine allow you to achieve the desired result. These compact accessories are round or free-form and are placed directly under the standard adjustable legs of the unit.

Anti-vibration mounts have many features.

• Provides sufficient stability even if the height of the regular feet is not sufficient for adjustment.
• They help to eliminate the vibration problem associated with the peculiarities of the technology itself.
• Reduces slipping. It leads to the fact that the machine simply slides on the floor, even with low vibration loads.
• They withstand significant weight, distribute it correctly, compensating for the resulting loads.
• They allow you to design the place of installation of the washing machine in an original way, hiding unaesthetic legs.

Among the features of anti-vibration stands for washing machines can be noted choice for their manufacture of materials with increased elasticity... Silicone, rubber, PVC easily take the desired shape by molding, they are not afraid of high humidity and high loads.

Shock absorbing anti-vibration pads are a kind of pads that complement the standard washing machine system, designed to reduce shock loads. When in contact with a hard floor, even an ideally set technique can make rattling sounds, vibrate, and if it is rather slippery, then it can move.

Both residents of city apartments and owners of individual housing suffer from vibration. This phenomenon causes no less discomfort to neighbors, especially during the period when the equipment is spinning and makes more noise.

The principle of operation of compact rounded stands against vibration is in the ability of polymers and rubber to damp vibrations that occur during the operation of equipment. These elements have a standard diameter of about 45-50 mm, are universal, suitable for use in combination with different models of washing machines (except for built-in ones). In the place of contact with the leg of the equipment, the product is flat, along its edges there are small sides that prevent equipment from jumping off the stand.

The materials used for the production of anti-vibration supports for washing machines must meet certain characteristics. They are made made of rubber, polyurethane, silicone, PVC. The production is carried out by the casting method. Polyvinyl chloride is the most fragile material, but it absorbs vibrations well; among its disadvantages is a short service life, rapid destruction.

Because rubber and polyurethane gaskets are characterized by their ability to support significant weight, they are usually considered in the same category. These products are quite dense, wear-resistant and reliable. The stiffeners used in the products allow for precise positioning. The embossed surface does not slip, allowing you to conveniently place the equipment even on a slippery floor.

The transparent silicone pads have a softer structure. The products are elastic, fit well to the leg and floor surface. They are suitable for different types of machines and resist the development of mildew and mildew. Debris and dirt do not collect under them. Silicone stands are more expensive than rubber ones, they are durable and practical to use, almost invisible under the body and on any floor.

The standard dimensions of anti-vibration supports for washing machines used to adjust the level or reduce noise and shaking during the operation of equipment are set by the manufacturer. Most often we are talking about individual substrates 1.5-2 cm thick with a diameter of 45 to 55 mm. Their inner part is already external, has a recess, usually these elements are rounded, but they can have a fancy design in the form of animal paws or other decorative elements.

In addition, anti-vibration mounts can look like interchangeable feet that are mounted instead of standard parts. They consist of an adjustable base and a rubber pad in the area of ​​contact with the floor. These elements are usually rounded and look quite traditional.

Sometimes rugs are called rugs made of rubber, natural or synthetic, EVA. They completely take up space under the washing machine and additionally protect against small leaks. These products have a length of 60 cm and a width of 40, 55 or 60 cm, and are matched to the dimensions of household appliances. The thickness of the product is from 1.5 to 2.5 cm, the design depends on the manufacturer, material.

When choosing anti-vibration stands for automatic washing machines, it is important to understand that it is better to select this element taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations. Some brands, for example, Electrolux, produce them taking into account the dimensional parameters of their own equipment. In all other cases, it is recommended to act according to the advice of specialists.

• Measure the feet of the washing machine... The liners should provide the maximum fit without distorting the correct level of installation. If the shape or size of the legs does not match the parameters of the selected accessory, the purchase will be in vain. Careful preliminary measurements will help avoid potential problems.
• Choose the right material. Silicone is good in combination with tiles and other slippery materials - here it will be quite enough to dampen the resulting vibrations. In addition, translucent overlays made of this material will not spoil expensive designer repairs. For wood or concrete subfloors, soft linoleum or laminate flooring, it is better to choose accessories with stronger cushioning properties.
• Purchase budget. Inexpensive linings from Chinese online stores do not visually differ from branded models, but their quality is very low. If possible, it is better to purchase accessories of the middle price category - from 300 to 500 rubles per set. It makes sense to buy more expensive products when it comes to premium washing machines.
• Determine the desired shape and design. After assessing the demand for anti-vibration stands, firms specializing in the production of accessories for washing machines have made many original versions of these products. Round, oval, square models of stands will appeal to lovers of minimalism. Products in the form of dog paws, water lily leaves, animal tracks will emphasize the individuality of the interior design.

Most anti-vibration stands for washing machines you can install it yourself. To do this, the equipment is disconnected from the network and communications, laid on the floor on its side. Rubber pads, installed instead of standard components under the legs, usually have additional fastening in the form of screws. Pre-surface of metal parts thoroughly cleaned from dirt and rust.

In the absence of a strong attachment, the pads do not hold on their own. To place and secure them correctly, you need to fix the body of the washing machine in the same horizontal position, and then glue additional components with a composition designed to combine metal and polymers. Once the mount is firm, you can install the equipment on the floor, level it.

DIYers are quite capable of making anti-vibration stands on their own. It is enough to take thick and dense rubber or polymer material - polyurethane, from which a set of individual pads will be cut to compensate for vibration loads. Cut out parts of a slightly larger diameter than the legs of the washing machine. Be sure to pay attention to the thickness of the material - it must be more than 1 cm, otherwise it will not be possible to compensate for the vibration loads.

Those who have already installed anti-vibration pads under the washing machine believe that these devices make life much easier. It is noted that after purchasing this accessory, the problem associated with high noise levels or equipment displacement due to vibration is reduced. Technicians find the stands to be a great help when a new machine or old machine cannot be leveled correctly. Their use is especially effective on a wooden floor, where it is almost impossible to completely compensate for height differences.

Many people point out that anti-vibration stands are quite inexpensive. They universal, suitable for use with washing machines of different brands. But for very little money, you can buy a PVC product, which does not allow you to carry out high-quality tasks. If you have a choice, you should give preference to silicone products.

Not all reviews are equally positive. For example, it is noted that with strong vibration it is not possible to fully compensate for the "jumps" of equipment around the room, but the machine will move much less. Not everyone likes the rather rigid structure of the rubber pads.

Representatives of service centers are radically against the use of stands. In their opinion, such supports can mask serious problems in the operation of technology, which can be easily eliminated with early diagnosis.Sometimes the jumps of washing machines completely stop after removing the shipping bolts, which were not removed for any reason during installation.

See below for an overview of anti-vibration pads.