My 10 year old Maytag top load washer has died (diagnosed with a worn gear box). I am looking at replacing it with another top-load washer. The "utility room" is actually a back porch, that has been insulated, wired and plumbed, of our home that was built in the 1890's. While the walls and ceiling are newer the floor is the original porch floor. When we moved into this house 25 years ago I did put 3/4 inch plywood under the washer and dryer and drove a lot of screws down into the flooring underneath and hopefully into some floor joists. Still it is just a reinforced porch floor. Is a high efficiency top-load machine likely to operate okay on this floor? Or would the higher speed of the spin cycle make it more likely to become severely off balanced and walk out from the wall?

I do not have the skills or time to do additional work on the floor, nor the budget to hire a carpenter to do the job for me. In other words, I am just needing some advice whether I should stick with the traditional agitator washer or if a high-efficiency top-load machine would likely do okay given the floor that is currently there.

Thanks for your input and helpful advice!

Dave

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...on the trailing edge of technology.

Assuming any new washer will be far less everything vs your 10 year old one -- certainly, quieter and more stable. Less chance of vibrating your floor apart?

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Edited 999 time(s). Last edit at 12:08PM by jdc.

jdc- thanks! That is good to hear! I've been pricing top-load washers and the high efficiency models I have been looking at are priced very similarly to the traditional agitator models. Hardly makes sense to buy the older, less efficient, type of washer if the high efficiency models will function okay on that floor. Thanks!

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...on the trailing edge of technology.

I suggest you consider adding isolation pads or mats under it to even further lessen any potentional problem. This website and company has some good information and the owner will respond to questuons.
[www.soundproofing.org]

I had a vertical pair that would occasionally get a little randy. it was in a closet and I was able to stabilize it by using the walls for support.

You prefer top load? Front loaders get better reviews.

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pqrst- thanks! I will look into the isolation pads. The link results in an "Error establishing database connection", but soundproofing.com does bring me to what appears to be the website. Hal- thanks for the suggestion about using the wall for support. That would be an option. The LG top-load washer supposedly has a tru-balance system, which I hope may address balance and vibration issues. mattkime- from what I've read front-load machines are better for cleaning and gentleness to fabric, but also more prone to vibration. I'm afraid the old wooden floor would not be up for that. The input is sincerely appreciated!!

Dave

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...on the trailing edge of technology.

Just today I took delivery of an LG front load washer. I don't see any concern regarding vibration. I can't speak to other brands or older models.

Edit:

Actually, I just realized that I haven't actually WASHED anything with it. Sure is quiet when doing a test cycle! I should post an update when it does a full load.

I spent about $800 shipped / installed / with tax on this guy ( WM3900HWA ) but got it from costco - [www.homedepot.com]

Main reason why I got it was that it has a very good 30 min wash cycle. Reviews state that its most user's default cycle. I have two young boys so I placed a value on quick laundry cycles.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2019 04:27PM by mattkime.

Glad could help. The soundproofing company and forum are in San
Marcos ca if that helps to confirm. They also a lot of soundproofing suppressing material (ever heard of mass loaded vinyl?).

but got it from costco - [www.homedepot.com]

Did Costco buy Home Depot?

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Something different...

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"Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime."- Lavrentiy Beria

The used LG that I just got last weekend mentioned something about front loaders causing more "vibration" than top loaders. Which I find hard to believe since my top loader spun so hard it had a habit of "walking" across the floor during spin mode. While the New (to me) washer doesn't move at all during the spin cycle. Based on that, I don't know what to believe.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/04/2019 06:10AM by bazookaman.

.....top or bottom....that is the age old question....

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I reject your reality and substitute my own!

front loaders are easier to pop open

My LG front load will vibrate the cloths off the top if I leave anything on it. It's quite though.