Possible to replace only the washer of a stackable laundry machine set?
December 23, 2024 6:06 PM Subscribe
My ~15 year old Frigidaire washer conked out, but the dryer is still good. Can I just replace the washer?
The washer is 27”, it’s a 2.65 cubic foot front loader, model number is FTF530FS3. (In case anyone has product specific knowledge.)
Obviously I’ll be replacing the dryer at some point, likely soon (have replaced all other appliances, the stove just this year), but it would be good if I could hold off a bit.
The washer is 27”, it’s a 2.65 cubic foot front loader, model number is FTF530FS3. (In case anyone has product specific knowledge.)
Obviously I’ll be replacing the dryer at some point, likely soon (have replaced all other appliances, the stove just this year), but it would be good if I could hold off a bit.
Okay I am now seeing that your title notes they are stackable! Sorry for the unhelpful answer!
posted by jeoc at 6:50 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by jeoc at 6:50 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
Best answer: You have to make sure the washer and dryer use the same stacking kit.
posted by saturdaymornings at 7:17 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by saturdaymornings at 7:17 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: How can I tell what kind of stacking kit I have? (The appliances came with the condo I bought, I didn’t install them.)
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:41 PM on December 23, 2024
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:41 PM on December 23, 2024
Response by poster: Presumably the new washer should also be 27”, does it matter about the capacity?
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:42 PM on December 23, 2024
posted by cotton dress sock at 7:42 PM on December 23, 2024
Best answer: Five years ago we bought a dryer that didn’t match our washer, and it needed to be stacked. We chose to wing it.
We bought thick, uh, “vibration tape” i think it was called, and put it on the top of the washer where the dryer’s legs sat. We kludged up some sort of attachment on the backs of the units where they screwed together- don’t remember the details but it involved metal brackets that needed to be screwed into the washer and dryer.
Then I put long strips of gorilla duct tape on each side of the units. Never had any problems, but YMMV.
posted by carterk at 8:58 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
We bought thick, uh, “vibration tape” i think it was called, and put it on the top of the washer where the dryer’s legs sat. We kludged up some sort of attachment on the backs of the units where they screwed together- don’t remember the details but it involved metal brackets that needed to be screwed into the washer and dryer.
Then I put long strips of gorilla duct tape on each side of the units. Never had any problems, but YMMV.
posted by carterk at 8:58 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Each specific brand combination style requires a specific bracket that's engineered to accomodate the weight, vibrations and other stress factors; and there is a specific hole pattern. That's why they're sold as sets.
That caveat aside....there's a good possibility that an alternative attachment modification may be successful.
posted by mightshould at 2:08 AM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
That caveat aside....there's a good possibility that an alternative attachment modification may be successful.
posted by mightshould at 2:08 AM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Would rigging something up mess with insurance if anything happened? Eg it broke and water affected residents below.
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:36 AM on December 24, 2024
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:36 AM on December 24, 2024
Best answer: On your last question, that could well be, and if you ask your insurance agent they will say not do it. My thought is that if both units are 15 years old you should just bite the bullet and replace both, otherwise you will be facing the same issue again in a few years.
posted by beagle at 10:22 AM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by beagle at 10:22 AM on December 24, 2024 [1 favorite]
I just replaced only the washing machine of my stacked/ washer dryer. When my washing machine broke and died, the technician who came to (unsuccessfully) fix it also helped me order a replacement, since I had no idea how. The company that I bought the washing machine from was unwilling to deal with the stacked dryer since they hadn't installed it, so I contacted the washing machine technician, since he'd been helpful.
He agreed to come back and dismount the stacked dryer so the old washing machine could be removed and the new one installed. He then re-mounted the dryer on top. He used the existing stacking hardware, which isn't a perfect fit, but the two machines did successfully stack, and everything works together smoothly now. He had me pay him in cash for the labor and didn't give me an official receipt, so I'm guessing he didn't do this in his official capacity, which is fine.
All this to say, it's possible, but you'll want to get some help. Feel free to PM me if you want. Good luck!
posted by wicked_sassy at 4:45 AM on January 5
He agreed to come back and dismount the stacked dryer so the old washing machine could be removed and the new one installed. He then re-mounted the dryer on top. He used the existing stacking hardware, which isn't a perfect fit, but the two machines did successfully stack, and everything works together smoothly now. He had me pay him in cash for the labor and didn't give me an official receipt, so I'm guessing he didn't do this in his official capacity, which is fine.
All this to say, it's possible, but you'll want to get some help. Feel free to PM me if you want. Good luck!
posted by wicked_sassy at 4:45 AM on January 5
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The only caveat I can think of are if they’re stacked - you’d need to make sure you can stack the new washer on the dryer.
posted by jeoc at 6:48 PM on December 23, 2024 [1 favorite]