Shake it off—actually, get to the bottom of it
An unbalanced washing machine causes house shaking when your clothes shift during the spin cycle, making the drum thump forcefully.
Loose ductwork or imbalanced fan blades in your HVAC system can shake your house, creating vibrations that travel through the entire home.
You can rebalance your washing machine load or check if the unit is level, addressing the most common source of shaking.
Hiring a local washing machine repair professional provides helpful support when you need worn shock absorbers or drum bearings replaced.
Feeling vibrations or shaking throughout your house will likely lead to the question: Why is my house shaking? While an earthquake can cause your house to shake, in most areas of the country, that isn’t a common culprit. Start your investigation with your home appliances and HVAC system. Let’s begin with the washing machine and then explore other reasons why your house could be shaking.
When the drum inside the washing machine spins to dry out the clothes, the machine does shake a little from the force of the spinning, but under normal circumstances, it won’t cause your house to shake. In some cases, however, an unbalanced load of clothes can cause the washing machine to thump and shake forcefully which can cause your house to feel like it’s shaking. There may also be other reasons for the shaking—the load may be too large for the machine to handle or the machine itself may not be level.
If you feel your house shaking, take a second to listen. An unbalanced washing machine or one with an unbalanced load will make a thumping sound as the clothes spin around and move the washer back and forth. To start, open the lid and make sure the load of clothes is evenly distributed around the drum. If it continues to make the house shake, you can probably learn how to balance the washing machine on your own. Make sure to check to see if the machine is level by placing a level across the top. If it’s not, you can level it by raising or lowering the legs as necessary.
In an older washer, the shock absorbers or drum bearings may be worn out. If you suspect that this is the problem, you should call a washing machine repair pro near you to have them check it out and offer solutions.
The ductwork for your HVAC system runs throughout your house, so when the house is shaking, the HVAC system might be to blame. There are quite a few reasons your furnace or AC unit is making loud noises and making your home shake. A broken unit can make loud banging noises, loose material can make the ductwork rattle, and imbalance fan blades can cause shaking.
Unless the cause is immediately clear or you have experience working on an HVAC system, this is likely a job for a local HVAC repair pro. They can assess the system and determine where the cause is and then work to fix it.
While this likely won’t be the case in many parts of the country, your house may be shaking as a result of seismic activity. Most earthquakes in the U.S. occur on the West Coast, but they’ve also been known to occur in other areas throughout the country. If your house is shaking, it could be because of an earthquake.
If you live in California or another western state, including Washington, Oregon, and even Nevada or Utah, the thought of your house shaking because of an earthquake has probably crossed your mind. But if you live in a state less likely to have an earthquake, this reason might come as a shock. If you’ve exhausted other causes, you should check the news in your area to see if any seismic activity was reported.
You may need to call a pro if you suspect the house is shaking because of an HVAC issue. An HVAC technician will be able to assess the system and then diagnose and fix the problem. If the cause is related to the washing machine, you can wash a smaller load and rebalance it during the spin cycle if necessary, but if you’ve done that and the machine is level, you may need to call a pro if the shaking continues.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationAs usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC TechniciansRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingGood workers and they do a good job.
Mira ConstructionFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Metal shake roofs offer a long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles. Learn what metal shake roofs cost and what factors affect how much you’ll pay.
Synthetic cedar shake roofing is a sustainable alternative to the popular wood. Learn what influences synthetic cedar shake roofing costs for your home.
Cedar shake roofs are a unique roofing option that can maximize curb appeal. Learn about the factors that affect cedar shake roof costs.
Is your washing machine shaking violently? The solution can be a simple fix or something for a pro. Here's how to know and what to do about it.
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Learn how to prepare for a house cleaner to ensure whoever you hire can do their job properly while you keep your home, family, and possessions safe.
