My clothesline is sagging and we JUST put it up. How can I prevent it from sagging?

Question

We're using 6ft 4x4 posts, opposite each other; and using 2x4 posts to create a "T" for each post. Husband has 4 eye bolts, (2 on each side). We're using a "plastic" line we bought from Home Depot. Husband set posts into ground using concrete, as well and with the weight of the clothes on the line - the line has dipped dramatically in the middle and the posts have begun to lean forward as well.

I'm home alone during the day and hubby works late alot, so I need a quick and easy fix that'll allow me to get my laundry done (no heavy lifting as I'm 7 months pregnant, as well). Any suggestions?

Also, the posts ARE leaning forward. They're in concrete, but the concrete is loose from the ground itself. The line itself is a hollow plastic cord.

The setup is two T's across from each other, each with it's own line running to it's opposite partner.

Answer 1

In the old days, I remember using clothes props.

Answer 2

If the posts are leaning in, then they have moved either because tension was applied before the cement was set, the posts are not set deep enough or the ground is not compacted enough around the posts.

If the posts are not leaning too much and are now firmly set, you can buy a tensioning device at your local hardware or home centre which will allow you to tighten your clothesline. All clotheslines have some stretch (even metal cables). You can also get S-shaped devices that keep the top and bottom of the clothesline evenly spaced. This spreads the weight of your clothes on both the top and bottom lines, reducing sag.

If the posts continue to tilt towards each other, they will need to be re-set. As a temporary measure, they could be braced. But if they move forward, they will move sideways and will eventually fall down.

The bracing could be 2x4's set at 45 degrees to prop the posts. If the posts also move sideways, you could alternatively two set stakes for each post 18-24" into the ground and use chains or cables and tensioners, like for tent poles. The tensioner looks like two hooks on a threaded shaft that screw into a body that, when turned, brings the hooks closer together. Please mark these clearly as they are tripping hazards.

Good luck and please be safe!

Answer 3

Rocken Ree is right about the clothes props - got my vote for that - they are (or were in the old days) aluminum poles 7 -8 feet long with a wire at the top that would secure the clothes line - we would just prop the line up in the middle or at 2 different places if the load was heavy - it took the weight off the end posts. Which were just galvanized poles that slipped into bigger pole pieces that were set flush with the ground so we could use the line when needed but not look at the poles otherwise. The poles had a cap with 4 hooks around it to tie the line to. Wonder if you can still purchase any of those things?

Answer 4

Unfortunately you did not set the posts deep enough into the ground. You can use 2x4's to create an a-frame brace, or anchor the posts with guy wires (like they do with telephone poles).

You will never get all the sag out of the line, but you can use something to prop up the center of the line.

Answer 5

The post should be buried deep with compress soil.....or other wise concrete(Dry).....this will hold the post real good
Plastic line are a waste.... get wire lines you can buy it in a hardware store.....they are durable and can stand weather.

They normally sell it by meter or yards....

Use a pliers and nipper for the job...

Since the are leaning forward.... get 2 peace of 2x4 about 1ft in length and some long nails about 10... at the bass use the wood to jack your post it will look like a triangle the see if you can nail it......

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Go back to HD and you should be able to get some rather stiff springs with an eye bent into each end. Attach one end to the eye bolt and the other to the clothesline. Pull on the clothesline until the spring has extended a ways. Tie the clothesline off and you should be good to go.

Answer 8

The posts need to be sunk deeper with more concrete.

You could also put a single cross-beam between the posts to keep them apart, and run your lines between the ends of the "Ts."

Answer 9

The problem is probably the hollow plastic cord it is stretching with the weight of the clothes. You might replace it with a plastic coated wire.

Answer 10

It has absoulutely nothing to do with the posts or their installation, unless you're hanging Volkswagons on the line.

Cord, no matter its substance, stretches, you could just pull it, tie it, re cut it. OR get coated, wound cable and use a pulley system.

Steven Wolf

I don't own a clothes dryer :)
ROCKIN ya can't be as old as me,,, and yep I recall them well, smiles.