This article is about installing a washing machine in your bathroom, kitchen or anywhere in your house. Installing a washing machine is not a complex task, but you have to follow our guidelines attentively, as to get the job done quickly and in a professional manner. Consequently, you have to read first the manufacturer’s instructions, as to get accustomed to the features of your washing machine.
After you have read the manufacturer’s instructions you can proceed to the actual plumbing of the washing machine. Take your time and consider asking the help or the advice of a professional plumber, if you don’t exactly know what to do for installing the washing machine.
Made from this plan
In order to install a washing machine, you need the following:
Materials
- Washing machine
- Water inlet hose (comes with the water machine)
- Washing machine filter
Tools
- Pipe wrench
- Key
Tips
- Read safety and disclaimer pages
- Inspect the washing machine before installing it; if it’s damaged contact after-sale service
My best tips for installing a washing machine:
Installing a washing machine might seem intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward process that you can handle yourself with the right tools and a bit of guidance. Here are my best tips to help you install a washing machine safely and correctly.
1. Choose the Right Location
First, make sure your washing machine is placed in a well-ventilated area with easy access to water hookups, a drain, and an electrical outlet. The floor should be sturdy and level to prevent excessive vibrations. Ideally, your washer should be placed on a waterproof surface in case of leaks.
2. Check Water Supply and Drainage
Ensure you have both hot and cold water hookups near the washer’s location. These are usually located on the wall behind the washing machine. You’ll also need access to a drain—this could be a standpipe, a sink, or a drain in the floor.
3. Level the Washing Machine
Before making any connections, check if the washing machine is level. Use a spirit level to ensure the machine is sitting flat. Most washing machines come with adjustable feet, so twist them to raise or lower the washer until it’s perfectly level. This will prevent excessive noise and vibration during operation.
4. Connect the Water Supply
Once the washer is leveled, it’s time to connect the water hoses. Most washing machines come with two hoses: one for hot water (usually red) and one for cold water (usually blue). Attach these hoses to the corresponding water outlets and make sure they’re screwed on tightly to prevent leaks. The other end of the hoses should be connected to the back of the washing machine.
Tip: Hand-tighten the connections, but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the hoses.
5. Attach the Drain Hose
Next, attach the drain hose to the machine’s outlet. The hose should then be secured to the drainpipe or directed into a utility sink. Make sure the hose is positioned correctly to avoid leaks or improper drainage.
Most drain hoses come with a U-shaped guide to keep the hose in place and ensure it’s not kinked. It’s important that the drain hose isn’t inserted too far into the pipe, as this can cause siphoning issues.
6. Plug in the Washing Machine
With the water and drain connections complete, plug the washing machine into a grounded electrical outlet. Avoid using an extension cord, as washing machines require a lot of power. Make sure the outlet is in good condition and can handle the appliance’s electrical load.
7. Turn on the Water
Turn on both the hot and cold water valves to start the water flow into the machine. Check for any leaks where the hoses connect to the washing machine and the water supply. If you spot any drips, tighten the connections slightly to stop the leaks.
8. Run a Test Cycle
Before you start doing laundry, it’s a good idea to run an empty test cycle to ensure everything is working properly. Set the machine to a normal cycle and check for proper water flow, draining, and smooth operation. This will also help you confirm there are no leaks in the connections.
9. Secure the Washer
Finally, if your washer is prone to vibrating or moving, consider using anti-vibration pads under the feet. These help absorb movement and reduce noise. You can also use brackets to secure the washer to the wall if necessary.
Bonus Tip: Check the Manual Every washing machine model is different, so always check the user manual for specific installation instructions and safety recommendations for your particular washer.
Removing the washing machine packing and transport bolts
The back of the washing machine
Remove the packing using an utility knife, making sure you don’t scratch the washing machine. After unpacking, you have to inspect throughly the washing machine, as to make sure it is not damaged. If you find the smallest problem, you should contact right away the after-sales service to report the issue, otherwise you risk losing the warranty.
Keep the packaging materials away from children, to make sure they won’t injure by playing with them and recycle them. Next, you have to inspect the washing machine, as to make sure it contains all the needed parts and accessories (4 plastic caps, inlet water hose). If you have deposited the washing machine in a cold location, make sure you leave it at least for 4 hours in the room, before proceeding to installing it.
Driving out transport bolts
Next, we have to remove the transport bolts by using a pipe wrench. These bolts (usually in a number of 4) are located on the back of the washing machine and have the purpose of protecting the inner components while transporting it from manufacturer’s warehouse to your place.
Pushing inside the transport bolt
Then, you have to push firmly the bolts inside for about 1 1/2”. Make sure you push the bolts, otherwise you won’t be able to remove them from the washing machine.
Removing transport bolt
After you have pushed the bolts towards the washing machine, you have to pull firmly the rubber washer from the opening. This might be a little tricky at first, but we can assure you it is nothing complicated, you just need to pay attention and work attentively.
Covering the openings with caps
Next, after you have removed the transport bolts, you have to cover the openings by installing the plastic caps you get with the washing machine.
Installing a washing machine
Water inlet hose
In order to install the washing machine we need a water inlet hose, which usually comes together with the washing machine. The water inlet hose has to be connected to the water supply and to the washing machine.
Nowadays, most washing machines require only cold water, so they need only one water inlet, but there are also washing machines with 2 inlet valves: cold water and hot water. In that case, you will need to install 2 water inlet hoses, just make sure you make the connection properly.
Installing washing machine filter
Next, we have installed a washing machine filter on the water supply, as to make sure we won’t face any issues due to the poor quality of the water. Nowadays, the old water pipes could damage our washing machines, due to poor quality of the water. Therefore, we recommend you to install a washing machine filter and monitor it every month, as to know when you have to replace it.
Connecting water inlet hose to washing machine
Next, connect the other end of the water inlet hose to the washing machine inlet valve. Again, you have to make sure the connection are done properly, otherwise the water would leak.
Installing the drain hose
Next, you have to connect the drain hose to the siphon, or the other outlet designed for draining water. Make sure you make the connection firmly, otherwise you risk flooding your bathroom with dirty water.
Adjusting the washing machine’s feet
If the base surface is not level, then you have to adjust the four feet of the washing machine to make it stable. In order to check if the washing machine is plumb, you could use a spirit level.
Washing machine installation
After you have followed our guidelines, you have to read the manufacturer’s instructions and check again if you have connected the hoses properly. Next, you have to make the electrical connection. Make sure you plug in the washing machine to a socket with an earth connection. In addition, make sure you don’t use extension leads or multiple sockets.
Before operating or doing any maintenance on the washing machine, make sure you disconnect it from the electric supply.
Moving washing machine
A tricky job is to move the washing machine to the place where you will install it. As the appliance is quite heavy and the door openings and hallways are quite narrow, you have to use your imagination to move it without too much effort.
Consequently, you don’t have to move it by lifting it from the floor, but using circular moves. More specifically, you have to tilt it to a single corner edge and to rotate it towards the place where you want to position it.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to install your washing machine safely and efficiently, ensuring it works properly from day one. Whether you’re setting up a new laundry space or replacing an old washer, these tips will make the installation process a breeze.
Thank you for reading our article about installing a washing machine and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.
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