How to install a washing machine

Washing machine installation

Having a washing machine in your home is a brilliant way to save both money and time. Whether you stay in your house or in a rented apartment, there may come a time when you will buy a washing machine and will have to either call someone to install it or do it yourself.

Installing a washing machine can be difficult but not impossible. This article will guide you through the steps involved in installing the machine.

Installing a washing machine

One of the advantages of installing a new washing machine yourself is that it could save you a lot of money. However, given their size, weight, and how bulky most washing machines are, it is not a job you can do on your own.

If you are fine moving bulky objects around and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is a helpful way to save yourself some money in terms of installation cost. Below is an easy step-by-step guide for installing a washing machine.

Uninstall your existing washing machine (optional)

If you have a washing machine installed, follow the steps below to uncouple it before installing a new one.

Step one: Remove the old washing machine

If you have a washing machine installed, switch it off and unplug it. Before you disconnect the washing machine, take out every piece of clothing in the washing drum, switch off its power supply from the mains and then unplug.

Step two: Turn off the cold water supply

The next thing to do is shut off the cold water supply at the isolating valve. Pull your machine away from the wall and turn off the cold water supply isolating valve. This valve is small in size and usually blue in colour.

Step three: Loosen the screw of the cold water-in pipe

The cold water supply is connected to the main water supply through a hose that is attached to the back of the washing machine. Verify that the cold water supply has been turned off and then unscrew the cold water in the pipe. You should have a bucket to trap any water from the hose.

Step four: Remove the drain hose

There is another hose that goes from the washing machine to the kitchen floor. It is known as a drain hose and should be disconnected as well. To do this, simply pull it out.

Installing the new washing machine

You now have your old washing machine disconnected from the power supply, the cold water in the isolation valve isolated, and both cold water and water supplies disconnected. The next step is to take the old machine out of the space and begin the installation of your new washer.

Step one: Remove carriage bolts from the new washing machine

The carriage bolts are found at the back of the washing machine and have to be removed before you start your installation. The function of carriage bolts is to keep the drum from moving around, thus preventing the machine from being damaged in transit.

The carriage bolts are screws attached to plugs that press against the drum to protect it. The bolts are four in number and are removed by unscrewing.

Step two: Attach the cold water inlet hose

The cold water inlet hose that you need to install is usually placed inside the drum of the machine. Open the washing machine’s drum to bring it out together with the other accessories, including the washing machine installation manual. Once you have sourced the hose, do the following:

• Screw the cold water inlet pipe to the attachment at the back of the washing machine. Use a mole grip to do this. The mole grip looks like a spanner but heavier. It is also known as mole wrench, vice pliers, or vice grips.
• As you do the screwing, you will notice a filter inside of the attachment. This filter is something that you can check whenever the washing machine stops working. You can unscrew the filter and wash it under the tap.
• The other end of the cold water inlet hose is attached to the cold water supply and screwed in place as well.

Step three: Switch on the water-in isolating valve

When you are sure that the cold water supply hose has been attached to the washing machine, turn on the isolating valve. If you are connecting hot water as well, you will need hot water supply hoses.

This is to allow water to flow through the supply hoses into the machine. Immediately turn on the switch, confirm if everything is working fine and if the screws are correctly fastened. Ensure that no leaks are coming from either supply hose.

Step four: Connect the drain hose

Drain hoses usually come attached to your washing machine, but they need to be manually connected to the drain pipe. Many brands of washing machines come with a plastic U-bend for attaching a drain hose.

The U-bend hose is rigid, making it useful in maintaining the shape of the hose and preventing blockage building-up in a kinked hose.

Step five: Level the washing machine

Before you start using the washing machine, ensure that it is level on the floor. This avoids unnecessary vibration, noise, and potential damage when the machine is spinning at a very high speed. When placing the washing machine in its permanent position, use a spirit level to check if it is level.

If you don’t have a spirit level, hold the machine on one corner and try pushing it gently at the other. If it moves, you need to adjust it until you are satisfied that it is level.

Step six: Check the depth of your washing machine

If you have had a washing machine before and are purchasing a new one, you may assume that every machine will perfectly fit into the available space. While it is true that most washing machines have similar width and height, there may be differences in the measurement of the depth.

For instance, machines with larger drums and washing capacities are deeper than ones with smaller capabilities. When shopping for a new washing machine, add 7cm to the depth of the washing machine you are replacing.

Step seven: Test the washing machine

You have unpacked your new machine, removed the bolt carriage, attached a water hose, and confirmed that the drain is flowing to the drain hose. You also confirmed that the machine is level on the floor.

The next thing to do is test your newly installed washing machine. Put a few clothes into the washer and instruct it to wash. Run it for a few cycles and make sure everything is working correctly, then shut it down.

Why should I hire a professional to install my washing machine?

Unless you are a qualified plumber, hiring an expert who understands the nitty-gritty of installing a washing machine is a good idea. Even if you have the experience, hiring a professional is preferable because of the following reasons:

It saves you time and is less stressful

By hiring a professional, you enjoy the ease and comfort that comes with outsourcing your tasks. Installing a washing machine can be stressful. It involves moving a heavy object, loosening screws, and as an amateur, you will have to read through different documents and guides to be prepared for this task.

After going through the stress of replacing their washing machine, many people will confirm that it is better to outsource this job to someone else. By giving the job to a professional, you are guaranteed that it will be delivered when due and save you from the stress involved.

A professional will deliver quality results

Installing a washing machine by yourself can be tricky. You may discover during the installation that you need some unique tool, or a screw may go missing, and you don’t have a replacement for it. Again, you will agree that you are more likely to mess up the installation than a professional.

By hiring a professional, you totally eliminate all these. They have the tools to get your work done, and you are assured that the plumber will remove every single piece of dirt after the installation.

For compliance with appliance warranty

Many manufacturers require that a professional install their equipment before the buyer can be eligible to claim a warranty. This means that if you move ahead with installing the washing machine yourself, you will not be eligible to claim a warranty if you later discover something wrong with the washing machine.

Safer than doing it yourself

A professional will install your washing machine for you safely. Remember that installing a washing machine involves dealing with electricity. You could easily get electrocuted. An installation gone wrong can lead to water spilling into your home and destroying things. So, it pays to get a good hand to help you install your washing machine in a manner that will give you peace of mind.

It is better to hire a professional

This article has presented a simple but extensive walk-through that can help you install your washing machine without external help. This will no doubt save you a lot of money. For instance, it costs between $80 to $150 to install a washing machine in Australia.

However, do not compromise your safety to save some money. Sometimes, it is better to hire a professional to handle such tasks. Installing a washing machine is stressful and has many technicalities that should be left to a plumbing specialist.

Therefore, next time you intend to install a washing machine, give a call to the nearest washing machine installation specialist.