How To Install A Washing Machine

 

Washing machines are a wonderful luxury. Everyone hates laundry, but have you ever thought of how hard it would be without one? Washing machines are great—until they’re not. Every appliance wears out at some point, even washing machines. Are you in the market for a new washing machine? Do you already have one and wonder how to install it? In this guide, we’ll tell you how to install a washing machine the right way.

 

Remove The Old One

The first step to installing a new washing machine is to remove the old one. First, you need to check the inside of the drum and make sure it’s empty. You don’t want to accidentally lose some clothes or cause a mess. Sometimes, a washing machine could be clogged, and you have to drain it first.

Next, you need to turn the power off on the old machine and unplug it from the power source. Pull the washer away from the wall a little bit so you can see the supply valves. Once you have access to the water valves, cut them both off. Take the supply hoses and put them in a bucket to allow them to drain any excess water. Finally, you need to disconnect the drain line from the wall.

Now that everything is disconnected, you need to move the old unit out. Washing machines are bulky, heavy, and awkward to move, so be sure to have a helper nearby. If you don’t have anyone to help you, consider using a dolly. No project is worth threatening your safety.

Measure and prep your new unit before you begin the next steps that explain how to hook up a washer. 

 

Prep The New Washing Machine

Before bringing the new washing machine into the laundry room, you’ll want to measure it. Note: before you buy a new washing machine, measure its dimensions, including the door. There’s nothing worse than buying a new washer only to find out the door can’t open all the way. If your laundry space is compact, you can buy a stackable washer and dry or a laundry center.

Now, you need to check the floor and make sure it’s flat, level, and clean. Sometimes, depending on the floor type, there may have been shifts after removing an old unit. Next, remove the bolts that are on the back of the machine. These four bolts prevent the drum from moving and causing damage to the machine during shipping.

Before getting the new unit into position, consider installing it on a drain pan to prevent damage in the event of a leak. You can also find leak sensors that act as alarms when they get wet.

 

Hook The Washing Machine Up To Water

Now that the machine is in place, it’s time to hook it up to the hot and cold water supply lines. The washer should come with new supply lines. Oftentimes, these hoses are shipped inside the washing machine.

 

Hook Up The Drain Hose

Now that you’ve got the water lines connected, it’s time to hook up the drain hose. Depending on your setup, you may need to install it in a sink or drain pipe. Use the included hose reinforcement curve as needed to prevent kinking.

 

Finishing Up

Now that everything’s hooked up, cut on the water and check for leaks. Tighten any loose joints as needed until leaking stops. Finally, level the washing machine so it doesn’t bang around when washing. To do this, put a level on top of the machine. Next, tighten and loosen the legs’ lock nuts as needed to achieve a level position.

 

Call The Pros In Plumbing

At Drain Express, we are plumbing and drain cleaning experts. Our top priority is providing exceptional service and customer care. If you want help with any of your plumbing needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call.