Installing a washing machine may seem intimidating, but breaking down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps makes it approachable for any homeowner. Properly installing your washer ensures efficiency, functionality, and safety. This comprehensive guide will take you through every detail, from preparing your space to clearing the water lines after an initial test run. Follow along for the best results!
Step 1: Preparing Your Space
Before bringing your new washing machine home, adequate preparation of the installation space is crucial. Rushing this first step often leads to problems down the road, so go slowly and double-check your work.
Clean the Installation Area Thoroughly
Vacuum the floor around the install location to remove dust, debris and dirt. Sweep if needed as well. Any particles left behind can interfere with leveling the washer properly.
- Use an all-purpose cleaner and rag to wipe down the walls and floor around the space. Remove any residue left from an old machine.
- Ensure any product built up in or around the connections from a previous washing machine is completely cleaned away. This allows for clear access and secure connections.
Confirm the Floor is Level
- Place a level tool on the ground to check for any uneven surfaces. Pay special attention to corners and against walls.
- An uneven floor will cause excessive vibrations over time and can damage both the floor and your washing machine.
- If the floor has minor inconsistencies (less than a 1/4-inch difference across 3 feet), adjustable feet on your washing machine should compensate.
- Any drops or peaks beyond a 1/4-inch difference will require professional adjustment before proceeding.
Tips for leveling minor inconsistencies:
- Shims – Easy to cut and place under washing machine legs as needed
- Floor leveling compound – Helps even surface, especially in problem corners
Double Check Measurements and Clearances
Before moving your washing machine into position, guarantee the space allows for proper configuration.
- Width & Depth – Confirm the footprint of the washing machine allowing for at least 1-inch clearance on all sides. This gives room to make connections while avoiding damage to walls or cabinetry.
- Height – Measure from floor to ceiling and compare to the specifications of your model. Include room for water and drain connections.
- Door Clearance – The door of a front loading unit requires ample room to fully open for loading and unloading. Make sure there are no obstructions.
Read More: Don’t Throw It Away! A Guide On How To Recycle Washer Motors
Step 2: Removing an Existing Washer
For first-time washing machine installations, skip to Step 3. If replacing a unit, properly removing the existing washer is critical.
Turn Off Water Supply Lines
Locating the shutoff valves for the hot and cold water lines feeding into the back of the washing machine prevents leaks during this process.
- Hot water shutoff valve – Typically found on the hot water line leading from the water heater
- Cold water shutoff valve – Located on the cold water supply line
Fully close both shutoff valves.
Disconnect Hoses, Electrical and Drain Lines
With the water lines capped off, systematically disconnect everything attached to the washing machine.
- Water supply lines – Unscrew hot and cold water hoses from the back of the machine using pliers or a wrench
- Electrical – Unplug the machine from the wall outlet
- Drain hose – Loosen the clamp and remove the hose from the drain connection in the wall
Remove Existing Machine
- With all connections detached, carefully pull the machine away from the wall and slide out of the installation space. Use an appliance dolly or ask a friend to assist if needed.
Now the original washing machine is fully removed and space is prepared for your new unit.
Step 3: Positioning Your Washing Machine
With the previous machine removed and space cleaned, bring in and setup your new washing machine.
Unbox New Unit
Your washing machine will arrive in protective cardboard packaging. Carefully cut away the outer box and inner plastic lining with a utility knife. Pallets, plastic wrap, tape and cardboard inserts support the machine in transport.
Helpful Unboxing Tips
- Cut vertically along corners and lift the box upward. Do NOT use box flaps for lifting.
- Recruit help to ease the machine out of the cardboard base. The unit will be heavy!
- Keep all packing materials if adjustments to position are required. Repack using the same braces and inserts if needed.
Move the New Washer into the Installation Area
With the unit removed from the packaging, use an appliance dolly specialized for washing machines to slowly transport it into position. Take corners slowly with help from another person steering front and bracing from all sides.
Avoid:
- Tipping unit to move – Keep upright at all times! Internal shocks cannot handle angle pressure.
- Banging into door frames, walls or cabinets – Dents and scratches compromise external water-proof lining.
Make Sure the Washer Sits Level
Running a washing machine without properly level installation voids the warranty and causes mechanical issues over short time periods.
- Place a level tool on the top edge of the machine, checking the readout left to right and front to back.
- If uneven, adjust the pre-installed leveling feet underneath until aligned. Turn counter-clockwise to raise a corner and clockwise to lower down.
- Recheck with the level tool after each adjustment.
Leveling your washing machine may require small shifts left or right along with titling front to back. Have patience, move slowly and double check with your level tool.
Step 4: Connect Water Supply Lines
With the washing machine now in place, connecting water supply lines provides vital fluid pressure. Use caution when attaching inlet hoses to avoid leakage down the road.
Locate Water Inlet Connection Valves
- Back of washing machine – Locate the two threaded openings along the upper back edge, labeled Hot and Cold. Maybe red and blue.
- Water Supply Lines – Two rubber hoses included with the new washing machine end with coupling nuts.
- Shutoff Valves – Previously closed valve on hot water heater line. Also, locate the valve near the cold water source.
Connect Hoses To Machine Inlets
Carefully attach supply lines to corresponding Hot and Cold water inlets on the back of the washer.
- Remove any plastic caps still inserted into machine inlets
- Apply Teflon plumber’s tap to threaded machine inlets to prevent corrosion over time
- Hand-tighten rubber hoses initially before finishing with pliers or a wrench
Avoid over-tightening connections. Snug is secure. Overtightening can split rubber washers built into the hoses. Always check for small leaks later in the installation process.
Connect Hoses to Shut Off Valves
With hoses attached to washing machine, connect to corresponding hot and cold water valves. Large flat rubber washers provide a tight seal when compressed.
- Attach hot water line to shut off valve on hot water supply line. Should lead back to your water heater.
- Cold water line connects to shut off valve on cold water supply
- Ensure lines have slack and are not stretched tight interfering with water flow
Step 5: Install Drain Line
Proper drainage during the wash cycle requires securely fastening the drain hose. Failure here leads to unwanted water spills.
Locate Drain Port
Around the back of all washing machines, a rigid 2-3 inch drain port sticks out of the cabinet. This connects to a flexible drain hose included.
Connect Drain Hose
The bundled flexible drain hose fits snug over the protruding drain port and uses its expanded end to supply tension.
- Remove any caps or covers from the drain port and drain hose
- Wet the end of the drain hose with water to ease sliding over the port
- Wiggle and apply pressure until the hose is fully seated onto the drain port and secure
For extra protection, attach a stainless steel hose clamp to provide constant pressure holding the connection tight.
Step 6: Position and Secure Drain Hose
Proper routing of the drain line ensures water flows away from your new machine with gravity assisting. Both laundry room sinks as well as the stand pipes require unique configurations.
Laundry Room Sink Connection
Linking your drain hose directly into a nearby laundry sink offers convenience, but comes with limitations.
Laundry Sink Advantages
- No home modification needed
- Gravity continuously pulls drained water away
Laundry Room Sink Disadvantages
- Reduced sink access when washing machine running
- The sink can overflow if the drain is clogged and backup occurs
To Connect:
- Lay flexible metal or plastic “U” pipe over the edge of the sink.
- Attach drain hose from washing machine port to one end of “U” pipe. This forms a nice downward arc.
- Use adjustable metal clamps to secure both ends of “U” pipe
Standpipe Connection
Utilizing an existing wash basin standpipe offers the most direct path for drainage. Expect to install a new piped connection.
Standpipe Benefits
- Less pressure on plumbing joints
- No interference with sink access
Standpipe Drawbacks
- Permanent modification to the laundry room area
- Drainage depends on standpipe size – Minimum 2 inches
To Connect to Stand Pipe:
- Measure and cut a hole in the wall or flooring behind the washing machine to fit the threaded end of the drain hose.
- Feed the hose into the preexisting 1 1/2-inch standpipe, threading through the cut opening in the wall.
- Attach a 90-degree PVC elbow fitting to the end, positioning downward into the standpipe.
The end result should be a slight downward arch of the drain line into the standpipe. Secure using metal clamps.
Step 7: Secure and Seal Drain Connection
Prevent leaks at the drain connection point using proper sealing methods. Avoid water damage and mold growth using the following techniques.
Floor Standpipe Connections
Seal opening around drain hose
Apply clear silicone caulk around the edges of the newly cut hole surrounding the drain hose. Avoid small gaps where moisture can penetrate to the sub-floor.
Attach drain pipe brace
Use metal plumber’s tape to anchor the elbow joint where the drain hose meets the standpipe. This prevents unwanted movement. Check additional fittings for secure connections.
Sink Drain Connections
Secure U-pipe to sink
In addition to clamps on each leg of the drain line, also anchor the u-pipe to the bottom lip of the sink using silicone. Create a few anchor points along the curve for maximum hold.
Caulk pipe entrance
Fill the gap around the drain pipe where it feeds into the sink rim. Avoid water spilling at the connection point and safeguard cabinetry below.
Step 8: Recheck Level and Adjust
Now fully configured with all lines connected, double-check your washing machine for proper leveling prior to use. Spin cycles require precise alignment or risk leaks and cracks over time.
Use Level Tool Again
Place level indicator along top surface, left to right first. Make minor turns of each corner leg to fine-tune the angle. Then check front to back requiring adjustments of front legs evenly.
Corner Imbalance Issues
Should certain corners or sides show consistent imbalance issues, use shims to compensate. Small plastic and metal shims easily insert underneath troublesome legs, adding just enough lift.
Check for Rocking
With the machine turned off, attempt to manually rock your washer back and forth along the edges. Any noticeable movement indicates legs require adjustment. Stability is key during high-speed spins.
Take your time and adjust leg heights little by little to achieve professional results. Confirm both level LEDs register even before proceeding.
Step 9: Flush Hoses and Check for Leaks
With all lines tightly connected and the drain secured, flow water through the system to clean out home buildup and loose particles. Also, confirm no areas slowly leak.
Turn On the Water Supply Valves
Start with both hot and cold supply valves turned completely off. Slowly open the cold water valve first. As flow begins, gradually open the hot water valve separately.
Power On Washing Machine
Hit the power button which initializes internal tub movement and water pump. Open the lid and confirm a solid stream from the detergent tray filling the tub.
Run Drain Cycle
Select the highest spin setting and start an empty wash cycle. Allow the machine to run the entire process confirming free flow down the drain hose with no backing up out detergent drawer.
Inspect All Lines and Fittings
With the cycle fully complete, move the machine forward to access water lines along the back and side panels. Use a flashlight to slowly inspect each fittings for small drops or moisture indicating slow leaks. Also check drain hose connection to port on machine. Tighten where necessary. Consider overflow pan if leaks occur.
Finishing Touches for a Flawless Installation
With all equipment set up and tested for leaks and drainage, finishing touches protect your investment and integrate into the room’s décor.
Attach Anti-Slip Pads
Included with your machine are small rectangular rubber pads which adhere to each corner leg. These grip flooring and prevent slight machine creeping during spin cycles. Peel and press to affix.
Cover Hoses for Added Safety
Wrap provided capture bands around water inlet hoses connections points behind machine. Should microscopic cracks ever lead to drops, bands safely redirect fluid downward and under front of unit.
Affix Informational Panel
Peel and stick included model and serial number information sheet along back or side wall of your washer. Handy when service calls required. Provides immediate insight for repair technicians.
Level Out Detergent Tray
Avoid messy spills by testing that included liquid detergent cup sits evenly along its slide out shelf within the dispenser. Level shelving front to back first, then shift tray for accuracy.
With all kit provided by manufacturer properly installed and room neatness double checked, running the inaugural load completes your washing machine installation process!
First Wash Guidelines
Break in your washing machine properly with several empty cycles before trusting irreplaceable wardrobe pieces. Follow these guidelines for longevity.
Initial Cycle
Expect a slight burning smell and possibility smoke puffs during first machine power up. Residual manufacturing oils coats internal tubes and elements triggering temporary issues that quickly fade.Runs complete empty cycle once water pressure and drainage confirmed.
Second Cycle
Mix white vinegar and baking soda inside empty drum for second rinse cycle. Cleans all internal hoses and pipes fully while smoothing metal drum surface. Imperative before handling clothes. Discard vinegar/soda water completely prior to clothing.
Begin Light Loads
Gradually ease the machine into duty by starting will small-size bath towels and rags. Check for free movement and the absence of knocking or banging on the spin before valued textiles.
Patience With Larger Loads
Your shiny new washing machine can handle the loads claimed by the spec sheet. However, work up to full drum capacity slowly over the initial month allowing components like shocks and motors to properly break in.
Avoiding Mistakes Upfront Saves Longterm Headaches!
Rushing your washing machine installation risks leaks, electrical shorts, drainage backups and load balancing issues. Patience pays off over time with higher functionality, greater safety and equipment longevity.
Follow this guide closely, moving through sections at your pace and double checking connections using a level, flashlight and all recommended sealants and hardware. Painstaking initial steps makes your washer hum for over a decade! Here is a quick checklist:
Following this comprehensive guide prepares both handy homeowners as well as novice DIY-ers to install a washing machine safely while avoiding any leaks, electrical hazards, or drainage issues. Take your time, double check connections, and refer back to instructions for best results over the long haul!