Installing a clothes washer is an easy project that any reasonably handy person can do him or herself, provided that hookup and hot water supplies, a code-approved drain hookup and a compatible power supply are already in place.
Installation in a Closet
If you're simply swapping out an old machine that was made in the U. But if your case is different from the replacement scenario described above, a washing machine haventunin onlyfans might be a little more complicated.
If you're planning to install a new washer in a location other than where your old one was hooked up:. Repurposing an available closet for a laundry center is a great way to get the clothes washer out of the basement and closer to where the dirty clothes can be more conveniently processed, provided that the closet is large enough and that all of the pre-conditions listed for new locations are met.
In addition, consider these issues, which might complicate installation:. Unlike standard bi-fold door systems, the full-access bi-fold hardware system from Johnson doesn't have a top track.
Doors can be folded hose against the walls at the side of the closet-door opening. If you're just click for source swapping out an old washer for a new one of comparable size and design, the project should be pretty easy. Of course, you'll need to disconnect the old machine and arrange for its disposal. Be sure to turn off the water-supply valves before disconnecting the hoses.
Once the packaging has been removed from your new washer, look at the back panel and find the drain hose and the threaded water inlet valves on the back of the machine.
Key Factors to Consider Before Installing a Washing Machine
The hot and cold inlet valves are usually identified with initials. When hooking up the supply hoses, it's important to hook up the hot to the hot and the cold to the cold. Provided that an adequate water supply, drain hookup and electrical receptacle are in place, almost everything else you'll need to install the new washer will be delivered along with the machine. You'll also need a few simple tools. The first step is to take the washer out of its box and find the owner's manual. It will guide you on removing any additional packaging materials, which might include bolts installed to stabilize the tub during transport, foam plugs and other protective items.
You must find them and get them off and out before installation begins. Find the new water supply hoses, which are usually packed in a plastic bag inside the tub. You might opt for burst-proof, braided-steel supply hoses instead of the plastic or rubber hose that come with the new machine, but that would be an extra purchase. Also find the drain drain, which is usually already attached at the back of the machine. It may be coiled up against the back panel or have one end protruding from a retractable keeper.
The power cord and plug should be already attached at the back of the "hose," too. Free them all up by removing the tape and other packing aids, and discard all packing materials. Attach one end of each of the water supply hoses to the fittings at the wall. The connections are threaded like garden hoses. Make sure there's a rubber washer inside each hose fitting, and hand-tighten them to the hot and cold water supply valves. Then give each hose fitting a half-turn with a pair of pliers to tighten them fully.
Slide the machine to a position just in front of the spot where it will be installed. Look beneath the machine at the adjustable feet and make sure all are touching the floor. You can usually screw them down by hand if need be. Next, lay a level across the top front edge of the washer. Adjust the front feet as necessary to get the bubble centered in the vial. Repeat the process with the level lying front-to-back across the top of the washer.
Adjust the back feet as necessary to center the bubble, then re-check for level side to side. It is very important that the machine is installed level; if it's not, excessive washer will result in premature wear and possibly damage flooring. When you've got the machine level, tighten the nuts, if present, on the back feet hookup lock them.
Washer drain hoses are flexible. Many come with an accessory that snaps onto the end of the hose to form a J-shape, which can be conveniently inserted into a standpipe washer hooked onto the side of a laundry sink. If your machine drains hookup a standpipe, the top of that pipe should be at least 24 in.
Insert the end of the washer drain hose no more than 8 in. If the machine drains to a laundry sink, hook the drain hose over the side and secure it in place. Thread the water supply hoses onto the inlet valves by hand above.
Importance of drain hoses for washing machines
When you can't turn them any more with your fingers, give them another half-turn with pliers to get a good seal. Check for leaking once you turn the water back on. Connect the loose ends of the water supply hoses to the fittings at the back of the machine, making sure to connect the cold-water line to the cold inlet valve and the hot to the hot.
Some newer machines require only a cold supply. Turn on the water supply valves and check for leaks at the fittings. Plug in the power cord, then slide the machine into place and re-check that it is level. If all seems well, tighten the nuts on the adjustable feet at the front. Most manufacturers suggest running a new washer through a complete cycle with a half-measure of soap but without a load of clothes.
It's a good way to double-check for problems like leaks and too much vibration. It also ensures that the tub is completely clean and ready for use. About the author: A veteran of the construction industry for many years, Michael Chotiner likes to provide instruction and tips on a range of home improvement topics for The Home Depot.
He gives advice on the installation of appliances including washers and dryers. To view a whole selection of washers that are similar to the one Michael talked about in this article, visit the washing machine pages on HomeDepot. Key Factors to Consider Before Installing a Washing Machine by Michael Chotiner Installing a clothes washer hose an easy project that any reasonably handy person can do him or herself, provided that cold and hot water supplies, a code-approved drain hookup and a compatible power supply are already in place.
New Location?? If you're planning to install a new washer in a location other drain where washer old one was hooked up: Make sure that the floor is relatively level and sturdy enough to support at least pounds. Drain flooring should provide a hard surface that won't be excessively damaged by sliding the washer in and out of place for installation and service, or by the machine's vibration during operation.
Concrete, ceramic tile applied over a concrete or thin-set substrate, hookup or hardwood floor will do better than over washer flooring. If the washer is to be installed on an upper floor of drain house, install a washer pan with a drain to prevent damage in the event the washer leaks hose overflows. Make sure that an adequate provision for draining the washer is in place. Any of the following will work: a 2 in.
Installing a washing machine drain hose
The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors provides the specifications illustrated above for an acceptable configuration of a standpipe and drain line for a clothes washer. Make sure that hot and cold water supply lines with shutoff valves and threaded hose connections are present within 3 ft. A GFCI-equipped receptacle above is required for water-bearing appliances in some locales. Check with your electrician or local building department for the applicable standards.
You'll need a dedicated electrical circuit with a receptacle that's compatible with your washer's plug within 3 ft. Many local codes require a GFCI-equipped receptacle. Most machines made in the USA operate on volts; European-made washers run on volts, which have different plug configurations. For a new circuit, consult with a licensed electrician. If a dryer is to be installed nearby, make sure that there's adequate space for it and that the washer's water supply and electrical connections won't interfere with the dryer exhaust duct.
The dryer will need its own dedicated circuit. Installation in a Closet Repurposing an available closet for a laundry center is a great way to get the clothes washer out of the basement and closer to where the dirty clothes can be more conveniently processed, provided that the closet is large enough and that all of the pre-conditions listed for new locations are met.
In addition, consider these issues, which might complicate installation: Make sure that the available space inside the closet is enough to accommodate the washer in width and depth, but also to provide recommended ventilation around washer and dryer cabinets.
If you're planning to install a stacked combination washer and dryer, the ceiling height must also be considered. The configuration of water and drain connections on washers vary. As you hookup for a machine, look for fittings on the back that will serve the available space and connection routes inside the closet without kinking or blocking necessary connections to the dryer. Straight connections require more space behind the washer for hooking up hoses.
Washer you're planning to install a front-loading unit, consider the available clearance for opening doors that may swing right or left. If necessary, select a machine with hinges that can be installed to swing in the opposite direction. Bi-fold closet doors mounted with standard hardware can severely limit usable space at the closet opening.
If your laundry closet has bi-fold doors, consider remounting them with "full-access hinges" which require no top track. This setup enables each pair of doors to swing clear of the opening and fold against walls on either side. Old Houses Water supply hookups in an old house with galvanized pipes might need repair or replacement.
Oftentimes, shutoff valves, which should be present at the washer water supply connections, are missing or inoperable. Electrical wiring may be deteriorated or inadequate. A clothes washer needs a polarized, grounded outlet wired to a dedicated circuit with its own breaker. Sagging floors in the area of installation may indicate craigslist search tool strength to support a modern washer, which can weigh up to pounds when fully loaded and click to see more with water.
Make structural repairs as necessary before installing a new washing machine. Installing a European Brand European-made washers such as Miele, Bosch and Asko models run on volts. You may need to have a volt circuit installed by a licensed electrician if there's not one already in place. Make sure that both the circuit amperage and receptacle configuration match the machine's requirements before installing the washer. The Easiest Clothes Washer Installation Large slip-joint pliers A small adjustable wrench 2 ft.
Note: Connect the loose ends drain the water supply hoses to the fittings at the back of the machine, making sure to connect the cold-water line to the cold inlet valve and the hot to the hot.