How to install a new washing machine

For most people, having a washing machine at home is a must more than a convenience. That's why when it comes to installing a new washing machine to replace one that won't work, it's handy to know how to do it.

Time: 1-2 hours
Frequency: As required
Difficulty: Easy
Tools: Adjustable wrench or pliers, carpenter’s level, replacement hoses

Is it time to replace your old washing machine? Perhaps it won’t drain, doesn’t finish the spin cycle, leaks, or is worn and outdated. If this is the case, you may be due for a replacement. Luckily, installing a washing machine is easy, even for those of us who lack mechanical talent. With a little help from a friend, you can have your new machine up and running in no time. Just follow these five easy-to-follow steps.

First, pull out your old washing machine by a few inches and turn off the water supply valves. Unplug the machine and disconnect the supply hoses from the back.

• You may need to use an adjustable wrench or pliers to disconnect the hoses from fixtures that are corroded.

• Take this opportunity to clean the area around and behind your machine and also inspect the pipes and hoses for damage. If the hoses are in bad condition, you should replace them to prevent leaking.

•  Lifting the appliances is the most difficult part of installing a washing machine. To help prevent personal injury or damage to the walls and floor, you should have a partner assist you with this task.

Good to know! If you have small leaks on threaded piping, you may be able to fix them by applying Teflon tape.

Once you have your old machine out of the way and your new one in place, connect the supply hoses to the back of the machine in the same manner that you removed the old ones.

•  If the hoses are marked, make sure to pay attention to which one is for hot water and which one is for cold water.

•  If you don’t need to replace the water supply or drain hoses, you’re almost finished at this point. You can go ahead and proceed to Step 5 of this guide.

Good to know! Before installing your new machine, you should read the instructions that come with it. Some washing machines are made differently than others and may contain parts that are sensitive and susceptible to damage.

If you are attaching new supply hoses, connect them to the proper valves.

•  Make sure that all the connections are tightly secured to prevent water from leaking out.

•  If you only have a cold water supply, but your machine has inlets for hot water as well, you can install a blanketing cap on the hot water inlet.

Put the drain hose into the standpipe to allow for used water to drain properly.

• The drain hose should fit loosely into the pipe and the opening should be at least 0.6 metres above the floor.

• At this point, you may want to turn on the water supply valves, check for leaks, and make adjustments as necessary.

Put your machine into place and turn on the water supply valves if you haven’t already. Use a carpenter’s level to prevent the machine from walking or banging while in use. Adjust the legs of the unit if necessary. Run the machine and check the pipes, hoses, and area around it for signs of water leaks.

•  Before plugging the machine back in, make sure that the main control button is turned off.

•  Remove any transport pins in the machine and double-check to make sure the taps are on before using it.

•  Test all functions of the machine and observe the area around it for signs of leakage.

Installing a new washing machine is a relatively easy task that doesn’t necessarily require hiring a professional. You can save yourself money on costs associated with professional installation by reading our user-friendly guide to replace your old washing machine. To install your new machine, all you need are basic tools, a little bit of time, and maybe some help from a buddy for the heavy lifting part of the job. That way, you can get back to doing your laundry without any problems.