When you’re buying a new washing machine, it’s important to take the time to check that it’s fitted correctly. If you’re not sure, a professional can help you.
Make sure the space is clean and free from rubbish, dust, and dirt. The floor should also be level. If the flooring is uneven, it may be difficult to move the machine around.
Unpack the appliance and remove any packing materials, as well as any safety features like a protective cover for the drum. You might also find carriage bolts attached to the back of the machine to secure it during transport.
Ensure the machine is level (using a carpenter’s level) before you connect the water supply hoses and drain hose. You’ll also need to connect the electric power cable and plug in the machine.
Disconnect the Old Washing Machine
To install a new machine, you’ll need to disconnect the old one from the water and electricity supplies. This can be a daunting task but it’s essential to complete this first. If your home has a cold water in isolating valve, this needs to be isolated too. This will stop any leaks that could be caused by the washing machine.
Prepare the Area
Before you begin any plumbing work, it’s a good idea to turn off all the water valves in the area where you will be working. If you’re installing a new washing machine, the incoming cold water should be switched off to prevent any potential leaks. This is especially useful if you’re connecting the hoses for your hot and cold water taps to the back of the machine.
Remove the Old Washing Machine
Before you can connect your new washing machine, you will need to disconnect the old one from the water supply hoses and drain line. It’s a good idea to empty any remaining water in the hoses into a bucket, so that they won’t be leaking once you’re finished.
Measure the Supply Hoses
Before hooking up the hoses, make sure they will fit between the wall and your new washer. This will make the installation process a lot easier and less likely to cause problems down the road.
If they won’t, you can buy longer hoses from a home store or a plumbing shop.
The hoses will come with plain rubber washers on the end that connect to the inlet valves on your new washing machine. These are used to keep the hoses from leaking if they get caught on something. Insert these first, then tighten the couplings using a pair of pliers.
You might need to slot a filter screen into the hot and cold hoses, depending on your water supply. This will stop water coming in to your washing machine and also helps to keep out any dirt or other debris that can cause the hoses to get clogged up.
Push the hoses and connectors into place, making sure they’re not kinked or pinched as you do this. It’s also a good idea to use a pair of gloves when you’re doing this work, as your hands could be very dirty.