How to Install a Washing Machine

This article was co-authored by Mark Spelman. Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

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Having your own washing machine is a great way to save time and money doing laundry. Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, there may come a time when you need to install a washing machine. However, installing these appliances can be difficult and intimidating. Learning how to connect the plumbing and set up your washing machine will have you doing your own laundry at home in no time.

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Setting Up Your Washing Machine

A level, hard-floor surface is an ideal location for a washing machine.
Make sure the room temperature will not fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). The washer should also be away from sources of heat like your furnace, radiators, or fireplaces.
Because of the utility requirements, most houses and apartments have specific areas intended for use with a washer and dryer.

Make sure the doorway’s interior dimensions are wider than the washing machine.
Many washing machines are most narrow when carried or loaded onto a hand truck from the side.

A nut around each leg prevents them from turning once you have set the proper height for each corner.
Loosen the locking nuts by turning them counter clockwise independent of the leg itself. Once you have leveled the appliance, turn the nuts clockwise until they’re tight to lock the legs in place.
Remember to use the level both left to right and from front to back, as the washer must be level in both directions.

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Hooking Up the Plumbing

Make sure you turn off both the hot and cold water that leads to the old machine before disconnecting it.
You may need pliers or a wrench to disconnect stuck on hoses attached to the old washing machine.

If the hose is too short you can purchase a longer hose meant to withstand higher pressure. Never try to stretch the hose, as this may cause it to break.
Connect the hot and cold hoses to their respective water pipes. These pipes should resemble a hose spigot with threads to screw water lines onto, though some houses and washers may use a different connection method.
A lot of connectors have a rubber washer to ensure water can’t leak through the threading once connected. If yours doesn’t, you may want to wrap the spigot in Teflon or plumbers tape.

If using a sink, attach a plastic hose guide to keep the hose bent downward and make sure the hose doesn't reach too high above the washer - 60 to 90 centimeters (23 to 35 inches) is ideal.
Your washer might come with a plastic hose guide. If not, you can purchase one at your local hardware store or through an online retailer.
If using a standpipe, choose one with a diameter greater than that of the hose.
Position the standpipe so that its top is higher than the washing machine's water level. If your washer does not indicate the water level, you can estimate it by examining the interior of your washer.

Wait by the washer and check around, under, and behind the appliance.
If you see any signs of leaking, tighten all the connections around that leak, taking care not to overtighten.
If the washer won't stop leaking, turn it off and call a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and connections.

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Preventing Damage

If you see any cracks or stretch marks, you'll want to replace your hoses as soon as possible.
If you're installing new supply hoses, consider buying no-burst hoses. They have a stainless steel sheath that prevents them from tearing and protects your home.

You can switch off the valve whenever you're not going to be home for extended periods of time.
Switching off the valve when your washing machine isn't in use will help take some pressure off the hoses that connect the washer to your pipes. This may help preserve the hoses and reduce the chances of a leak.

If your washing machine is located on a floor other than the basement, it is particularly recommended that you use a drain pan. Some buildings may even require that tenants use a pan.
To install a drain pan, simply reposition your washing machine and slide the pan underneath it.
If your drain pan comes with a pre-cut hole, you'll just install a one-inch PVC fitting and connect the pan to a floor drain. If it doesn't have a pre-cut hole, you'll have to drill one yourself.
If you're unsure of how to connect your drain pan to the floor drain, you may need to contact a professional plumber to ensure that your home is protected against leaks and water damage.

Expert Q&A

What do I do if my drain pipe will not reach? Mark Spelman
Construction Professional

Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Construction Professional Expert Answer You can get an extension hose to add more length. This will allow you to connect the washer best.

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Do you have cold water running into the washer? Mark Spelman
Construction Professional

Construction Professional Expert Answer Yes, and hot water as well.

What size adjustable wrench do I need for the washing machine connection? Mark Spelman
Construction Professional

Construction Professional Expert Answer I would use channel locks, as they are adjustable.

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If your machine has both hot and cold water inlets but you only have a cold water supply, you'll need to install a blanking cap on the hot water inlet. Otherwise water may leak out and cause damage to your home.

Always read the instructions thoroughly before use. Some washing machines have very sensitive electronics in them, so it pays to know about your machine before you try to do anything with it.

Teflon tape is very helpful in fixing small leaks on piping with threads, though if the leak gets worse you'll need to replace the pipes.

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