How to Install a Washing Machine

If you need to install a washing machine, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we will give you step-by-step instructions for how to remove the old washing machine and then install the new one.

Installing a washing machine is thankfully a straightforward job – especially if you have all the correct plumbing in place already. If you don’t have the correct plumbing set up, you’ll need to get a qualified plumber to make adjustments before you install your new washing machine.

Let’s get started.

Step 1 – Remove the old washing machine

Before you can install your new washing machine, you’ll need to remove the old one (if you don’t have an old washer to remove, skip to step 2). 

Here’s how to remove the old washing machine:

1. Make sure the washing machine is empty.
2. Turn the power off, and pull the plug out from the socket.
3. Slightly pull the dishwasher out from the wall or cabinet so you can access the water hoses. Be careful not to pull the washing machine out too far, as the hoses might snap.
4. Turn both the hot and cold water off at the taps.
5. Disconnect both of the water hoses, and put them into a bucket to avoid water leaking onto the floor.
6. Remove the drain hose and put it into a bucket to avoid water leaking onto the floor. 
7. You should now be able to remove your old washing machine. Be careful when moving the washing machine, as it can be quite heavy and tricky to move – grab a friend or family member to help you if possible.

Step 2 – Get your new washing machine ready

Now that the old washing machine has been successfully removed, the next step is to get your new washing machine ready before you install it.

To do this, you need to:

• Make sure the new washer will fit into the space you want it to go into.
• Make sure the hoses and connectors are the same as the old ones or the new ones will fit onto your existing connection points.
• Remove any of the packaging materials on your new washing machine.

Step 3 – Connect the water hoses

The next step is to connect the water hoses. Your new washing machine should’ve come with new hoses, which are most likely the same as the old ones. 

Here’s how to connect the water hoses:

1. Connect the water hoses to the back of the washing machine. Make sure the hot and cold hoses are connected to the right connection points. Connect them on tightly by hand first, and then tighten with a wrench if necessary – be careful not to connect them on too tight, as this might cause the plastic connectors to crack.
2. Connect the other end of the water hoses into the water supply valves. If the hoses are too short, you’ll need to buy new, longer ones; you don’t want to stretch them, as this can cause them to crack. Again, screw them on tight, but don’t overdo it.

Step 4 – Connect the drain hose

Once the water pipes are connected, the drain hose can now be connected. Depending on your plumbing setup, you might run the drainpipe from the washing machine into a sink, or it might be connected to a drain. 

To connect the drain hose:

1. Connect the drain hose to the washing machine. 
2. Connect it to the drain or put it into the sink – you can put a hose guide in place to make sure the hose drains into the sink and doesn’t pop out.
3. Once the drainpipe is installed, turn the water on and check all of the hoses for any signs of leaks. If you find leaks at the connection points, you will need to adjust the connections, and if the hose is leaking, you may need to replace the hoses.

Step 5 – Connect the power supply

Now that the hoses are all connected, you can plug the washing machine into the power socket and turn it on to test if it works. If the washer machine is working you can proceed to the next step.

Step 6 – Put the washing machine into place

Once the washing machine is all connected, you can push the washing machine into place. If it’s going into a cabinet above ground level or if you have a drain pan underneath the washing machine, you’ll need help from a friend or family member to lift the washing machine.

Step 7 – Check the washing machine is level

The final step is to check that the washing machine is sitting level on the floor. You can do this by placing a bubble level on the top of the washing machine and checking if it’s level. If not, adjust the washing machine legs until it is.

You should now be good to go to use your new washing machine!