How to Disconnect a Washing Machine

A washing machine isn’t an appliance that usually travels around your property. So when the time comes that you need to disconnect your washer, you’ll must take additional care with the wires and hoses that present it with energy and water. It’s usually found within the kitchen, garage or a dedicated utility room, where it stays for most of its life. Nevertheless, there are times when it might should be uprooted – for instance, in the occasion of transferring house, for renovations or if there’s a difficulty behind that you’ll want to get to.

So how do you disconnect a washing machine? With our step-by-step information, it’s easier than you might assume.

Is it simple to disconnect a washing machine?

The answer really is dependent upon your house. Some properties have an exposed valve that shuts off the connection to the washing machine earlier than the pipes reach the precise valves – very like valves found on the back of the rest room or underneath the sink. If you’re fortunate enough to have one of those, you may easily shut down the water provide by closing it earlier than doing a restore.

In the event you don’t have one of these, you could possibly shut off the water on the connection valves that lead from the wall to the machine. But, these can rust closed over time, so you might struggle to turn them then you’ll want to.

If all else fails, you can all the time flip off your home’s complete water supply at the water mains, like you’d for main plumbing repairs.

Instruments you’ll need to disconnect your washing machine

Disconnecting your washing machine is a reasonably easy process, so luckily, you’ll only need a couple of necessities to hand before you deal with the duty. Nonetheless, here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need, so you’re ready when the time comes.

You have to:

– Adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench
– A screwdriver (if you need to remove a worktop for an integrated machine)
– A pair of gloves
– A bucket (for gathering any excess water)
– Cloths or towels

Easy methods to disconnect a washing machine

Whether or not your older washing machine has lastly given up or you’re transferring home, all of us have to learn how to disconnect one. Figuring out the right way to do it may well prevent somewhat bit of money and can be a helpful skill to have when you’re in a pinch.

Step one – pull the plug

Earlier than the rest, unplug your machine, so you may be sure it’s switched off and no energy is running to it.

Step two – stop the waterworks

Water valves do what they are saying on the tin – they provide hot and chilly water to your washing machine, normally by a washer box attached to the wall behind your machine. Begin by turning your water valves clockwise until they can’t be turned any more – this may guarantee they’re securely turned off.

Turning your water valves off is an important step as it protects you from giant spills for those who unintentionally tear a hose later in the process.

Step thee – give it a push

It’s time to pull or drag your washing machine away from the wall. If you’re working alone, seize one side and transfer it forward, then repeat on the other aspect. If you’re lucky enough to have help at hand, try pulling on opposite sides at the identical time.

Remember, pull the machine as far out as you may without placing stress on the hose. You’ll additionally find shut-off values and a drain opening in right here too, which implies you possibly can attain the strains without putting your again out! If you reside in a more trendy house, you’ll probably have a washer box, which hides the hose and drain connections within the wall. In a perfect world, this might be far away sufficient from the wall that you can get behind it.

If you’re ever trying to put in a brand new washing machine, check out our useful information.

Step 4 – seize the bucket

Place a bucket or pan behind the washing machine, below the water traces, the place it’ll catch any spillages. Encompass the bucket with a number of towels to collect any leakage or water that will leak out once the pipes are detached.

Step five – make the disconnection

Now that your washing machine has been moved and your bucket is in place, it’s time to disconnect the hose from the machine. If the hoses are hooked up with clamps, turn the screws atop the clamps anticlockwise until they loosen. Then, point the ends of the hoses in direction of your bucket to drain any excess water. Alternatively, you may put them within the drain, found in the washer box.

it’s a good suggestion to double-test that your valves are still turned off before making an attempt this step. This typically occurs as you move the machine or while you step behind it. Some styles of faucet handles are easy to unintentionally turn back on.

You may also want to attend just a few seconds after turning off the valves earlier than eradicating the hoses, as it will enable the pressure in the hoses to decrease, making them easier to dislodge.

Step six – remember, righty tighty, lefty loosey

Now you’re ready to remove the hoses from the wall. Turn the ends anticlockwise until the hoses disconnect. You may need to use adjustable pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen them, especially if your washing machine hasn’t been shut off in a while. As soon as you’ve eliminated them, drain any water into your bucket.

Step seven – it’s gone down the drain

Finally, it’s time to take away the drain hose from the drain. Studying the directions that came with your machine is a good shout if the process isn’t instantly apparent. Every of those requires a slightly totally different strategy of hose removing. Depending on your plumbing set-up, this is perhaps a laundry sink, wall-mounted drain or perhaps a stand-alone pipe.

Is it safe to unplug a washing machine?

The brief reply is sure – it’s protected to unplug your washing machine. In fact, it’s usually advisable that you just unplug your washer when it’s not in use to avoid wasting energy.

Before you undertake any kind of work on your machine, it’s best to unplug it from the mains first. This can stop potential electric shocks or other harm whereas work is being carried out.

In the event you assume there could possibly be an unsolved drawback lurking in your machine, try our article, “How to diagnose widespread washing machine problems”, earlier than you start.

Why is there nonetheless water in my washing machine?

The trustworthy answer is there are just a few possibilities why your washing machine won’t drain all the water. Typically it could also be as simple as a jammed hose, however whatever the rationale, the water will have to be drained from the washing machine earlier than the issue could be diagnosed. For instance, it could have a clogged drain hose or a damaged pump. A damaged lid swap or belt may be to blame.