How to Install a Washing Machine and Dryer

There are few situations extra intimidating than discovering yourself dealing with a big appliance or piece of gear that needs to be installed. Especially in terms of one thing as giant and unwieldy as a washing machine or dryer, you are often left scratching your head and wondering how on this planet everyone else does it. In fact, there are directions, but they usually comprise unfamiliar technical terms that might as effectively be in another language.

There are plenty of reasons you might find yourself in this case. Perhaps you are residence or home never had laundry amenities and you determined it was time that modified. Possibly you are just shifting to a new place. Perhaps your old machine broke or was outdated.

Since putting in a washing machine and dryer includes your water and electrical or fuel methods, it is crucial that your appliances are installed accurately the primary time to avoid injury to your new appliances or your private home.

For easier installations, like those where you already have the entire hookups you want for the new equipment out there, you could possibly handle the set up of your new washer and dryer your self. For extra sophisticated installations, where you might have to add new plumbing hookups, ventilation programs or electrical outlets, you’ll seemingly need to name knowledgeable.

Regardless of the way you handle the installation, understanding the process and utility necessities can higher allow you to plan the installation of your new washer and dryer.

How to install a new Washing Machine

Before starting the set up process, you must ensure that you’ll have entry to these elementary things.

Electricity

The type of outlet wanted may depend on the specifications of the washing machine. This helps provide an extra layer of security towards faults and other electrical interruptions and problems. Usually talking, you need to have a 120-volt outlet with ground fault protection.

Water Provide

Ideally, your washing machine will likely be put in near your water heater so you may faucet into the outlet and inlet traces for your chilly and sizzling water supply. If this isn’t doable, use the closest ¾ inch primary chilly and hot strains and run these strains alongside the wall behind the machine. Each line will end in a shutoff valve that is attached to the wall framing above the washing machine for ease of entry.

Drainage

When a machine that uses as much water as a washing machine does, it needs a spot to drain this water. This then directs the water right into a waste line. Generally, washing machines will even share drains with sinks or toilets. A washing machine drain is named a standpipe, and it empties into what’s called a P-lure.

Many washing machines run off of a standard 120V electrical outlet, and if you already have a washing machine outlet field that should have all the water provide and drainage requirements covered. With these three objects, as properly because the washing machine itself, the installation process can get underway.

1. Put together the realm

Before you start installing, you should always check to make sure there’s sufficient room for the washer. Also, be certain you are shut enough to the outlets and strains that you just plan to hook up with your new washer. Measure the width and size of the machine towards the area you count on to install it to ensure the two sets of measurements match.

During this stage, you must also test the floor. If you place them on carpet or a weak tiling, they could cause harm to the flooring. Washers and dryers ought to sit on a sturdy, stage ground.

2. Read the Instruction

It’s also a good suggestion to learn by way of the directions. They could also be dense, they usually may be difficult to grasp, however it is the one way to study if your washing machine mannequin has any unusual specifications that need attention through the installation process.

3. Clean the Faucets

Earlier than you start installing, run some water by means of the faucets, utilizing a bucket or tub to catch the water. Be certain that you use both the chilly and scorching water settings. This helps ensure that any debris will get flushed out forward of time and isn’t hanging round to clog up your new washer.

After you have finished this step, shut the water off. It means turning off all the water supply for the duration of the installation course of. This entails more than simply shutting off the faucets. This can be a critical step, as you do not need the water to turn on by mistake whereas you are in the middle of putting in your new equipment.

4. Move the Machine into Place

This step could require multiple individual. Slide the machine almost all the best way into place towards the wall. You may push it the rest of the best way into place later, once every little thing is connected. Remember to go away your self room to get behind it to hook up the necessary pipes and wires.

5. Connect the Water Supply Hoses to Their Respective Faucets

Subsequent, join your two water supply hoses to the right faucets. The recent water faucet connects to the new water hose, and the cold water faucet connects to the cold water hose.

In lots of circumstances, the hoses can be colour-coded that will help you better distinguish between the 2. Pink will be for hot and blue can be for cold. In case your tubes usually are not color-coded, it is as much as you to remember which one had which label on it. These colors will make it easier to when installing the washer hoses. If there isn’t a label at all, look within the directions.

When connecting the hose to the faucet, use the proper finish. The end with the filter display screen contained in the coupling is the tip that attaches to the faucet.

Once you have the hoses loosely linked to the faucets, it is time to tighten them. They should really feel secure, but should not be overly tight. Test them along with your palms to see if you can by accident unscrew them. Use a pair of pliers to turn each hose coupling yet another quarter turn. Do this by turning the couplings by hand in a clockwise path till they develop into snug. In any case, you want to be able to disconnect them ultimately. Overtightening can also lead to leaks sooner or later.

6. Join the Water Supply Hoses to the Again of the Washer

Now that your water supply hoses are connected to their matching faucets, it’s time to attach them to the again of your washer. Again, on this step, the important thing is to attach the correct hose to the correct inlet on the back of the washing machine.

The end you need to be attaching on this step is the end with the plain rubber washers. If for some reason your hoses do not need washers, you may want to think about attaching some before connecting the hoses. Otherwise, they are going to be prone to leaking.

Tighten the coupling precisely as earlier than. Flip clockwise together with your fingers till you can’t make them any tighter, than add yet one more quarter turn with a pair of pliers or a wrench.

7. Test for Leaks

This step is straightforward. Examine that the water is operating easily and isn’t leaking at either of your connection points. Turn your water supply back on and open the taps. If all is as it should be, it’s safe to maneuver on to the next step.

8. Join the Drain Hose to the Washing Machine

In some washing machine fashions, the drain hose comes pre-linked. If that is the case, just skip this step and transfer on.

If your washing machine mannequin does not come pre-related, it screws into place on the water outlet in a lot the identical approach as the water provide hoses. Use a screwdriver to safe it firmly into place.

9. Feed the Drain Hose into the Drain Receptacle

This step might differ barely depending on your plumbing state of affairs. If you are utilizing a normal washing machine hookup box, there is probably going a spot so that you can hook or attach a typical drain hose end. You might need to run this hose right into a drain in the wall, the ground and even right into a laundry sink. It’s possible you’ll need to customize these directions slightly to suit your set-up. This is commonly u-formed and will hook proper over the facet of the outlet box.

Use the various instruments that got here along with your washer, which might embody straps and hooks, to help you secure the drain pipe into place. Examine your instruction manual for directions on how to use these elements properly based mostly in your washer’s particular requirements.

It doesn’t matter what your drainage set-up seems like, at all times go away a couple of inches between the end of the hose and the bottom of the drain or sink you are utilizing. By doing this, you stop the machine from mistakenly siphoning discarded water again up the drainage pipe and into the washer again.

10. Plug It In

This step is easy. Plug the washer’s energy cord into the close by outlet you have chosen. With this finished, you are all set to push your machine into place against the wall.

How to put in a brand new Dryer

Earlier than you possibly can start the set up course of, it’s important to ensure you will have these items:

An Exhaust Vent

Dryers use an unlimited quantity of hot air to dry the wet clothes. Use a easy steel duct pipe to your vent, and follow the specs within the directions regarding size. Cut a gap for this vent and seal up the gaps after the vent is in place. Most vents exit either by means of the wall or the roof of the house, depending on what’s closer and more convenient. All this air needs to go someplace. That’s what the exhaust vent is for.

A Energy Supply

Your necessities for a power source will depend on what sort of dryer you may have. When you have an electric dryer, you may need a 240-volt outlet close by. Some dryers are electric, and others are gasoline-powered. Look at your dryer specs to make sure. This outlet ought to be controlled by a set of 30- to 50- amp breakers. When you’ve got a gasoline dryer, you may want to install a gasoline line. This process could be harmful, so it’s imperative that you just let the professionals handle any fuel line installations.

Once this stuff are set up and in place, you may move on to the precise business of putting in your new dryer.

1. Prepare Your Area

This step is the same as it’s for the washer. Be sure you may have the area mandatory to suit your new machine. Measure the house you have allotted to your dryer and measure the dryer to make certain these two measurements match. It will need a minimum of 4 inches between it and the wall to permit for ample venting. Keep in mind that the dryer cannot be pushed straight towards the wall.

Be certain that the flooring is stable, and you aren’t putting in your machine on carpet or weak tiling that might get damaged.

2. Read the Instructions

Directions aren’t all the time easy to read or perceive, however it’s important to learn by means of them, even when solely to skim for important notices. This way, you’ll be aware of any unusual specifications or modifications you’ll need to make to your dryer.

3. Clear the Dryer Vent

That is an essential step except the home is brand new or has by no means had a dryer. A blocked vent shouldn’t be solely soiled, but it surely may also be a fireplace hazard. If you are changing an older dryer, after you remove it, clear the vent of any debris or dirt.

You can use a dryer vent brush, a store vac or a mixture of the two to assist clean out the vent from inside your property. As soon as the inside portion of the vent is clean, head outdoors to scrub the other finish of the vent. Take away the surface vent hood and clean out any dirt and debris that has collected in it.

Although installing a new dryer is an ideal time to clean your dryer vent, there is no want to wait that lengthy. Dryer vents ought to be cleaned each two years to make sure most lifespan, safety and cleanliness.

4. Push the Dryer into Place

With the vent cleaned out, it’s now time to maneuver the dryer virtually all the way in which into place. Push it towards the wall the place it will likely be installed, leaving just enough area so that you can work behind it.

5. Attach the Vent Hose to Your Machine

The vent hose should fit neatly over the vent hole on the again of the dryer. The process for connecting this piece will be barely totally different relying on what material yours is made from. Other types embrace ribbed plastic or aluminum, but these choices tend to collect dirt and lint in the ribs. Ideally, it will likely be a steel vent duct materials. If you’re using a steel duct, this could match smoothly over the vent hole, with no want for any tape or clamps unless specified within the instructions.

In case your dryer comes geared up with a plastic vent hose otherwise you determine to use one for different reasons, use a circular dryer clamp over the end of the hose where it connects to the dryer. This may assist hold it in place and keep it from slipping off. Your dryer might even come with clamps for this precise purpose.

6. Attach the Vent Hose to the Wall Vent

Now that one finish of your duct or hose is hooked up to the dryer, the opposite end must hook up with the wall. If, however, you’re utilizing a extra versatile tube, use one other circular clamp to hold this finish securely in place. If you are utilizing a metal hose, it should simply slide neatly into place with no clamps or tape required.

7. Plug It In

If your new dryer runs off of electricity you’ll most likely need a 240V outlet. If not, you’ll want to have an electrician install a 240V outlet for you. In case your house already has an outlet that meets this requirement, go forward and plug your new dryer in.

In case you are using gasoline to energy your dryer it is a good suggestion to have knowledgeable hook this up for you except you’ve experience working with gas lines. All fuel should be shut off earlier than you attempt to modify fuel lines to a new dryer.

Does every little thing seem to be working correctly? In that case, go forward and push it back into its remaining place, remembering to go away a couple of inches of venting house between it and the wall.

What to Do if the Home Has By no means Had a Washer and Dryer in It?

Of course, all these directions assume that your house or residence will already have the necessary hookups for a washer and dryer. And nine occasions out of ten, that will be the case. However what if you are installing a washing machine and dryer in a home or house that has by no means had them before? What if there aren’t any present hookups?

If that is your situation, there’s no want to worry. You’ll doubtless wish to name a professional to handle this course of until you may have previous expertise. The set up course of turns into slightly more complicated, but still doable.

How to install Washer Hookups

A washing machine outlet field comprises all the required hookups to run a washing machine. Installing this washer hookup continues to be a job greatest left to professionals, but this can be a basic overview of the required steps. It additionally hides the faucets, tubes and outlets to provide your complete washing machine and dryer arrange a cleaner and less cluttered feeling.

1. Discover the precise Location

Installing a washing machine outlet field begins by finding an appropriate location. If the partitions are already completed, use a stud finder to find the studs after which mark the suitable location with a pencil. In case your partitions are unfinished, your job is straightforward. Where will this field look most enticing or innocuous? You need to position the outlet field between two studs on the wall behind or close to the washing machine. Ideally, it will be conveniently out of the way, but easy to succeed in when it’s essential to access the faucets. In addition to putting the box between the studs, you also needs to put it anywhere from forty two to forty eight inches above the ground, so it is in an easily accessible spot above your machine. Think about convenience whenever you select the place to place this field. You might also consider aesthetic appeal.

2. Prepare the location

Measure the field and thoroughly lower this shape into the drywall the place you’ve got determined to install your outlet box. As you lower, add an extra 12 inches to the shape being cut in the identical the path of the water traces.

3. Place the Outlet Box

First, take away the outer trim from the outlet field. Carefully position the field on the wall chosen wall, so the nailing fins match instantly over the studs on either facet of the hole you reduce. The field itself ought to fit snugly into the hole between the studs. For the perfect match, the outside edges of the box must be neatly flush in opposition to the floor of the drywall.

To fasten the box in place, nail it to the studs with 8d nails or whatever is specified by the instructions. If the outlet field kit got here with a strap bracket, nail it between the studs for an additional layer of safety.

4. Connect the Water Strains

Learn the instructions and manufacturers notes that got here together with your outlet box for particular directions that pertain completely to your outlet field. Depending on the type of outlet field you bought and the type of plumbing system your own home has, you could must solder extra pipe pieces into place to make the availability strains join. These instructions will information you through the technique of connecting the hot and cold water supply strains to the matching water valves which are in the outlet field.

As with this whole course of, remember that that is delicate, difficult work. Especially in the case of this step, rent an expert to do this. Until you might have professional plumbing expertise, it is all too straightforward for one thing to go flawed here and cause severe harm.

5. Connect the Washer Lines

Take the water inlet hoses of your washing machine and thoroughly screw them into their respective valves within the outlet field. Be certain that they’re linked all the best way, by hand first after which with pliers or a wrench second. As all the time, be certain that you might be connecting the new water line to the recent water valve and the chilly water line to the chilly water valve. If they don’t seem to be connected securely, they will leak and you will threat mold growth and potential structural damage within the wall from the water.

If your outlet field options a knockout plug in the underside, remove it with a screwdriver and use this hole to put in the drain line. If the first 5 toes of the drain line has no vent, one will have to be added. Do this by chopping the road and inserting a sanitary T, one end of which you will redirect into an present vent.

6. Cowl Your Outlet Box

When you reduce into a completed wall to install your washing machine outlet box, take the piece of drywall you faraway from under the box and minimize a square the size of your outlet field from it. Add drywall tape around the seams for further security. Let it dry and apply as many coats as you need until you’ve a easy and even floor. Lastly, add a layer of drywall compound excessive of the tape. Now, the outer outlet field’s outer trim ought to snap or screw into place. Using drywall screws, secure the square of drywall into place to cover the hoses within the wall.

How to install a Dryer Hookup

As previously famous, your dryer could have certainly one of two power sources – gasoline or electric. In case you have a gas dryer, this is totally a job for an expert. Coping with gas means a excessive threat of fire or leaks, so until you’re an expert in these areas, this is not one thing to attempt on your own.

Equally installing a new electrical hookup is a doubtlessly dangerous process. If this is not already in place, putting in it isn’t any activity for an newbie or DIY-enthusiast. Name a professional electrician to make sure the job gets done right. Electric dryers require 240-volt outlet managed by a set of 30- to 50-amp breakers.

How to install a Gasoline Line for a Dryer

The next is a primary overview of what the method entails. This is not a whole guide meant as instructions for a personal house enchancment course of, but an outline of the method that it is best to anticipate.

1. Flip off the Gas

That is essential. By no means work with gasoline traces while the gas valve is open. This is extremely harmful. Solely begin work after the fuel valve is safely shut off.

2. Join the Fuel Line to the Dryer

For this step, versatile pipes are your best option of fabric. Threading tape must be used to create the joints in the versatile pipes to assist prevent leaks. Although steel pipes are better at preventing leaks, they render your dryer immovable. Connect the gasoline line to the dryer itself, using a wrench to tighten it as far as potential.

3. Verify for Leaks

Check for leaks by making use of a mixture of soap and water to the joints of the pipe. If the cleaning soap does not react, the joints are safe, and there are no leaks. Open the gasoline valve and watch the cleaning soap mixture on the joints carefully. If the gas is leaking at the joints, the mixture will bubble and froth at the location of the leak.

How to install a Dryer Vent

If the home or condo has by no means had a washer or dryer in it, a new dryer vent will need to be created. Listed below are the fundamental steps for finishing this process.

1. Plot the Course

Based mostly on where you plan to install the dryer, work out the neatest course for the brand new dryer vent. As you map out the route, plan to use not more than 25 toes of exhaust piping, with 5 feet subtracted for each 90-diploma flip the pipe makes and 2.5 ft for every 45-diploma turn. Ideally, this course will be as short as doable and take as few turns as possible.

2. Make the hole

Drill a small test hole in the rim joist so you can see exactly where it comes out on the skin. Modify your place as you see match primarily based on this test hole. When you resolve this is just too excessive, too low or too far to the side, it’s still simple to regulate at this stage.

Once you’re satisfied with your place, create a gap with a 4-4.25 inch diameter. Whereas you should use a couple of different tools here, one suitable option is a bimetal gap saw.

When the outlet is full, place the vent cap into it. On the inside as effectively, caulk all the best way across the vent gap. Be certain to safe it evenly in every corner. Make certain the vent cap rests firmly towards the siding before attaching it and caulking all the way around it.

3. Attach the Vent

Back inside, cut your vent piping to the right length and carefully tape each joint. As soon as the dryer is pushed again into place against the wall, attach the remaining sections of the pipe. Attach the primary finish of the vent pipe to the exhaust port within the again of the dryer and safe it in place. Put the crimped ends of the pipe into the vent gap you created in the wall and tape it neatly shut.

Last, use brackets and straps to attach the vent piping safely to the wall. This way, it won’t break, come loose.

Widespread Washer and Dryer Questions Answered

As soon as you’ve properly and safely put in your washing machine and dryer, every little thing will work smoothly, right?

No matter how careful you are all through the set up process, something all the time seems to return up. Consequently, you may need questions associated to installation, perform, malfunction or upkeep. With that in thoughts, listed below are the answers to some of the most common questions about washers and dryers.

Why Does My Washer Bounce Round In the course of the Spin Cycle?

Almost certainly, this implies your washer isn’t on an excellent surface. Because it isn’t level, the pressure and rotation of the spin cycle are sufficient to make it wobble back and forth.

Luckily, this is an easy fix. If not, you could have to twist them counterclockwise to loosen them and allow them to stage themselves. Some ft will degree themselves as you elevate the equipment. Carry the machines up or tip them to the side as you regulate the feet as wanted.

If this fails, consult the instructions that got here together with your machine. See if your machine requires additional toes or pads installed on the underside to help it stay stage.

How Do I Tell Which Water Hose Is Scorching and Cold if They aren’t Colour-Coded?

Some washers come with color-coded hoses, which makes issues simple. However if your machine doesn’t come geared up with these visual cues, there is no want to worry.

Place a bucket beneath one of many hoses and let the water run for a bit. You ought to be able to tell quite quickly if you’re running scorching or cold water. At this level, you could want to in some way mark the hoses for your self, perhaps with a bit of colored tape or another visible reminder. That means, you will not need to repeat this take a look at once more.

What Do I Do When My Dryer Doesn’t Get Heat Anymore?

This probably means your dryer is having problems getting the right voltage. If this nonetheless would not reveal the cause of the problem, check your fuse panel and make sure that none of them have blown. First issues first, examine that the dryer continues to be plugged into the right outlet. If it is, transfer to your circuit breaker and verify that all of the breakers are in the right “on” position.

If none of these prospects seem to be what’s inflicting the issue, it could be one in every of a number of different issues. It could be a problem with the heating factor, the dryer thermostat or the thermal fuse. All of those are rather more complicated problems and would require the attention of an expert.

Name Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Better Syracuse to your Laundry Plumbing Installation Needs

If you live within the better Syracuse space, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the one identify you might want to know on the subject of laundry installation. We know tips on how to do both sorts of installations, and we’ll get it proper – the primary time. When you’re employed with us, it would not matter if your home has by no means had laundry machine put in in it or if you are simply changing an previous equipment that broke.

Washer plumbing installations aren’t the only thing we do, either. If you personal a business, we additionally supply quick and skilled plumbing companies to the commercial sector. If you have such an emergency, call 855-982-2028. We by no means charge after hours charges – we all know that plumbing emergencies don’t at all times occur throughout normal enterprise hours. We even have an emergency hotline that’s available 24/7 in case one thing unexpected and urgent comes up. We additionally clear drains, service sewer methods, repair frozen or leaky pipes, repair water heaters and carry out many other types of plumbing maintenance.

Request a job estimate right this moment for your upcoming challenge. We’re excited to hear from you! If you have any questions about us, laundry machine installations or the rest, don’t hesitate to contact us.