Having replaced my washing machine, I can tell you that this is a simple DIY project. You can safely disconnect your washing machine in about 30 minutes with proper preparation and the right tools.
I’ll walk you through how to disconnect your washing machine in just a few steps: Empty the machine, turn off the power, disconnect the water lines, remove the drain hose, and voilà — you’ve done it. Also see my firsthand experience of what not to do and learn how to avoid a common mistake.
| • Project Difficulty: Beginner. Most DIYers can handle this task. • Estimated Time to Complete: On average, 30 minutes or less if you have everything ready. • Costs Involved: $0 to $20 for basic tools if you don’t already have them. |
What You’ll Need to Disconnect Your Washer
Most of these items are common household tools. Get everything you need before disconnecting for a smoother process.
- Pliers or adjustable wrench: These basic tools will help you disconnect water lines.
- Bucket and towels: Have these handy to catch remaining water from hoses and cleaning spills.
- Work gloves: Non-slip work gloves can protect your hands when handling metal connections and give you a better grip while moving the washer.
- Zip ties or rubber bands: These will come in handy securing the hoses out of your way.
- Appliance dolly: This is only needed if you plan to move the washer to a new location.
My Tip: Don’t do what I did and try dragging the washer, as it will scratch and gouge the floor. For moving short distances, you can put a rug or something similar under your washing machine to prevent damaging your floors.
How to Disconnect a Washer Step-by-Step
Here’s how to disconnect your washing machine safely. Follow these steps and check your work as you go, and you’ll be done in no time.
1. Get Started
Here’s what to do first before disconnecting your washing machine.
- Empty your washer: Take everything out, and if possible, run it empty for a quick spin to remove excess water from the drum.
- Turn off the power: Switch off the power at the circuit breaker and unplug the machine. Grip the plug itself and not the power cord.
- Move the washer: Carefully move the machine away from the wall to reach the connections.
My Tip: Grab your phone and take pictures of how everything is connected to help when reconnecting later.
2. Disconnect the Water Lines
Before disconnecting the hoses, you’ll need to shut off the water. This is also a good time to label your water valves as hot and cold if they aren’t clearly marked.
- Shut off the water: There are two ways to do this: Either turn the water valves connected to the washer clockwise or to the right until they stop, or you can shut off your water main.
- Place your bucket: Put the bucket under where the hoses connect to catch any water.
- Take off the hoses: Use your wrench or pliers to gently unscrew the hoses from the wall and the washer.
For stubborn connections, apply penetrating oil (like WD-40) to the threads, then carefully loosen them with pliers or a wrench. If needed, give the fitting a light tap. Avoid damaging the threads, and call a local handyman service if you can’t loosen them safely. - Drain the water: Ensure all the water is out of the lines to avoid messes later. Check the hoses for cracks or damage if you plan to use them again.
My Tip: Mark which hose is for hot or cold. This will help when you put them back on.
3. Remove the Drain Hose
The drain hose is a large, flexible tube (typically gray or black) that carries wastewater from your washing machine to your home’s drain pipe or standpipe. You’ll find it at the back of your washer, usually secured with a clamp and connected to a drain opening in your wall or floor.
- Find the drain: The hose should be connected to the back of the machine and the house’s plumbing.
- Get ready for water: Place towels and a bucket underneath to catch any remaining water.
- Take off clamps: Remove any clips or fasters securing the hose. Re-attach them or save them in a zip-top bag you can tape to the machine if reusing.
- Lift while removing: Keep the hose elevated when you disconnect to minimize spills.
My Tip: Before removing the hose, put a piece of tape where it connects to mark how far it goes in the drain pipe. This will help you put it back correctly later.
Moving Your Washer to a New Home
If you’re changing addresses and your trusty washing machine is going with you, here are a few steps you can take to ensure it arrives at its new home in good shape.
- Install shipping bolts: If you still have your shipping bolts, follow your manual and secure the drum. If not, for short moves, you can stuff bulky blankets or something similar in the drum to help minimize movement. For long distances, using a moving company or replacement bolts is recommended.
- Bundle hoses and cord: Neatly coil and secure the disconnected hoses with zip ties to prevent damage and tangling.
- Protect connections: Use plastic bags to cover any exposed connection ports to keep debris and dirt out.
- Wrap the machine: Wrap the outside of your washer with moving blankets or large bubble wrap to protect the outside from accidental damage.
- Secure the lid/door: Use packing tape or straps to secure the door closed and prevent accidental opening.
My Tip: Before moving, leave the lid or door of your washer open slightly for at least 24 hours to prevent mold and mildew from growing. If mold has already attacked your washer, check out our guide on How to Clean Mold From Your Washing Machine for step-by-step solutions.
Safety Tips
While disconnecting a washing machine is a fairly easy DIY task, it’s important to keep a few safety measures in mind to protect yourself and your property.
- Electrical safety: Ensure the power is completely off at the breaker box, and unplug the machine by pulling from the plug itself and not the cord.
- Prevent injuries: Use proper lifting techniques, use dollies or furniture moving pads, and get help when moving the machine.
- Control water: Clean up spills quickly to prevent slip hazards.
- Protect hands: Wear work gloves to guard against sharp edges and improve your overall grip.
Washing Machine Moving Mishap: A Cautionary Tale
When my old washing machine broke down, I lucked out and found a used replacement at a moving sale. The challenge was figuring out what to do with the old one. Fortunately, my neighbor mentioned they would be going to the recycling center’s bulk drop-off day with some furniture and offered to take my washer if I helped load it on their trailer.
Trying to be proactive, I started disconnecting everything and pulled the machine away from the wall without placing anything underneath. That was a poor decision. The heavy washer ripped up a section of my tile floor, but thankfully, I managed to fix it before the new washer arrived.
With the help of a friend and my laundry room rug, I was able to slide the new machine into place without damaging the floor.
FAQ: Disconnecting Your Washer
No, disconnecting a washing machine is typically a DIY task that can be completed in about 30 minutes with basic tools. However, if you encounter stubborn connections or feel uncomfortable with the process, it’s perfectly fine to call a professional handyman service.
No, you don’t need to turn off the main water supply. Simply turn off the individual water valves connected to your washing machine by rotating them clockwise until they stop. Only turn off the main water supply if the individual valves are stuck or malfunctioning.
Some water is expected to remain in the hoses after shutting off the valves. Keep your bucket in place and lift the hoses to fully drain them.
No More Disconnection Drama
It’s easier than you might think to disconnect your washing machine: Empty your washer, unplug it, shut off and detach the water lines, and take out the drain hose. Also, you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to reconnect everything if you snap pictures of every connection before you begin.
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Main Image Credit: Parilov / Adobe Stock Free / License
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