After my old washer broke down, I discovered that installing a new one was straightforward, and it took less than 30 minutes. Here’s how you can install a washing machine.
Installing a washing machine requires just a few basic tools like a wrench and a level. Simply connect the water hoses, attach the drain line, level the machine to prevent vibration, and plug it in. It’s a fairly straightforward process.
| • Project Difficulty: Easy. Basic tools and a helper are all you need. • Time Required: An hour or less, on average, depending on the amount of space you have to move around and assuming the tools and connections are ready to go. • Cost of Project: $0 to $50 if you have the tools or if hoses and a drain pan (optional) come with the machine. $125 to $300 for professional installation (if hookups are in place). Factors like stairs and accessibility will affect your overall cost. |
If you’re begging your machine for “just one more load,” eventually you have to face replacing your washer, which is what I had to do. Check out my firsthand experience to learn more.
Different Types of Washing Machines
Most washers use standard water hookups and require a 120V grounded outlet on a dedicated 15- to 20-amp circuit. But each type of washer needs to be installed a bit differently. Here’s what to consider with each one.
| Feature | Top-Loading | Front-Loading | Stackable |
| Space requirements | Clearance above lid | Clearance in front of the door | Vertical space, proper airflow |
| Installation difficulty | Easiest | Moderate | Complex, professional recommended |
| Stability features | Basic leveling, less vibration | Precise leveling, more vibration-prone | Precise leveling, stacking kit, and floor reinforcement may be needed |
Quick Tip: Consider installing a pedestal to lift your front-load washer 12 to 15 inches higher for easy access. Pedestals often include built-in storage drawers but add $100 to $300 to your overall cost. Just make sure it’s made for your machine’s model.
What You’ll Need to Install a Washing Machine
Take a moment to gather everything you need to make the installation go smoothly. Most of these items are common household tools or come with the washing machine. You can wear gloves to protect your hands from the metal parts.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: This depends on the type of connection you need to secure the water lines.
- Level: Ensuring your washer is level will prevent excess vibration and extend its life.
- New water supply and drain hoses: If your new washer doesn’t come with this (rare), you can pick them up at your local home improvement store.
- Bucket and towels: If you’re disconnecting an older washer to replace it, these are needed for draining the hoses, machine, and for general cleanup.
- Someone to help: Having another person to help will make the installation go smoothly and safely.
Quick Tip: Before you buy a new machine, ensure the plug is compatible with your wall outlet.
Optional Items to Consider
Adding these safety features when you install your washer can prevent expensive water damage and repairs in the future.
- Drain pan: While not necessary, it is highly recommended to protect against potential water damage, especially on upper floors.
- Water leak sensors: Small devices that beep or send alerts to your phone if they detect water leaks.
- Anti-vibration pads: Rubber cushions that go under the washer for less shaking and quieter spin cycles.
How to Install a Washer Step-by-Step
These steps will show you how to install your washing machine. Take your time; each machine may have slightly different steps to follow.
1. Get Ready
Prepare and organize the area where you’re installing your new washing machine.
- Clear the space: Ensure the area is free of any obstacles.
- Check flooring: Your floor should be level, clean, and strong enough for the machine.
- Allow air circulation: Keep 4 to 6 inches of clearance between the back of the washer and the wall.
- Inspect connections: Check that your water and drain hookups are in good condition and ready to use. Hot and cold water hookups should be within 4 feet of the machine.
- Added protection: Add leak detectors and automatic shutoff valves to protect your home from hidden leaks.
2. Remove the Old Machine (if Applicable)
If you’re replacing an existing washing machine, follow these steps to remove it safely. Have a helper ready, as washers are heavy and awkward to move.
- Turn off water supply: Close both hot and cold valves or shut off the main water supply.
- Unplug the machine: Remove the power cord from the electrical outlet.
- Prepare for drainage: Place a bucket under the connections to catch draining water. Keep towels handy for any spills.
- Disconnect and drain: Remove the water supply and drain hoses and drain any excess water. If the hot and cold water valves aren’t marked, now is a good time to distinguish them to make reinstalling easier.
- Move the machine: Place the hoses inside the washer when done, and wrap them with the power cord to keep them out of the way. With help, carefully remove the old washer. Use an appliance dolly, moving straps, a rug, furniture sliders, or non-slip work gloves to safely move the washer without damaging the floor.
Quick Tip: When lifting heavy appliances, bend at your knees, keep your back straight, hold the load close to your body, avoid twisting, and pivot your feet.
3. Installing Different Types of Washing Machines
Once the old machine is out of the way and you’ve cleaned up any dirt or spills, it’s time to move in the new washer.
- Take out packing materials: Remove all shipping bolts, straps, and foam pieces. Keep the bolts in a safe place to help with future moves.
- Install the drain pan: If you’re using a drain pan, ensure it’s in place before putting your new washing machine in.
- Put the washer in place: Move it close to where it will go, but leave enough space to work around it.
- Hook up the water: Connect the hot and cold water hoses. Usually, they are marked with labels, tabs, or stickers. Red for hot and blue for cold. Typically, you need both hot and cold water for your machine to work well.
First, tighten the connections by hand until firm. Then use pliers to turn just a quarter turn more. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can break the connector and cause leaks. - Connect the drain: Put the hose into the drain pipe or sink, depending on your setup. Use a zip tie to keep it secure, if needed.
- Move into position: Gently push the washer into its final spot, ensuring none of the hoses are kinked and there are 4 to 6 inches of space behind the machine for airflow.
Quick Tip: Register your warranty online for easy service requests. To do so, you may need to supply the machine’s model and serial numbers. These can usually be found on the washer’s box. You can also find a label or plate on the inside of the door, the back, or on the front of the machine, depending on your manufacturer.
4. Level Your Washer
Your machine will work better and last longer if you ensure it’s level.
- Use a bubble level: Set the level on top of the washer and ensure the bubble is in the middle. If uneven, you’ll need to adjust the feet.
- Adjust the feet: As needed, twist the four leveling feet until the machine sits evenly.
5. Final Setup
Time to cross your fingers and give it a go.
- Check for leaks: Slowly open the hot and cold water valves and check for leaks at the connections.
- Connect the power: Plug the machine into the grounded outlet and ensure it’s receiving power.
- Give it a go: Run the empty washing machine on a regular wash cycle to verify it’s working and that there are no leaks.
One Last Spin: Replacing a Washer
While buying a new washer can be exciting, replacing one often involves finding yourself on the floor, pleading with your old machine not to give up. After several desperate attempts to coax “just one more load” from it, I finally accepted the inevitable, but the sticker shock of a new washer sent me running to the laundromat.
After a few weeks of hauling my family’s stuff back and forth, an experience that quickly lost its charm, fate smiled on me with a lucky find at a moving sale just up the street from my house. They even dropped it off for me, though the installation was up to me. Armed with basic tools, the setup proved surprisingly straightforward, taking one more load off the pile of stuff we all have to do.
FAQ: Installing a Washing Machine
Yes, most modern washing machines need a cold and a hot water connection. Check your machine’s manual for specific requirements, as older models and some top-loaders still need hot water connections. Don’t connect a hot water line to a machine that isn’t designed for it, as this can cause damage.
While it’s technically possible to install a washing machine by yourself, for safety reasons, it’s not recommended. Washing machines are heavy (typically 150-300 pounds) and awkward to move alone. You could:
• Injure yourself trying to lift or position the machine
• Drop and damage the appliance
• Have difficulty connecting hoses and leveling the machine by yourself.
For best results, always have at least one other person help you with washing machine installation. If that’s not possible, consider hiring a top-rated local handyman; the cost is worth avoiding potential injury or damage.
If your washing machine isn’t level, it can cause problems. It will be noisy, wear out faster, not drain well, and not clean clothes properly. It can also damage the machine’s parts. This is why you need to make sure your washing machine is level when you install it.
A Clean Finish
You now know how to install your washing machine. It’s a simple job that takes an hour or less. You’ll need some basic tools, but most people can do it themselves, with a friend’s help. If you get stuck, check your washing machine’s manual. The most important things are to work safely and make sure everything is level and connected properly.
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Main Image Credit: Africa Studio / Adobe Stock Free / License
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