General Plumbing

How to Safely Hook Up Your Washing Machine

washer and dryer

A new washing machine can be an expensive but worthwhile investment. When you purchase a brand-new model, you can take advantage of better performance and more efficient operation. Of course, before you can enjoy your new clothes-washing technology, you need to hook up the machine to a water source. Fortunately, depending on the specific layout of your household plumbing, hooking up a washing machine can be a relatively simple procedure that does not require the assistance of a plumber.

Save Money and Serve as Your Own Plumber

When you purchase a new washing machine, the vendor may offer to install it themselves. However, if there is a charge associated with the installation, it might be more economical to make the connection yourself. If you are replacing an existing washing machine, you simply have to connect the appropriate hoses to the existing hot and cold fixtures coming out of the wall. You may also need to slot a filter screen into the hoses first. Tighten the connection by hand, and then finish the job with a pair of pliers.

Next, connect the drain line if it does not come attached to the washer. Most drain lines are easy to screw into the appliance. Where you put the outlet of the line depends on the layout of your laundry room. Some households might send it out through a floor drain, while others use a utility sink. Certain homes even have a dedicated line from the washing machine into the drain stack.

The Final Steps to Clothes Washing Bliss

Once the machine is connected, make sure it is level and plug it in. Then, do a sample run and check carefully around the intake hoses and the drain line to make sure there aren't any leaks. If the outside of the lines is dry, then you're ready to start washing your clothes! If you do see any water seeping out where it shouldn't double-check your connections.

When you are installing a washing machine in a new location, the job gets a lot more complicated and may require the assistance of a plumber. The work may require you to create a new branch to your plumbing system, and the amount of effort and expense will depend on how far the location is from the nearest pipes.

Let Our Plumbers Put Your Mind at Ease

The most important factor when hooking up your new washing machine is to make sure the connection is done properly and will not cause leaks or other problems in the future. If you aren't sure how to set up the plumbing yourself, get in touch with an experienced plumber who can help put you on the right path. Contact us today at 1-877-BEN-1776!

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