Having an in-home washing machine is almost expected these days. Running to the laundromat a few times a week isn’t practical for modern homeowners and can be an expensive habit. Having the right washing machine for your needs can save you money. Eco-friendly equipment that uses minimal amounts of water while getting your clothes clean is becoming more affordable each year. One of the best ways to save money without sacrificing quality is to install your washing machine yourself. Don’t worry – it’s a big appliance, but not a complicated one! Installing a washing machine is relatively simple if you know what you’re doing.
‘Measure twice, cut once’ for every preparation step
As with most things plumbing-related, installing a washing machine is 90% preparation and 10% installing. You’ll want to do a few things before purchasing the appliance. The most important of which is to measure the available space thoroughly. You don’t want to buy a machine which doesn’t fit through the door! From there, you’ll want to double-check the hookups and make sure they’re not cracked or damaged. If you have an existing machine that you’re replacing, it’s wise to replace all the pipes and hoses at the same time. This way, every part of your appliance is in the best shape possible. Make sure the floor is stable (no carpet or uneven tile). You can always adjust the ‘feet’ of the washer, but a solid foundation is a great starting point. The last thing is to read the instructions for installing your specific washing machine to make sure there are no odd manufacturer requirements.
Water supplies, drain hoses, and how to connect them all to your washing machine
So, measurements are done, the machine is bought, and any old appliances have been cleared out – it’s time to install! The first step you should do is make sure your water supplies are both clean. Run the water through both hot and cold for a few minutes to make sure no debris is inside the pipes, and then turn off the water completely. From there, you can slide your washing machine into place for the installation. There are two facets to a washer’s water needs: inbound water and water removal. For the inbound water, all you need to do is connect the hot and cold water supplies to the matching hoses on the machine. You may need a pair of pliers to tighten connecting spots, but do not bend or stretch any hoses! That can lead to cracks, which can cause serious future damage. The removal (drain) hose can be connected to a few different things. A standpipe with a larger diameter than the drain hose is fine, or you can route the removal to a nearby sink. If you’re unsure of where to connect the drain hose, call your plumber for a quick opinion!
Final steps: cleaning, test cycles, and retention basins
If the drain hose and the water supplies are both tightly in place, you’re nearly ready to test out your new washing machine! After everything is connected, you’re free to turn the water back on and plug in the machine. One or two test cycles should be completed for each setting, to ensure hot water is really flowing when you set it to ‘hot’ and also to make sure your newly installed washing machine isn’t leaking. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, there’s no shame in taking extra precautions. A retention basin under the washing machine can save you money in case a leak springs up by making sure water doesn’t soak into your flooring. Adding ‘feet’ to your washer and adjusting to the floor’s precise level will ensure your machine works quietly without knocking around each cycle. Don’t be afraid to play around with the settings to maximize your machine’s output. The good thing about installing your washing machine yourself is that you’re in charge! For help with your washing machine or other tips on how to lower your water bill contact Sin City Plumbing today!
