How to Hook up a Washing Machine? (Explained)

For water inlet valves, you might get confused between hot and cold water connections.

Hence, you can look behind the washer, and you will find instructions on a sticker.

In most washers, you will notice “hot” and “cold” printed in small letters near each outlet. You can also identify it by its colors, such as red for hot water supply and blue for cold or warm.

To be in a better position throughout the process, it is always a good idea to refer to the user manual of your washing machine’s model.

What are the things to consider before hooking up a washer?

Although hooking up a washing machine is not as difficult as it may seem, there are a few things to consider before you start.

The most important things are the type of washer and where it goes, followed by the settings that are needed.

Let us look below to learn how to effectively install or hook up your washing machine.

Placement

Before you buy a washing machine, make sure to measure not only the potential space it will go in but also any doorways or passageways it needs to fit through.

Once you have figured out the right dimensions, you can also check the available plumbing and outlets.

In other words, you will first need a dedicated spot with a flat and even surface, along with the required supplies for proper installation.

The right placement of your washer can actually have a big impact on its overall performance.

So, once you’ve found the spot, you may want to install your washing machine there.

It is important to note that washing machines require both electrical and water hookups, so make sure your chosen location has access to both.

Also, there needs to be a sewer line closer to the installation spot for the drain.

If you have a dedicated laundry room, then it’s best to install it right there.

However, most people dedicate a space in their kitchens, balconies, terraces, or sometimes outside their houses.

Note: Keep your washer as far from sources of heat as possible, such as furnaces, radiators, or stoves.

Installation

Once you have found the perfect spot, it’s time to start gathering the key materials required to complete the hookup.

You will need some basic tools, like a screwdriver and a wrench, as well as some pipe fittings for the water lines.

If you’re not sure what kind of fittings you need, your local hardware store should be able to help you out.

Water inlet hoses

Water inlet valves or fill valves can be located on the back of the washer.

You can start by installing the water inlet hose at the source and the machine.

Before you start the process, make sure to turn off the water supply.

This is usually done by shutting off the main water valve, which can be found near your water meter or outside your home near the street.

Start by hooking up the hoses to the opening on the supply source that is mounted around the machine.

If your washer can take both hot and cold water, you will need to connect the hoses to both sources.

With that said, if your washer includes only one inlet, it is dedicated to warm or cold water only. So, you can connect the single hose to a reliable water tap.

Lastly, don’t forget to use the clamps to tighten the fitting.

Some clamps can be tightened or loosened with screws.

You may need a pair of pliers to screw on the new water inlet hose and make sure it’s tight so there’s no chance of leaks.

Note: If the opening ends of the hose and your water supply tap aren’t compatible or if they do not fit, then you will have to use a connector between the two. You can buy one at a local hardware or plumbing store.

Drain hose

The drain hose is responsible for draining the water from the washing machine.

If the drain hose is not installed properly, the water will not be able to drain properly and may cause leaks or other problems.

The drain hose is usually located in the center or lower part of the back panel.

If your washing machine did not come with a drain hose, you can purchase one at a hardware or home improvement store.

Once you have all the fittings ready, connect one end of the drain hose to the drain outlet on the back of the washer.

Next, connect the other end of the hose to your sink or sewer, or drain pipe.

You can wrap the connected ends with anti-leak straps to prevent leakage on the joints.

If your washing machine has plastic knobs, turn them clockwise to tighten them once the hose is connected.

For metal knobs, use an adjustable wrench to tighten them once the hose is connected.

While connecting, make sure that the end of the hose is lower than the rest of the machine to ensure that gravity can do its job and pull the water down into the drainage pipe.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the drain hose should not be too long.

If it is too long, then there is a higher possibility that it may become kinked or blocked, which will prevent proper drainage.

Lastly, make sure that the connection between the hose and sewer pipe is secure so that there are no leaks.

With all that said, if your washing machine is located in an area where there is no floor drain, you will need to extend the drain hose or buy a new hose in order to connect it to the sewer.

To do this, you will need to measure the distance from the washing machine to the nearest sewer pipe.

This will determine the length of the drain hose you will need.

Next, you will need to purchase a drain hose that is appropriate for your type of washing machine.

Lastly, you will need to connect one end of the hose to the washing machine and the other end to the sewer pipe.

Be sure to use proper connections and clamps so that there is no leakage.

Now, slowly turn on both valves supplying water to the washing machine to prevent flooding and check for leaks at all connections.

Plugin to power and run a test cycle

Now it’s time to plug your washer into a suitable power source and give it a test run.

You don’t need to fix the power cord, as it comes pre-attached to the machine.

Also, you can start by washing a small load of laundry to ensure that everything is installed correctly and functioning properly.

If everything looks good, it simply means you’ve successfully hooked up your washing machine.

Final Thoughts

Always keep the user manual of your washing machine model handy during installation.

Do not overtighten the hoses or else it may damage the threading which will further cause leaks.

Make sure that there are no kinks or loops in either hose be it the inlet hose or the drain hose.

Also, make sure that the hose connections are secure so that there is no leakage.

You can always use rubber seals and straps for extra precaution.

Lastly, always keep the user manual handy as it will have almost all the steps required to hook up the washer on your own, and consult an expert if you are unable to set up the washer on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions