DIY Versus Professional Washer Installation

Although installing a new washing machine as a DIY project may not appear to be a challenging task, we suggest that you consult our washer installation guide prior to commencing the task. Whether you go DIY or opt for professional washer installation, we’re here to help.

This guide will assist you in determining whether this is a project that you can undertake on your own or whether it would be preferable to schedule a plumbing service to install the new machine for you.

Step 1: Prepare the area where the washer will be installed.

To install your new washing machine, the first step is to prepare the installation location. Although you will most likely be replacing an existing machine, there are additional tasks that you need to perform aside from just swapping the machines.

You must ensure that the electrical outlet on the new machine is compatible with the current one. Some newer models may require four-prong cords similar to those used on dryers, which could necessitate an electrical outlet upgrade. This type of configuration is more typical on the newer “all-in-one” washer and dryer models.

Next, you must measure the available space to verify that the new machine will fit. Your new machine may be slightly larger, especially if you have upgraded to a high-capacity washer from a standard-capacity model.

The most crucial measurements are the width and depth of the new machine. These will assist you in determining whether the washer will fit comfortably into the existing space.

Step 2: Remove the old washing machine.

Prior to installing the new washing machine, it is necessary to remove the old one. There may be residual water inside the bottom of the machine that needs to be drained to prevent it from overflowing onto the floor through the drainpipe.

To begin, switch off the electricity to the outlet from the breaker box as a safety measure since you will be working near water. You do not want to risk getting electrocuted or causing an electrical surge that could damage your new machine.

Next, shut off the water supply lines. Shut-off valves may be present where the current water lines connect to the water supply lines. If not, turn off the main water supply to the house. Once the water is shut off, turn on a sink nearest to the washing machine to relieve pressure from the water lines.

You are now ready to remove the old washer. Unplug it from the electrical outlet. If possible, pull the washer out and away from the wall to access the areas behind it. Carefully loosen and disconnect the washer hoses from the water supply lines. It is advisable to have a bucket nearby to drain any water from the washer hoses.

Then, disconnect the water discharge drain hose from the drain line and lower it to ground level to drain any remaining water into a bucket. If there is enough space to move the machine out of the laundry area without removing the hoses or drain hose, you do not need to remove them. However, if the laundry room door is too narrow, you may need to remove them first. If you do so, keep them inside the machine to keep them out of the way.

Step 3: Clean the discharge drain line.

Prior to beginning the installation of the new washer, it is crucial to clean the drain line to eliminate any accumulation of soap scum, hair, or other debris. Neglecting this step could potentially result in a clog or a slow-draining drain, which can lead to plumbing issues where water backflows into the washing machine or overflows from the drainpipe onto the floor.

Avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners down the drain line since they can cause more harm than good. Instead, you should use a plumbing snake to remove any stubborn buildup by feeding it down the line.

Since most individuals do not have a long-enough plumbing snake on hand, it is recommended that you hire a professional plumbing service to do this task, even if you plan to carry out the rest of the installation yourself. When the plumber is on-site, they can also clean all of the other drain lines in your home.

Step 4: Install the new washing machine.

1. Place the new washing machine in the laundry area, leaving some space between the machine and the wall.
2. Refer to the installation instructions that came with the machine, and make note of the tools needed for the installation. Common tools include a Philips screwdriver, plumber’s wrench, plumber’s tape, “U” connect for the discharge drain hose, plumbing washers (if not included) for the washer hoses, level, and adjustable wrench.
3. Connect the discharge drain hose and hot and cold water hoses to the back of the machine, and install the electrical cord if necessary. Use a sharpie to mark each hose end with “H” for hot water and “C” for cold water if they are not already labeled.
4. Connect the hot and cold water hoses to the appropriate water supply lines, and connect the discharge drain hose to the drain line.
5. Turn on the water supply lines and check for leaks. Fix any leaks before proceeding.
6. Level the machine from front to back and side to side. Refer to the installation instructions to determine if the machine is self-leveling or requires manual leveling.
7. Plug in the machine and run a test load to check for leaks and proper drainage. If leaks are found, stop the cycle and fix the problem before restarting the test load.
8. Slide the machine into place up against the wall, and recheck to make sure it is still level. Re-level the machine if necessary before doing any laundry.

How Level Does a Washing Machine Need to Be?

A washing machine needs to be as level as possible. An unbalanced machine can move, cause noise, vibrations, and even potentially damage the machine itself or the area around it. With professional washer installation, you have a technician with the experience and expertise to help.

Here are general guidelines for leveling a washing machine.

1. Side-to-side: You should aim for the washing machine to be level from side to side. This can usually be achieved by adjusting the machine’s front feet, either by hand or with a wrench.
2. Front-to-back: It’s also important to check the level from front to back. Some washing machines also have adjustable rear feet, while others do not. If your machine’s rear feet aren’t adjustable, you can level the machine by adjusting the front feet.
3. All Four Feet on the Floor: The washing machine should sit so that all four feet are solidly on the floor. There should be no wobble when you apply a little force to each side of the machine.
4. Use a Level: Use a level on top of the machine to get the most accurate reading. Place the level along the side, front, and top of your washing machine so you can see whether the machine is level from all angles.

Remember that over time, your washing machine may become unbalanced again, due to its constant motion. You may need to recheck and readjust the level every few months or so to ensure that it remains stable.

Benefits of Professional Washer Installation Plumbing Service

Installing a new washer may appear easy, but it involves many steps to ensure proper installation, and you require specific tools. A professional washer installation service comes with a wealth of experience in installing different models of machines and arrives with all the necessary tools, including longer hoses and other parts that you might require.

Some washer installations are more complicated than just connecting it to the wall box, such as those where the water supply lines are connected to a utility sink in the laundry room. Such installations require connecting hoses to the sink’s water supply lines, and the discharge drain hose is hung on the side of the sink.

Professional installation also avoids potential issues that may arise during installation, such as locating the source of leaks or neglecting to level the machine after pushing it into place. In addition, professional plumbers can clean the drain line while installing the new washing machine.

To receive professional installation for your new washer, have your drain lines cleaned, or resolve other plumbing problems, contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-994-6698 today!