Issues related to installing or connecting up a washing machine

• How hard is it to install a washing machine?
• Tips for installing a washing machine - fill hoses
  • Tips for installing a washing machine (part 2) subjects -
  • Tips for installing a washing machine - drain hose
  • Tips for installing a washing machine - water pressure
  • Tips for pushing a washing machine in place
  • How to move a washing machine (Blog article)

NEW: A new important issue related to connecting up washing machines (and dishwashers) has come to light. Whether you are connecting one up for the first time or you already have a washing machine or dishwasher connected somewhere in your property please read this article - Is your washing machine or dishwasher connected to the plumbing properly? Are you sure?   (This issue is related to the environment and council by-laws)

How hard is it to install a washing machine?

If you already have the plumbing available, installing a new washing machine should be straight forward (plumbing in a washing machine is a plumbing issue separate to installing a washing machine). A new washing machine should arrive fully protected for transit, not only externally, but internally too. Special transit packing is installed inside the washing machine to hold the tub solid and prevent it moving about.

Full instructions should come with the washing machine, either on a leaflet or inside the instruction book. Most involve undoing bolts at the back of the washing machine and removing brackets and various packaging. Tools aren't usually necessary as they often provide some form of spanner. If a washing machine is used without removing the transit packaging, the suspension will be locked and the washing machine will bounce around on spin with washing in.

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Tips for installing a washing machine - fill hoses

Can I use the old washing machine hoses or should I fit the new ones?

Washing machine hoses can last much longer than washing machines these days. If you are sure the old hoses are in good condition you could leave the old fill hoses in place and keep the new hoses as spares, particularly if the new fill hoses aren't as long as your old ones. Personally, I prefer to fit the new hoses if I can though.

How tight should I connect the fill hoses?

It's very common for people to over tighten fill hoses. Over tightening the washing machine fill hoses makes them more likely to leak. This is because it compresses and cuts the rubber seal between the water valve and the hose connection. Make sure you don't cross-thread the connector and tighten the hose finger tight. Then tweak the connection up just a little bit. You aren't supposed to use pipe pliers, but I usually do (although delicately), I nip the fill hose up hand tight, then tighten with the pipe pliers about a further couple of millimetres. If I don't have pipe pliers I use a cloth to get a little extra grip.

Watch the hose and connections for leaks. Check for leaks at least several minutes later, before pushing the washing machine back. A hose connection can appear watertight at first but start dripping after several minutes.

Washing machine hoses not long enough?

It's common for washing machine hoses to be too short to reach the plumbing. The fill hoses are just long enough to connect to plumbing right next to the washing machine. The two choices available are to either extend the existing fill hoses by connecting another pair of fill hoses with a special connector, or to replace the fill hoses with extra long ones.

I have a hot and cold water supply, but the new washing machine only has a cold water valve - what do I do?

Many new washing machines are cold fill only ( cold fill washing machines ) This may mean that you have a hot and cold tap, but only a cold water valve on the washing machine. Just connect up the cold fill hose to the washing machine and leave the hot water tap turned off. To be on the safe side, you should cap off the unused hot water tap by screwing a special blanking cap onto it (obtainable from a plumbers merchant or maybe a DIY store). This is wise because I've heard of several cases where the unused hot tap has started to seep water out, or even where the lever has been knocked partially on and flooded the kitchen. This can happen if the hot tap is in the kitchen sink cupboard or even when the hot tap is behind the washing machine I've heard of cases where the washing machine itself moved about and knocked the lever.

Washing machine is a hot and cold fill, but I only have a cold water supply

You can use a Y Piece connector (external link 4Washerhelp spares) to connect the hot and cold fill hoses to a single cold water supply. The washing machine will then work OK. Simply screw the Y-Piece onto the tap, and then screw the hot and cold fill hoses to the Y-piece and connect the other end of the fill hoses to the washing machine. (You may be able to buy this part also from a DIY store like B&Q)

Other related advice:

• Washing machine is a hot and cold fill, but I only have a cold water supply (more comprehensive blog article)
• I want a washing machine with a hot water valve
• Don't connect the hot water supply to the cold valve on a cold-fill washing machine

Laundry bags and other washing machine and laundry accessories

• Trainer Laundry Bag (Idea to prevent trainers smashing around in your washing machine and flattening other items. Washerhelp doesn't really recommend you wash trainers in a washing machine although many people seem to be doing so OK. If you do - this idea may be useful)
• Net Laundry Bag ("Separates small or delicate items from the rest of the washing so they don't get swallowed up by the washing machine or ride around at the front of the drum in the door seal. Also useful as a storage or travel bag for lingerie and socks)
• Daisy Laundry Bag (Can be used on the back of a bedroom door to store laundry prior to washing. Ideal for kids bedroom - much better than the floor)
• Launderette Bag (Collect your laundry in this smart bag. Then, when its time to go to the launderette, simply sling over your shoulder like a knapsack. Also great for storing dirty clothes on holiday. Folds for storage)
• Washing machine (and other appliance) rollers (Stand your washing machine, fridge, dishwasher or cooker on roller wheels. I have my dishwasher on a pair and it now moves in and out easily without ripping the kitchen floor)
• Peg Apron (Use this peg apron to hold the pegs when hanging and retrieving the washing. )
• Peg bag (Peg bag with a hook to hang up, or on the line. Personally, on the occasions where I'm forced to fetch the washing in I hang one of these on my belt or trouser pocket to pop the pegs in as I remove them from the washing line. It's a bit less embarrassing than if I used one of the peg aprons (above)
• Rotary Line & Parasol Cover (Protect your rotary washing line from rain, dust and dew with this easy- to-fit waterproof cover which doubles up as a patio umbrella cover too)
• Portable Laundry Hanger (Use this inside, or out on the washing line to hang all the small garments and items such as socks, underwear etc.)
• 3-Layer Flat Dryer (Use this to prevent your delicate laundry stretching out of shape or getting ugly hanger marks. Simply hang from your shower curtain pole or washing line and let the air circulate through the mesh layers)
• Doggy laundry basket (Fun and practical, the large carry handles make it easy to carry around. Simple to use - just unhook the top and the hamper expands, ready to be filled with laundry ready for washing. Great for bedrooms and nurseries)
• Compact Clothes Prop (2.5 metre line prop made from coated aluminium for lightness and durability. Features a push-on line support making it ideal for people with poor hand grip. Separates for easy storage.)

Full washing machine and laundry catalog

Clothes care and storage