Washing Machine Installation Questions

[IanC]

I've just bought our first house and the previous owner took the washing machine and tumble dryer with him. They were previously integrated appliances under a counter (and behind a cupboard) in the utility room.

I can't see much selection for integrated appliances, so I'd rather go for free standing ones with the doors removed. However, the size available is W60xH88xD58 - which would be tight but could fit some 595mm width machines in it. Would I be ok with very little room around the washing machine and condenser dryer - i.e. very little ventilation?

Another problem is that I can't actually see where I can plumb the machine in. It looks like there's a cold water feed (I assume!), but there's no waste water pipe? The washing machine and tumble dryer are either side of a sink unit, which must have a cold water feed and waste pipe going to it - so it must work somehow.

So, my questions are... Can I fit a freestanding unit in to that tight space (without any overheating problems)? How on earth do I connect this thing up, from what you can tell from the pics?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The washer should pump out to the plastic spigot connected to the u bend under the sink and it should have a blanking cap that need removing first which should be fitted when the washer is disconnected to prevent water running out when water is poured down the sink. The fill hose should connect to the blue taps at the back of the u bend.

[IanC]

Thanks Andy - just checking, the plastic spigot is the white long connector to the top left (just next to the black/yellow tape)?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Yes, you unscrew it and push the end into the drain hose. Push it in as far as you can, depending on how firm it goes in you may need to also use a jubilee clip (I used to use large cable ties) Then you screw the spigot back on and the water from the washer will pump down the sink drain.

Here are some things to specifically watch out for -

• If the spigot hasn't been used before the end will be solid and need cutting off to allow water to pass through it
• Watch out as once the connector has been removed, any water running down the sink will leak into the cupboard
• Make sure the drain hose is secured as described here to prevent water from the sink running into the washing machine. Make sure there are no problems with the plumbing - 5 things to check after repairing washing machine

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

I have several articles on my main site related to installing a washing machine