How to install a washing machine

Installing a washing machine in your home is a great way to save time and effort when washing your clothes. Unlike in the past, when most homeowners viewed washing machines as a luxury, it is now a necessity. With your busy lifestyle, it can be hectic to wash your clothes with your hands. The machine does not only make it easy to wash dirty clothes, but it is also an investment that adds to your home’s value. Installing a washing machine is easy since it does not as have many features as most of the other machines at home.

This article offers you a comprehensive guide on how to install the best washing machine in your home.

Why Do You Need To Install A Washing Machine?

Installing this kind of machine in your home offers the following benefits:

• Saves Time

A washer helps you save a lot of time when doing your laundry. You need to put your clothes or other garments into the machine and start the laundry cycle. You can perform other tasks then pick your clothes to hang them once the washing cycle is done.

• It Does Not Require A Lot Of Effort To Use

A washing machine makes it easy for you to clean all your dirty garments. All you need to do is put the garments into your machine and begin the washing cycle. The machine does all the work, thus saving you the effort you would otherwise apply if you wash the clothes by hand. It also saves you the pain of using cold water to wash your clothes.

• Features Several Cycles

A washer features several wash cycles depending on the kind of garments you are washing. If you have soiled garments, you need to use a heavy cycle. On the other hand, with delicate garments or those that need extra care, you need to set the washing cycle accordingly to avoid damage.

• Cost-Efficient In The Long Run

It may be costly to install a washing machine, but the costs involved may be offset with time. Modern washing machines are energy efficient since they use less water and power. This means it pays off and helps you save money in the long run.

• Adds To Your Home’s Value

Installing a washing machine in your home is a great way to boost its value. If you put your home on sale, a washer fetches it at a high price and attracts willing buyers fast. Buyers know the many benefits a washing machine provides, making your home more attractive to purchase.

Factors To Consider Before Installing A Washing Machine

Installing a washer in your home is a great investment. To get the best value, you should always install the best washing machine that meets all your needs. Here are factors to consider before installing a clothes washer:

1. Price

Before you buy a machine for your home, you should set a maximum budget. This helps you install a washer that is within your price range. You will also be able to narrow down your choices and get the best for your washing needs. Besides the price of the washer, consider washing machine installation costs too.

2. Size Of The Machine

Note that your washing machine takes up a good amount of space in your house. Some of its parts, such as supply hoses, will take up space. Consider whether there is enough space in your home. Take note of its dimensions to find out if it will fit in the area. Make sure you leave some allowance. This means that the space available should be bigger than your washing machine.

3. Type Of Washing Machines To Install

There are different types of washing machines you can install. You can get top load washers that require low maintenance and are easy to use. There are also front load washers that offer high-level efficiency but require extra maintenance. You can also install a washing machine and dryer separately or get a washer with an integrated dryer.

4. Energy Use

Washing machines operate on electricity. Some machines consume more energy than others. A top-loaded machine is easy to use but consumes more power than front load washers. Thus, if you want a more energy-efficient machine, you should install a front load washer.

5. Noise

It is advisable to install a washing machine that produces less noise. This helps avoid causing distractions as you wash your clothes.

6. Elevation

It is good to check whether the area you want to install your washing machine is levelled. If not, the risk of your washing machine getting damaged is high. In this case, you need to install supports to keep it in a level position.

7. Design/Finish

While you want a more functional machine, it is also good to install an elegant washing machine. Most of the washers in the market nowadays have a wide range of colours and finishes. Install a machine with a design or finish matching the look of your house.

8. Installation Process

The way a washing machine is installed determines how it works. You need to invest more money in plumbing, especially if you place the machine in an area without a water supply hose. You need to put this into consideration when calculating the costs of the washing machine installation.

How To Install A Washing Machine In Your House

The basic requirements for washing machines installation include the following:

Location

You should install the machine at a considerable space of ten to fifteen centimetres between the machine and the wall. The base of the machine should be vibration-resistant and flat. Below are some other factors to pay attention to as far as the location of installation is concerned:

• Make sure the area has the right humidity levels. Excess humidity can affect the machine’s internal parts.
• Power current point: Before installing the washer, ensure that the power supply provides 110-120 V and 15 Amps protection.
• Water entry point: Note that the washing machine requires a lot of water influx. Thus, you should have the ideal water pipe.

Washing Machine Installation Tools

• Gloves
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Cuter
• Magnet
• Pressure camp
• Level
• Tip clamp
• Load belt
• Socket kit

Steps Taken Towards The Installation Of A Washing Machine

Step 1: Unpack The Machine

Unpack the washing machine and check the box accompanying it to ensure that all the accessories and installation components are in perfect condition.

Step 2: Remove All The Transport Bolts

Use the wrench provided to remove the transport bolts. These bolts help prevent the drum from damage when transporting the machine. If you do not remove them, it can damage the suspension, drum, and cabinet.

Step 3: Level Your Machine

Your washing machine should be levelled. It should be on proper flooring, not a carpet. If the machine is not level, adjust the feet using the following steps:

• Tilt the machine back to find the adjustable feet. Take care as you lift and move it to avoid damage or injuries.
• Adjust the feet by hand.
• Ensure that the machine is now level by rocking it gently to find out if it moves.
• When the machine is stable, you can now tighten the lock nuts above each of the feet.

Step 4: Connect The Water Supply Hoses To Faucets

Connect the washer’s drain hoses to the right faucets; the hot water hose should be connected to the hot water faucet, while the cold water hose should be connected to the cold water faucet. Most of the water supplies are colour coded to help differentiate them. As you connect the water hose to the faucet, you should do so to the appropriate end.

The end featuring the water filter screen inside the coupling is the one that attaches to the faucet. After connecting, tighten them. Tighten in a clockwise direction using your hands. Make sure they feel fully secured, but avoid over-tightening. If you over-tighten, leaks may occur.

Step 5: Connect The Cold Water-In Hose

Now that you have connected the supply water hoses to the right faucets, attach them to your washing machine’s back. The most important thing is to ensure that you connect the appropriate water hose to the correct water inlet on the back of your washer. The hot water supply hoses to install are located inside the drum of the washer. Open the door to access all the accessories you require.

Screw the water pipe to the attachment located at the top of the back of the washer. Screw the other end to the cold water supply. Ensure that both of the sides are fastened tightly. Use a mole wrench to tighten. Turn the water on to allow it to flow through the water pipe. If the water hoses do not have washers, you should attach them before connecting them. This helps prevent leaking.

Step 6: Check For Leakage

This is a simple step. All you need to do is turn the water supply back on and then open the tap to check for leaks. Ensure that the water is flowing smoothly and there are no leaks on both sides of the connection points. If there are no leaks, you can now move to the next step.

Step 7: Connect The Water Drain Hose To The Machine

Turn the water supply on, and then run your taps. Depending on the washing machine, it may come pre-connected. In this case, you can skip this step. If the machine is not pre-connected, use a screwdriver to secure the water drain hose to the washing machine.

Step 8: Plug In And Test Your Washing Machine

Plug in the electric code before you can place it in the proper position. Turn the water lines on and begin the water test to ensure that the machine is working correctly. As you start to test the washer, check for the water on all the connections for leak signs. Ensure the washer goes through the entire process to check for the right drainage. This helps you identify minor leaks.

Now plug in the washing machine power cord into the outlet you have chosen. You can now place the washer in the right place against the wall. Now your washing machine is ready to use.

Troubleshooting Your Washing Machine

• Your Washing Machine Has Poor Drainage

If you find that your washer cannot drain water spills out of the drain water pipe, it shows there is a blockage. You can clear the blockage using a drain snake even if it is not fully blocked.

• Machine Valve Leaking

When your washing machine valve leaks when you turn it on, it means the nut below the handle is loose. The first thing to do is to tighten the nut. However, if the leak does not stop, you should replace the valves.

• Washing Machine Rocking

If your machine is unstable, it will rock or jump with a heavy load. You need to level the machine to avoid this problem. You should screw out or in the feet of the washer to level it. You can change only the front feet to level the machine.

Conclusion

The above is a simple guide on how to install your washing machine. By following the above steps, you have the machine in the right working position. You can hire the best plumbing company to help do the washing machine installation for the best results. Make sure you inspect and maintain the machine regularly to ensure it is always in perfect working conditions.