Installing a new washing machine at home might sound complicated, but with the right guidance, you can connect it safely without calling a professional.
Whether you are replacing an old washing machine or setting up one in a new location, the key is making sure the cold water supply, waste pipe, and power supply are connected properly.
Following, we will take you step by step through the process, explain common issues like a blocked drain hose, and also discuss the cost of professionals installing the machine if you prefer not to DIY.
Suitable Places at Home for Connecting Your Washing Machine
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Choosing the right place for your washing machine is the first and most important step in the installation process.
The machine must have easy access to a cold water supply, a reliable drain pipe for the waste water, and a safe power supply nearby. Picking the wrong spot can cause leaks, vibrations, and even long-term damage to your home.
Here are the most common and suitable places in a house:
- Kitchen floor near the sink – in many homes, the kitchen is the default place for a washer. The cold water pipe, sink waste, and power supply are already in place, meaning you can simply connect the cold water inlet hose and waste hose without making changes to the existing pipework.
- Utility or laundry room – if you have a utility room, this is usually the best choice. These rooms are designed with heavy appliances in mind, so the water supply, waste pipe, and drain hose connections are already installed. A level floor is also more common here.
- Bathroom – in smaller properties or apartments, the bathroom is often the only option. The P trap under the sink or a nearby, the plastic U bend can handle the waste water hose, and the cold supply can usually be extended with a T fitting or mini stop valve.
- Garage or new location – some homeowners prefer to install the washer in a garage or basement. This is possible, but it often requires new branch pipes, a reliable water line, and sometimes the installation of a non return valve or rigid U bends to prevent leaks.
Overall, the best place for a washer is a combination of easy access to water, waste water drainage, electrical safety and stable placement. You should not ignore how level the floor is. If the washer isn’t stable, even after adjusting the feet, it may shake violently, cause excess noise, and shorten the machine’s lifespan.
How to Plumb a Washing Machine
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Plumbing in a new washing machine may sound intimidating, but with some preparation it’s a task most homeowners can handle. The key is understanding how the three main connections work: the cold water supply, the waste pipe for draining dirty water, and the power supply for running the machine.
Whether you’re swapping out an old washing machine for a modern model or setting one up in a new location, the process is similar.
Having a bucket spirit level, a pair of mole grips, and all the fittings (including U bends, T fittings, and a non return valve if required) will make the installation smooth.
By following the steps carefully, you can make sure your washer is in the correct position, properly connected, and ready to handle loads of washing clothes without leaks, excess vibration, or blocked drainage.
Disconnect the Old Washing Machine
If you are replacing an existing machine, unplug it first from the power supply. Then, locate the small blue tap (this is the isolating valve) that controls the cold water in pipe. Turn it so that the water flow is stopped.
Place a bucket underneath and carefully detach the old hose from the supply using a mole wrench or mole grips. You should also disconnect the waste hose from the sink waste or plastic U bend.
When moving the old machine, check for transit bolts or carriage bolts. If they’re still present, remove them using the correct tool. Keep in mind that the old washing machine may have collected dirt in the filter inside, so wipe the area clean before placing your new washing machine.
Turn Off the Cold Water Supply
To prevent leaks, make sure the cold water supply is fully shut off at the mini stop valve.
You might see water in an isolating valve connected to your pipework – always double-check that it’s secure. This step ensures you don’t accidentally flood the kitchen floor while installing.
Unpack the New Washing Machine
Once you have the machine unpacked, keep all the packaging until you’re certain the appliance works.
Carefully check for carriage bolts or transit bolts at the back. These bolts keep the drum stable during transport but must be removed before the washer is used. Most models have four bolts – unscrew them and keep them safe in case you move the washer again.
Check that you have all the fittings, including the new hose, cold water supply hose, and waste water hose. Look for extras like a non return valve or T fittings if your existing pipework requires them.
Secure the Placement of the Washer
Place the washer in its final position, but leave enough space to reach behind it while you connect the pipes.
Use adjustable feet and a spirit level to make sure it is in the correct position.
A machine that is not sufficiently fastened to the ground or sits unevenly will shake, especially during a quick cycle, and may even damage the kitchen floor.
Attach the Cold Water Hose
Connect the cold water hose (or cold water supply hose) to the cold water inlet at the back of the washer. The other end should be attached to the cold water in pipe or mini stop valve.
Hand-tighten the locking nut, and then give it a final twist with a mole wrench, but don’t overtighten, as it may damage the fitting.
If your machine also supports hot water, repeat the process for the hot line. In most UK homes, however, washers are manually fed only by a cold pipe, and the machine heats the water internally.
Connect to a Drainage System
Next, deal with the waste hose. You must attach the waste water hose to a suitable drain pipe or sink waste. Many homes use a rigid U bend or plastic U bend that clips the hose securely above the trap, preventing dirty water from siphoning back into the machine.
Make sure the hose is at the correct height, as installing it too low may lead to water siphoning out mid-cycle.
If you’re connecting to an existing pipework system, check for a P trap or use a T fitting to link the waste water hose securely.
Test the Water Pressure
Once both hoses are attached, slowly reopen the cold supply at the small blue tap. Let water flow into the cold water hose. Watch closely for leaks around the locking nut, mini stop valve, or the connection point at the machine.
If you spot drips, tighten gently.
Plug Your Washer to an Electric Socket
After confirming that the water line is secure, plug the washer into a nearby power supply. Ideally, this should be a dedicated socket and not an extension lead.
Position the washer in its final position, ensuring the adjustable feet are firm against the level floor.
Fixing the Issue with a Blocked Drain Hose
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Sometimes after installation, the washer won’t drain properly. This usually means the washing machine drain hose is blocked with lint or small debris.
To fix this follow the next steps:
- Switch off the power supply and close the cold water supply.
- Detach the drain hose from the sink waste or u bend.
- Run water through it or use a flexible cleaning tool to clear any obstruction.
- Check that the filter inside the machine is also clear of dirty water or debris.
A clean waste water hose ensures the washer runs smoothly without leaving clothes soaked.
What Is the Cost of Professionals Installing the Machine?
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If you don’t want to risk DIY, hiring a professional is always an option.
The average cost of installing a washing machine in the UK ranges between £50 and £150, depending on the complexity.
If the placement of your machine is tricky or you’re having problems with the different piping, should always call a professional to ensure a smooth installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a washing machine myself, or should I hire a professional?
Yes, many homeowners can install a new washing machine themselves if the cold water supply, waste pipe, and power supply are already in place. With basic tools like mole grips, a bucket spirit level, and the correct hoses and fittings, the process is manageable. However, if you need new branch pipes, a non return valve, or have limited access to the drain pipe, it’s safer to hire a professional installer.
Where is the best place to plumb in a washing machine at home?
The most common locations are the kitchen floor near the sink, a utility room, the bathroom, or even a garage. Each has pros and cons, but the best place is where you have easy access to a cold water pipe, a secure waste water drainage option such as a u bend or p trap, and a safe power supply. A level floor is also essential to avoid excess vibration and noise.
Why is my washing machine not draining after installation?
If your washer isn’t draining, the most likely cause is a blocked washing machine drain hose or debris in the filter inside the machine. Disconnect the drain hose from the sink waste or drain pipe, flush it with water, and clear any obstructions. Also, make sure the hose is at the correct height—if it’s too low, it can cause water to siphon out mid-cycle.
