Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner, or this is your first home, installing major appliances can feel intimidating. So many parts and pieces, and the instructions provided by manufacturers aren’t always clear.
Don’t let vague instruction manuals and a lack of experience prevent you from tackling your first washer and dryer hookup.
To make the project more relaxed, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide. Take a minute and learn the finer points of washer and dryer installation.
Table of Contents
First Things First
Before you run your first load of clothes, you’ll want to make the washer and dryer fit in your laundry space. Ideally, you’ll have measured the area before buying your new laundry machines.
Your next step is ensuring you’re not placing the washer and dry on uneven flooring.
Now, you can grab a few tools, including:
- Locking Pliers
- Adjustable Wrench
- Level
Next, turn off the power to the laundry area so that you avoid an electrical shock.
By the way, we’re assuming you have an existing washer/dryer connection. If not, call a qualified plumbing and heating company to come out and install the hookups.
Finally, grab a bucket, put it under the water outlets, and run water through both outlets to clear debris.
Washer Machine Hookup Made Easy
If you’re installing a brand new washing machine, remove the carriage bolts. Manufacturers attach the bolts to the backside of the machine—one on each corner.
Next, locate the water supply hoses and the drain hose. Most, but not all new machines come with the hoses. Look for them in the drum.
Connect the two water supply hoses to the faucets, then attach them to the washing machine. Turn the water on and look for leaks.
Now, for the drain hose! You can’t run water in a washing machine and not give it anywhere to go. The machine will come with the drain hose attached, but you’ll need to insert the end into a standpipe. If there isn’t a standpipe in your laundry area, you’ll need a sink.
The final step before you throw a load of clothes in is to make sure you don’t end up with a walking washer. Grab your level and level away!
Hooking Up a Dryer
You’ll buy either a gas or electric dryer. The electric dryer comes with a big old 240-volt plug, which also requires a 240-volt receptacle. Gas dryers use a conventional 120-volt plug and receptacle.
If you buy a gas dryer, you’ll connect a gas supply line and a vent. Before you start the installation, turn off the gas!
Gas supply pipes have threads, which you’ll wrap with pipe-wrap tape. Next, tighten a stainless steel connector to the pipe and thread your flexible gas supply line to the dryer’s gas valve.
The last step before turning the dryer on is to hook up the vent.
Enjoy Exploring Washer and Dryer Hookup?
As you can see, washer and dryer hookup isn’t such an intimidating project. The most difficult steps are those that involve hooking up the gas supply line.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this post, check out the rest of our articles. You’ll find posts on a range of topics, put together to make homeownership more enjoyable.
