Can I plumb in a washing machine myself?

Can I plumb in a washing machine myself?

If you’re simply replacing an old machine with a new one, and putting it in the same place as your old one, washing machines are easy to install yourself, as long as your plumbing is up to date and is suitable for the new machine. All you need to do is connect up the correct pipes and plug it in.

However, before going ahead with installing a washing machine yourself, you should consider the following things:

• Are you physically able to move around a heavy, bulky washing machine?

• Is your machine free-standing or built-in? If it’s built-in, you might want to consider calling out a professional

• Is your current plumbing up to scratch?

• Will you be placing your new washing machine in a different location? You may need to call out a professional for this as new plumbing work may be required

How to plumb in a washing machine

Plumbing in a freestanding washing machine is simple if you’re able to lug around a heavy, bulky box. Follow the steps below to learn how to install a washing machine yourself.

You’ll need:

Pliers or a wrench Bucket Spirit level

How to install a washing machine:

1. Switch off and unplug your old machine

2. Switch off the water supply isolating valve. This will usually be a small blue tap near to your machine on the wall, or under your kitchen sink

3. Unscrew the cold water-in pipe. Have a bucket ready to catch any water from the hose

4. Pull out the waste water hose. This is the pipe that runs into your kitchen floor. Move your washing machine out of the way

5. Remove the carriage bolts from your new machine

6. Attach the cold water-in hose. Your new pipes might be inside the drum of your machine

7. Turn the water supply back on and check for any drips or leaks

8. Attach the waste water hose.This should come attached to your machine and will need feeding into the waste water pipe

9. Level out your washing machine once you’ve put it in place with a spirit level. You can adjust the level with the legs at the front of the machine

10. Plug in your new machine and you’re ready to use it

When to call in a professional

Unless you really know what you’re doing, you’ll want to call out a professional if you have got an integrated washing machine, as the steps to installing integrated washing machines are more complex than for freestanding machines.

Plumbing services with Home Assist

Plumbing in your new washing machine yourself could save you between £20 and £50 compared to installation and recycling services from big name stores. If you’re capable of installing an integrated washing machine yourself, you could save up to around £80.

However, if you’re not able to install a washing machine yourself, Home Assist is on hand to help. Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services, and our Home Cover plans.