How Do You Set Up a Washer?

Setting up a new washer involves several key steps to ensure it functions correctly and safely in your home. Follow these steps for a successful installation:

Essential Steps for Washer Installation

Proper washer setup ensures longevity and efficient performance. Here are the critical stages you need to complete:

1. Prepare the Space

Before your new washer arrives or before unboxing, ensure the designated area is ready.

• Clear the space: Remove any old appliances, debris, or obstacles.
• Check hookups: Verify the location has access to:
  • A grounded electrical outlet.
  • Hot and cold water supply valves.
  • A drain standpipe or utility sink.

2. Remove the Packing Material

Washing machines are shipped with various materials to prevent damage during transit.

• Locate all packaging: Check inside the drum, around the exterior, and especially on the back.
• Remove shipping bolts/rods: These are crucial to remove as they stabilize the drum during transport. Failure to remove them will cause severe vibration and potential damage during operation. Consult your owner's manual for specific locations and removal instructions.
• Keep the manual and parts list for future reference.

3. Measure the Supply Hoses

Standard washers typically come with supply hoses, but sometimes you might need longer ones depending on the distance to your water valves.

• Measure the distance from the washer's water inlet connections to the hot and cold water valves on the wall.
• Ensure the provided hoses are long enough without being excessively long, which can create kinks.
• Consider using braided stainless steel hoses for durability and leak prevention.

4. Connect the Water Supply to the Washing Machine

This step requires careful attention to avoid leaks.

• Identify the hot and cold water inlets on the back of the washer (usually labeled).
• Connect the appropriate hose (hot to hot, cold to cold) to the corresponding inlet on the washer.
• Tighten the connections by hand first, then use pliers or a wrench to tighten them about an additional half to three-quarters of a turn. Do not overtighten.
• Ensure rubber washers are properly seated inside the hose connectors.

5. Attach the Drain Hose

The drain hose carries wastewater away from the washer.

• Locate the drain outlet on the back of the washer.
• Securely attach one end of the drain hose to this outlet, following your washer's specific instructions (it might involve a clamp).
• Insert the other end of the drain hose into a standpipe or over the edge of a utility sink.
• Ensure the drain hose is properly secured to prevent it from whipping out during draining, which can cause flooding. The hose end should be above the water level in the standpipe to prevent siphoning.

6. Turn the Water on At the Water Valves

Once the supply hoses are connected to both the washer and the wall valves, it's time to introduce water into the hoses.

• Slowly turn on the hot and cold water supply valves completely.
• Check all hose connections (at the wall and the washer) for any leaks. Tighten connections slightly if necessary, but avoid overtightening.

7. Level the Washer

A level washer is essential to minimize vibration, noise, and wear and tear during cycles.

• Use a level placed on top of the washer (front-to-back and side-to-side).
• Adjust the leveling feet at the bottom of the washer (usually four) by screwing them up or down until the machine is level.
• Ensure all feet are making firm contact with the floor and consider tightening the lock nuts on the feet if applicable to prevent them from shifting.

Quick Setup Checklist

Following these steps will help ensure your washing machine is installed correctly and ready for use. Always refer to your specific washer's installation manual for detailed instructions and any model-specific requirements.