How to Install a Washing Machine (a Guide for Girls)

If you are a girl and, like me, you prefer to unleash the carpenter in you rather than do ''female'' household chores (and of course save some money), this Instructable is for you!

I can't deny, I rather install a washing machine than do the laundry...! ^_^

Anyway, I made this Instructable mainly for girls because most of the time it's true that we maybe are afraid to mess with this kind of things but of course this guide could be useful to anyone and no gender offense are intended! I'm a girl installing a washing machine so I refer to this as a ''girly guide'' or as a girl's viewpoint. Nothing more nothing less! Plus, I'm not encouraging minors to do things like that without supervision (of course I'm not one)! ^_^

Important note: I am not a plumber nor an electrician, I made this guide based on the manufacter's instructions and some knowledge I gathered over the years messing with electricity and hydraulic systems. If you are not sure, please consult an expert.

Although the hydraulic system of installing a washing machine is more or less the same around the world, this Instructable was made based on European standards.

Step 1: Unpacking and Checking the Details on Your Washing Machine

The washing machine I installed is an Indesit model IWC71252.

The basic concept of installing a washing machine is

1. unpacking
2. levelling
3. connecting the electricity and water supplies:
   • connecting the water inlet hose
   • connecting the drain hose
   • connecting the electrical plug

1. Unpacking

Remove the packaging from the washing machine and make sure it has not been damaged during the transportation process. If so, contact immediately the retailer and don't proceed any further with the installation.

Looking at the back of the washing machine, you'll notice three (or four based on the model) protective screws with rubbers. Choose the right size of wrench to unscrew the bolts and then remove the rubbers if any. They shouldn't be too hard to loosen (just use a bit of gentle muscle power and everything's gonna be fine..! I'm not particulary strong so I'm sure you can manage!).Keep these screws in a safe place because these screws prevent the washine machine's drum to move and then to be damaged during transportation. If you plan to move and to bring the washing machine with you then these are essential. The manufacturer should provide some plastic plugs to close off the holes.

After that, check for technical data on the back, there should be a sticker describing electrical connections and water connection values.

2. Levelling

Be sure to install the washing machine on a flat sturdy floor, without resting it up against walls, furniture, cabinets or anything else. If the floor is not perfectly level, compensate for any unevenness by tightening or loosening the adjustable feet at the bottom of the washing machine. This will prevent your washing machine from ''walking'' when spinning (I'm sure you don't want to have a crazy walking washing machine as roomy...)

Step 2: Connecting Water/electricity

1. Connecting the water inlet hose

The manufacter should provide you a water inlet hose but if not so, make sure to buy one separately the size needed. Connect the supply pipe by screwing it to a cold water tap using a 3/4 gase threaded connection (provided with the hose). Before doing this, allow the water to run freely until it is perfectly clear, especially if you didn't use that water pipe for long time. Connect the inlet hose to the washing machine by screwing it onto the corresponding water inlet of the appliance, which is usually on the top right-hand side of the rear part of the appliance. Before using the washing machine be sure the hose is not folded over or bent (mine was only for photo purpose).

Note: Most european washing machines are provided only with the cold water supply but in other countries isn't unusual to find a hot tap water supply too. If this is your case, just connect the hot water inlet hose in the corresponding appliance. If again you are not sure, contact an authorised technician.

Before using the washing machine, be sure that the water pressure at the tap falls within the values indicated again in the technical details table (spilled water all over the place isn't a must...)

2. Connecting the drain hose

Mine drainage duct was on the wall and it was really easy to install the hose because the only thing I had to do was to screw it on the the duct (not with the bad meaning... :P), but if you don't have one like this you can rest the drain hose on the side of a washbasin or bathtube fastenening a U shaped plastic stopper supplied by the manufacturer on the board (this will prevent the hose from moving when the washing machine is draining), being sure that the free end is not underwater. Don't rest it on WC because this is too low and you risk that water is returning in the washing machine.

Generally, the drain hose (either on wall either on washbasin) should be located at a height between 65 and 100 cm from the floor. If not so, water will return inside the washing machine and I am sure you are not gonna like how your clothes will smell...

Don't use hose extensions, try to locate your washing machine as near as possible to water supply/drainage duct.

Again, hose shouldn't be bend or folded over (mine was only for taking photos).

3. Connecting electrical plugs

One more step and you are ready to use the washing machine! Be really sure that before plugging the washing machine into the electrical socket, the latter is able to withstand the maximun power load of the appliance as well as the power supply falls within the values indicated in the technical data table. The washing machine must not be installed outdoors, even in covered areas! If you are not sure, contact an electrician and don't proceed further.

Important: Don't plug in the washing machine with bare foots or/and wet hands!! Einstein hairstyle is not a fashion this season!

Step 3: The First Wash Cycle

And now that you have everything settled down you have to press finally the START button...!

The first time you turn on your washing machine it is important to run a wash cycle with detergent and no laundry, like a test ride to see if everything's ok. If not so, you should contact your retailer. Consult your manual to see what program-temperature combo is appropriate for the test wash. Mine was a cotton standard programm (number 2 or 3 if you have the same model as mine) with temperature 40° or 60° C. If your washing machine has an adjustable spin speed, put it on an average speed, not too fast not too slow, remember this is a check test.

But if everything is just fine and you managed to not have leaking water all over the place then congrats! Enjoy your brand new washing machine! ^_^