Installing the washing machine: step-by-step installation instructions + professional tips

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Marina Smirnova
Last update: June 2019

Modern life is impossible to imagine without a washing machine. Priority is given to automatic models that relieve the most of hard work. A smart machine does everything on its own, but it is necessary to create conditions under which the unit will work for a long time and without fail.

One of the important points ensuring reliable operation is the installation of the washing machine and its subsequent connection. How to do it right and what nuances may arise during installation? We will analyze all the points in detail in this material. We also consider the features of installing a washing machine in various conditions - in the kitchen, in the corridor, in the bathroom and more.

Installation Wizards Recommendations

It often happens that a technique installed independently or by a master during spinning begins to vibrate. This indicates that the installation was not performed correctly. Therefore, before buying, you must decide on a place for the car, get acquainted with the recommendations of installation specialists.

Professional tips for installing the washing machine, as well as step-by-step instructions will help you install and connect in accordance with all the rules.

Tip # 1 - we prepare the conditions for installation

Choosing dimensions, type of construction and technical characteristics of the model, are guided not by their own wishes, but by the capabilities of the room in which it will stand.

Spacious washing machine
In a spacious bathroom, problems with installing a washing machine, as a rule, do not arise. In order to save it, place it as close as possible to the outlet, wiring the water supply and sewerage

The necessary conditions for the operation of the washing machine include the proximity of the outlet and water. This will help to prevent the extension of electric cables and hoses.

Pay attention to ease of use, as well as to the aesthetic component. Problems with accommodation most often arise in small apartments.

Tip # 2 - choose the best room

When choosing a place, the majority of users choose a bathroom as the most suitable from the point of view of logic. After all, it is here that water pipes and sewer are located. In addition, the washing process will be hidden from view.

Small-sized washing machine
The washing machine can be placed in a small bathroom, having previously decided on the size and place. In this case, to save space, the car was installed under the sink

When choosing a place for cars, pay attention to the following points:

  • the ability of the floor to withstand vibration;
  • the ability to lay communications over long distances;
  • during measurements, it is necessary to take into account irregularities on the walls;
  • the space for installing the machine should be at least 1 cm larger than its nominal size.

If there is not enough space, and the dimensions of the machine are large, you should think about placing the unit in the kitchen or in the corridor.

Tip # 3 - The Importance of Connecting Properly

The issue of proper connection of the washing machine to communications should be taken very carefully. Next, we consider this process in more detail.

Water connection to the car

Machine wash, like any other, is impossible without water. The water supply system must meet two basic requirements: sufficient pressure in the pipes and clean water.

If they are not respected, establish pressure boosting pumpand the water is filtered. A faucet is built into the pipe that supplies water to the machine to shut it off. Thus, the probability of leakage becomes minimal.

Power issue

A washing machine is a unit with high power. Residents of old apartments, in which the wiring did not change, are advised to conduct a separate cable, since the wires and sockets installed many years ago for connecting modern equipment are not suitable. The cable cross-section must meet the expected load.

Socket in the bathroom
The outlet for connecting the washer is installed with grounding. If we are talking about a room with high humidity, for example, a bathroom, then it is advisable to choose models with a protective cover

The installation and connection of a ground outlet is detailed in this stuff.

Tip # 4 - consider external factors

The ambient temperature and type of flooring should also be taken into account when installing the washing machine.

Quality floor and flooring

The requirements for floor quality are high. It must be strictly horizontal, solid and even.

The floor covering will have to withstand the vibrations created by the rotating drum. If doubts arise regarding the quality, it is necessary to strengthen it at the installation site of the machine.

Ambient temperature

In a heated apartment or house, the appliances are warm. With a long shutdown of heating, which is often observed in country houses and in technical rooms, equipment can not be left.

Washing machine hose
The water remaining inside the machine after washing is sure to freeze. This will cause the hose or even the pump to break and require repair / replacement

Stages of installation work

After the delivery of a new machine from the store, it is freed from packaging materials and transportation fasteners. Then the height of the legs is adjusted, and the machine is connected to the communications. From this moment you can start the first wash.

Step # 1 - Removing the Shipping Bolts

To prevent the moving parts of the washing machine from being damaged during transportation, they are fixed with special fasteners (bolts, bars, brackets).

If you do not remove them when you turn on the machine, the owner of the equipment will be disappointed. She will inevitably fail. To prevent this from happening, unscrew the bolts, remove the plastic spacers, and remove the staples.

Removing the transport bolts
Bolts are used to secure the drum during transportation. Before turning on the washing machine, the fixing parts are removed. If this is not done, the chassis will break.
Shipping Bolts
Fasteners should be packed in a bag or box and put in a safe place. They must be stored in case of relocation or delivery of equipment to the repair shop.

Special plugs that come with the device are inserted into the holes for the bolts.

Step # 2 - connecting to the water supply system

The machine is connected to the cold water supply through the included flexible hose. A hard connection is not recommended, since vibrations will affect the pipes, gradually destroying them.

Water connection
The reliability and durability of the connection to the water supply depends on the quality of the parts and the experience of the person involved in the connection. When connected to a metal pipe, an insert is made into the water supply using a crimp sleeve or a mortise clamp

A filter is included in the water inlet, which is included with the unit. The nut connecting the hose to the machine is screwed in manually. Rubber seal for tightness. The second end of the hose is also manually (without keys) connected to a cold water tap.

The hose is connected to the water supply by means of a cut-in pipe or tee. As a rule, it has a filter for purifying water from contaminants. It is connected to the machine using a conventional threaded connection.

Step # 3 - arranging the discharge of used water

The temporary and easiest solution for organizing a water drain is the end of the hose, lowered into a bath or sink. Typically, the waste water is poured into a siphon located under the sink through a splitter.

Drain the washing machine
Experts do not recommend lengthening the drain hose, as a result of which it quickly wears out, and an increased load is created on the pump out

The hose must have a length that allows it to sag and form a loop. The water that will be in the bend will block access to the unpleasant odor coming from the sewer.

To properly connect to the sewer system, you have to connect the drain hose. This is done in one of the ways: directly into the sewer or through a drain in a siphon under the sink.

To prevent gravity from draining water and spreading unpleasant odors, a water trap is created by bending the hose. Its upper level should be 60 cm above the floor plane. Detailed instructions for connecting the washing machine to the sewer and water supply are given in next article.

Step # 4 - leveling the legs

The rotation of the drum should be smooth, without distortions. This is achieved due to the strictly horizontal position of the upper plane.

Inspection is carried out using a building level. For deviations greater than 2 °, adjustment of the legs will be required. This is done by twisting them.

Leg twisting
If the car is not set in a strictly horizontal position by adjusting the legs, it will “jump” and make loud noises, creating discomfort for others
Washing machine foot
So that the twisted nut of the leg does not loosen, it is fixed with a lock nut. Correctly exposed supports are one of the prerequisites for the correct operation of the washing machine

Strong vibrations can damage individual parts of the machine and damage the unit. Do not align the position of the machine, placing pieces of wood, linoleum and other gaskets under the legs, as they easily pop out during operation.

Step # 5 - Connect to Power

The optimal solution is to connect to the shield using a three-wire cable on which the circuit breaker is mounted. Protection against a short to the housing is provided by the device RCD.

The outlet also has special requirements. It is mounted above the floor to a height that will not allow water to leak when leaking - at least 30 cm. In addition, it must be grounded.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the principles installation of sockets for washinginstallation of which is supposed in the bathroom.

The washing machine is connected to communications
Correct placement of the outlet directly affects the performance of the washing machine in the future. Indeed, in case of flooding, the equipment will be deprived of power, and the electric point will need resuscitation

Step # 6 - verify the installation

If all the steps are performed step by step, taking into account professional recommendations, and the machine is connected to all communications, and the plug is inserted into the outlet, then it's time to test its performance.

And at the same time, make sure that all actions are performed correctly. To do this, water is supplied and the functioning of the unit is checked. those. it is launched - washing without laundry. If leaks are found in the hose connections, the nuts are tightened.

Checking the operability of the washer
Compliance with a strict sequence of installation work, taking into account professional recommendations, is a guarantee that the machine will be installed correctly and its operation will not cause problems

Another important point to keep in mind is the preservation of packaging from under the new washer. The fact is that it must be stored for 7 days in case of exchange, if the machine turns out to be faulty, with defects or damage. The reason for the return may be a mismatch of dimensions.

What if the car "jumps"?

Most often, increased vibration occurs after the installation of machines. But time-tested aggregates can show their "temper" by bouncing and moving on the floor.

Machine vibration
The problem of the occurrence of vibrations is better to warn in advance than to deal with it. This will save the unit from damage, and the owner - from the cost of repair

So that the equipment does not fail, it is necessary to establish the cause of the vibrations and immediately eliminate it.

Strong vibrations can be observed in the following cases:

  1. Forgot to remove the fasteners (staples, bolts) that hold the moving elements during transportation.
  2. Uneven floor causing the car to swing.
  3. Slippery and too flat floor on which to put a rubber mat.
  4. The laundry inside the drum curled up in a lump.

Excessive vibrations can also cause technical reasons that only a specialist can install and eliminate. These reasons include shock absorber breakdown, wear of the springs with which the tank is attached, loosening of the counterweight fasteners, bearing failure and others

Any of these reasons must be urgently addressed, since procrastination is fraught with breakdown. Self-confidence and previous experience are good reasons for self-installation of household appliances.

Professional advice on how to properly install the washing machine yourself, as well as clear instruction will help to do this without errors.

Installation options in various conditions

Prior to installation, you need to consider in what conditions and mode the machine will work. Based on this, measures are taken to eliminate future operational problems.

Installation of the car in a private house

The scheme of electric cables and pipe wiring must be thought out even at the stage of construction or repair.

Washing machine in the basement of a private house
If the washing machine is located in the basement, its connection will be below the sewage level by 1.20-1.50 meters. The problem is solved by installing conventional pumping equipment

The dry basement of a private house is the best place to install washing and drying equipment.In this case, the residents of the house do not feel noise, smells and dampness.

Installation of equipment in the kitchen and in the corridor

Washing is not best combined with cooking and eating. However, very often the car is installed in the kitchen, as its design fits perfectly into the interior.

Washing machine in the kitchen
In the kitchen, the machine can be placed at any point. The most convenient option is to install it under a countertop or in a cabinet where it can be hidden behind the doors
Washing machine in the hallway
When installing in the corridor or in the hallway, it is better to place the car near the wall, behind which the bathroom is located. This will simplify the connection of the unit to the water supply and sewage system.

Less often it can be seen in the corridor. For such an installation, it is difficult to choose a place and you will have to solve the issues of laying communications in the floor or walls. You will also need to hide the machine behind the curtain, place it in a built-in closet or under the countertop.

Placement on laminate or wooden floor

The ideal surface for the washing machine is solid and hard concrete. The wooden floor enhances the vibrations that destructively affect the surrounding objects and the unit itself.

Anti-vibration mat under the machine
Anti-vibration mats are made of various materials, they are diverse in structure, but serve one purpose - to protect the unit from vibration and prevent its breakdown

The floor can be strengthened in several ways:

  • concreting a small foundation;
  • equipping a solid podium on steel pipes;
  • using anti-vibration mat.

The listed methods will help reduce unpleasant vibrations, but they can not be compared with a concrete screed.

Features of the installation of the embedded machine

The built-in model is an ideal option that will fit into any interior. Hoses and wires are hidden behind the cabinet, and its front door is identical to the headset.

Built-in washing machine
In built-in cars, only the front loading option is provided. In this case, it is necessary not only to install the machine, but also provide space for opening the hatch

This type of equipment is more expensive than usual, so many are wondering whether it is possible and how to install or integrate the machine in a cabinet.

The problem is solved, it is performed in several ways:

  • by installing under the countertop;
  • placement of a compact model in a finished cabinet;
  • installation in a specially made cabinet, with or without a door.

To prevent neighboring cabinets from vibrating, the base must be solid.

Installing the machine over the toilet

To owners of small toilets, the idea of ​​installing a typewriter over the toilet may seem strange. But there are enthusiasts who can solve even such a difficult task.

Toilet washing machine
The design for installing the washer should be as thoughtful and reliable as possible. European manufacturers produce powerful fasteners, but their cost is very high

When planning an installation, pay attention to the following points:

  1. If the quality of the walls is in doubt, a steel structure based on the floor is manufactured.
  2. A suspended shelf is made of a strong metal profile.
  3. The shelf is equipped with a safety edge so that under the influence of vibration the machine does not slip off it.
  4. A retractable shelf will prevent laundry being pulled out of the machine falling into the toilet.
  5. The mounting height is made so that the toilet drain remains in the access area.
  6. It is more convenient to place the car not over the toilet, but behind it.
  7. It is better to choose a model with a small depth.

In order for the unit to stay on weight and at the most inopportune moment not fall on its head, it is necessary to adhere to safety precautions.

It should be remembered that if necessary repairs, the heavy machine will have to be lowered to the floor and then returned to its place.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Useful tips for those who decide to install the car with their own hands:

How to connect water and sewer drain yourself:

How to “curb” a galloping car:

Step-by-step installation of the washing machine:

The installation process of the washing machine is quite simple and does not take a lot of time. Its quality depends on many factors. An inexperienced owner of the equipment should not take up the job, as the consequences can cause a lot of trouble to him and his neighbors. In this case, it is better to consult a specialist.

Do you want to supplement the above material with useful recommendations for installation or connection? Or noticed inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the information? Please write about this in the comments to our publication.

If you have questions or you can’t figure it out in any way with the instructions for installing the washer, ask our experts and other visitors to the site for advice.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Starik

    Installation tips are understandable, but not in all situations useful and feasible. For example, to place a washer in the corridor, in my opinion, is not at all aesthetically pleasing. Although, of course, the situation with free space is different. When I connected the washing machine, I personally encountered the problem of uneven floors. I had to torment to level the machine. And without it, at high speeds, she jumped like crazy.

    • I just have a washer in the hallway, in a niche behind the bathroom wall. True, I had to lay the supply and drain in the floor, but there was a repair and this did not cause serious problems. Modern cars have a fairly aesthetic appearance, so I think hiding them somewhere is useless. But I consider combining washing and cooking a disgusting option.

  2. Maxim

    When I was making repairs in the bathroom, I immediately chose the place where the washing machine will be located, as I brought it to the drain, a water pipe and a power outlet. It is necessary to turn during installation at a distance from the walls so that when pushing it does not hit the wall. Do not forget to check the transportation bolts, because I forgot to remove them and she began to hit the floor so hard. And on uneven floors, you can use the adjustment of the legs.

    • Alexei

      By the way, when I also bought my first washing machine, I forgot to unscrew the transportation bolts. However, she didn’t really jump at me. In fact, the bolts simply hold the drum, forcing it to only rotate, but not to move back and forth. My washing machine only jumped when it was set out of level. A pair of measurements and twisted legs quickly change the situation.

    • Alice

      Hello Maxim! I agree with you that it is necessary to check the transportation bolts, because during the spin cycle the washing machine will hit the floor like that if not removed. My neighbors even complained, and then took off and everything is fine. Lucky that it does not make noise on its own, took a hotpoint.

  3. Larisa Konopatchenkova

    Three Indesit were connected (with a difference of a couple of years in total) and I can say for sure that this is done manually very simply.

  4. Vladimir

    And on sale there are rubber “anti-vibration” legs (a set of 4 pieces) that actually reduce the noise from the SM.

  5. This article is useful, tips for installing the washing machine are clear. It would seem that this is a simple situation, but we personally faced with the fact that after buying a washing machine we forgot to remove the transport bolts, which is why at first the machine behaved unevenly during washing.

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