Connecting a washing machine – very easy with these step-by-step instructions
You bought a new washing machine, but unfortunately did not pay attention to the fact that the connection of the machine was not included by the supplier. Now your new washing machine will arrive in a few days and you have no idea how to connect it. Is it perhaps better to appoint a professional for this? No, that is not necessary and only costs money unnecessarily. With these step-by-step instructions, you can easily connect your new washing machine yourself.
The topic at a glance
- Step 1: Choose the right place
- Step 2: Remove the transport locks
- Step 3: Connect the inlet and outlet hose
- Step 4: Buy aquastop
- Step 5: Connect the washing machine to an earthed mains socket
- Step 6: Connect the pull switch
- Step 7: Align the washing machine horizontally
- Connecting a washing machine – no specialist necessary
A washing machine cannot be placed just anywhere. Of course, there should be a water connection, a drain and also an earthed mains socket nearby so that the washing machine can be used at all. Care should also be taken to ensure that the length of the inlet and outlet hose is sufficient.
To avoid vibrations and noise, it is important to find a suitable location for the machine. It is best to place a washing machine on a solid surface. Suitable areas are, for example, the laundry room in an apartment building or a suitable basement area in a detached house. If the washing machine is to be placed on a wooden floor, a position in the corner of the room is the best way to ensure sufficient stability. For wooden floors, this is the most stable point.
Every new washing machine has transport locks on the back. These play an important role during transport, preventing the drum from moving. If the washing machine is installed, the transport locks must definitely be removed. Otherwise, the washing machine will be damaged when it is put into operation. The exact location of these transport locks depends on the washing machine. The instruction manual tells you where to find them. It also explains how to remove them. It is important to always keep these transport locks in a safe place. When moving house, they can prove very helpful.
Then connect the inlet hose to the washing machine and the water tap. The connection for this is usually located on the back of the machine, more precisely in the upper right corner. After connection, the connection sleeves located at both ends of the hose must be well tightened. To be able to check that no water is leaking at any point, you should open the water tap.
Now it is the turn of the outlet hose. With most machines, the outlet hose is already attached to the machine. Then it is only necessary to insert the hose into the drain pipe. It is important that it is hung deep enough, but not too deep either. It should be at least 10 cm, but no more than 20 cm. This prevents leaks. If you have a dryer and want to connect it to the same drain pipe, you should use a so-called Y-distributor. This allows both appliances to be connected to the same drain.
Many modern washing machines are already equipped with a so-called aquastop. This is used as water protection. If a washing machine does not have water protection, you should definitely buy an aquastop. This is simply mounted between the water tap and the water inlet hose. In the event that too much water enters the washing machine or the machine has a defect, the aquastop shuts off the water supply. This prevents uncontrolled water leakage.
Next, the machine's plug must be connected to a mains socket. Ideally, it should be an earthed mains socket, so that short circuits can be prevented. How can you tell that a mains socket is earthed? Quite simply, on the two metal pins located at the top and bottom. In the event that a pull switch is to be used instead of a mains socket, it is advisable to call in an electrician.
A pull switch is always the best choice if the washing machine is to be placed in the bathroom. A pull switch is a waterproof power connection. This makes it possible to use the washing machine safely even in a damp room. The pull switch prevents a short circuit caused by the water vapour.
The last step is to align the washing machine horizontally. Once the washing machine is in its final location, the spirit level comes into play. It is placed on the cover plate of the machine. Now adjust the feet of the washing machine until the spirit level indicates that the machine is absolutely level.
There are washing machines that also need to be calibrated, this is the case with Samsung models for example. Calibration prevents them from vibrating and making noise. Therefore, the corresponding models should be calibrated at the end.
As you can see, it's really not difficult to connect a washing machine. With a few simple steps, the machine is quickly ready for use. However, it is recommended to have a second person nearby to be able to put the machine in the right position. Also, when levelling the machine it is a good idea to have someone to say which foot needs to be placed a little higher or lower. Of course, it is also possible to connect a washing machine on your own. You now know how to do it and no longer need to worry about not being able to connect your new washing machine yourself. Simply follow our step-by-step instructions and you are ready to use the appliance for the first time.