How to Hook Up a Washing Machine

Whirlpool Energy Star Washer

Hooking up a washing machine is a straightforward task that you can accomplish with just a few tools. New washers come with an installation kit consisting of supply and drain hoses. If you're installing a washing machine that's been used before, it's a good idea to buy new supply hoses and be certain that the fittings are in good condition and the hoses themselves are strong and not kinked. Follow these guidelines to set up your washer.

Things You'll Need

• Washing machine supply hoses
• Pliers
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Move the washing machine to laundry area. Make sure the power cord will reach the AC outlet without using an extension cord and that the supply and drain hoses can reach the plumbing.

2. 

   Press a flat nylon washer into each side of both supply hose connectors. Attach the hot and cold supply hoses to the inlet valve fittings on the washing machine and to the hot and cold water faucets. Screw the couplings on hand tight, and then tighten them with pliers an extra quarter turn.

3. 

   Route the drain hose from the washing machine drain outlet to the standpipe or laundry sink. Secure it with a tiedown strap to ensure it doesn't pull loose when water is pumped through it.

4. Be sure all four feet of the washing machine are in solid contact with the floor. If not, adjust them by turning the nuts on the feet up or down with a wrench.

5. Plug the power cord into a grounded three-prong outlet. Set the washer's water level to its highest setting and fill the machine with water. Check the hoses for leaks as the washer fills and tighten them more if needed.

6. Advance the washing machine's timer to the drain cycle and check that water doesn't overflow the standpipe or laundry sink when it's pumped out. If it does, remove the drain hose and clear any obstruction in the drain before running the machine.