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How to Install a Kenmore Topload Washing Machine

Kenneth Crawford

Now that you have your new Kenmore topload washing machine home, it is time to install the washer. All of the hardware and hoses necessary for installation are usually inside the tub of the washer. When installing the washer, you want to have the washer close to its final location. This way you can be sure that the drain hose and water supply hoses will reach. If necessary, purchase longer hoses prior to installing the washer. Before installing, be sure that the hardware kit is complete. You should have a drain hose, two water supply hoses, two spring clamps and two washer foot assemblies. Once you know you have all the hardware, it is time to install the washer.

Step 1

Locate the yellow shipping strap on the back of the washer near the bottom. If the strap is still on the washer, grab the strap in the middle and pull it out of the washer. There will also be two cotter pins on the strap. Move the washer to within three feet of its working location.

Step 2

Remove the drain hose, water supply hoses and any other hardware out of the washer tub. Wet the end of the straight portion of the drain hose in warm water. This will make installing the drain hose to the washer a little less difficult. Grab a spring clamp from your hardware bag and compress the ears on the clamp with a pair of pliers. Slide the clamp over the straight end of the drain hose until the clamp is 1/4 inch past the end.

Step 3

Locate the drain connector on the right rear of the washer. Compress the ears on the drain hose clamp with pliers and twist the end of the drain hose into the drain connector until the hose hits the rib on the connector. Position the clamp over the connector where the connector is stamped "CLAMP." Release the clamp.

Step 4

Find the second spring clamp in your hardware bag and slide it over the solid hook end of the hose. Compress the ears of the clamp with a pair of pliers and slide the clamp down the hook until it reaches the spot where the hose and hook connect. Release the clamp to secure the hose to the hook. Place the hook-end of the hose into your house drain pipe or the laundry sink.

Step 5

Install the rubber flat washers into each end of the two supply hoses. Attach the hose with the "Hot" label to the hot water supply faucet and the hose with the "Cold" label to the cold water faucet. Thread the hoses onto the faucet spigots just like a garden hose until they are hand tight. Turn the hose connections another 2/3 turn with the pliers.

Step 6

Attach the hot water supply hose to the bottom connector on the washer fill valve. The connection will have an "H" next to it. Twist the hose connection until it is hand tight. Turn the connection another 2/3 turn with the pliers. Attach the cold water hose to the upper connector on the fill valve. Thread the hose until it is hand tight and turn another 2/3 turn with the pliers.

Step 7

Turn on both water spigots and check the hose connections for leaks. Tighten the connections where necessary.

Step 8

Tip the front of the Kenmore washer up and place two pieces of wood on top of each other under the middle of the front of the washer. Lower the washer onto the wood. Grab the two front feet from the hardware bag and thread the locking nut until it is 1 inch above the top of the foot base.

Step 9

Thread the foot stems into the holes on each front corner of the washer bottom until the nut touches the washer. Tilt the washer back and remove the wood from under the washer. Gently lower the washer back to the floor.

Step 10

Position the washer to its working location. Tilt the washer toward you until the rear bottom of the washer is 4 inches off the floor. You will hear the rear self-adjusting feet click into place. Lower the washer back onto the floor. Place a 4-foot level across the top of the washer to check the level of the washer. Repeat the rear tipping if necessary. Tighten the two front feet nuts with a wrench when the washer is level. Plug the Kenmore washer's power cord into the wall outlet.