Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Washing Machine Water Supply Hoses
Washing Machine Drain Pan
Washing Machine Hose Screens & Washers

Preparing to Hook Up a Washing Machine

Connecting a washing machine starts with ensuring you’ve got a suitable location. Make sure you have:

A hard, level floor
Proper clearance at the top and all around the appliance
A grounded, three-prong outlet on a dedicated circuit with a circuit breaker of the correct amperage
A location with the outlet in reach of the built-in cord (don't use an extension cord)
A suitable drain
Hot and cold threaded supply connections
Hot water temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit

Your manual will provide specifics, including instructions for additional electrical, water, drain and location requirements for your model. Read these instructions before you begin to hook up a washing machine.

Caution

Before beginning installation, turn off the breaker for the outlet that will power your washing machine. Keep the breaker off until you’ve completed installation.

Installing a Washing Machine

We’ll walk you through general steps to show you how to connect a washing machine, including hooking up the water supply and drain. We’ll also tell you how to level a washing machine so it’s ready to use. Instructions on how to connect a washing machine vary by model, however, so check your manual to see exactly how to install and level your specific washing machine. These tips apply to top-load washing machines and front-load washing machines, but installation for other types of washers may vary.

Tip

Don’t want to install a washing machine yourself? Find out about Lowe's washer and dryer installation and see our other appliance installation services. You can also learn about appliance haul away for your old washer.

Caution

A washing machine is heavy. Enlist a helper for moving and maneuvering the appliance. And follow any lifting instructions in your manual.

If you’re not comfortable with the steps below, call a professional. Some codes may require that a licensed professional installs a washing machine. Follow the codes for your area.

How to Install a Washer

Your washer may arrive in a carton secured with packing straps. Carefully cut and remove the straps. Remove the carton and any packing material around the washer. Recycle or dispose of the packaging properly, out of the reach of children and pets.

Your manual may have instructions for tilting the machine on its back to free it from the carton base. Typically, you don’t want the appliance to rest on the front or side, so follow the procedure from your manual. There may be a foam insert on the base — be sure it does not remain in the appliance.

With the washing machine upright and near the installation area, remove any shipping bolts, spacers, brackets, etc. according to your instructions. Leave the power cord retainer in place. Place the included caps over the bolt holes.

Connect the drain hose to the drain port on the washer and connect the water supply hoses to the washer. Install new supply hoses. Don’t reuse existing hoses. Insert the hose screens and washers into the washing-machine ends of the supply hoses and hand tighten the hose connections to the appropriate inlets on the back of the washing machine. Turn the connectors another 1/4 turn with the pliers.

Hold a bucket or small container under the hot and cold supply valves and turn them on to force out any debris that could clog the washer hose screens or enter the washer. Turn off the water.

Insert washers in the supply-end of the hoses and hand tighten the hose connections to the hot and cold supply valves. Use a pair of pliers to turn the connectors another 1/2 turn. Thread the connectors carefully to avoid cross threading. Don’t overtighten.

Open both valves fully. Check the connections and hoses for leaks.

Carefully maneuver the washing machine into the final installation location. Don’t jolt the machine, damage the feet or scratch the floor. If you’re placing the appliance in a drain pan, make sure the feet clear the lip of the pan and that the washer rests inside the pan, not on the lip.

Good to Know

Depending on the installation location, your local code may require a washer drain pan. For example, installation on an upper floor may require a drain pan. Follow the codes for your area. Install the drain pan as necessary according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Place the end of the washer drain hose into an appropriate drain or laundry tub. Use the included guide/bracket and ties to secure the hose in place.

For a drainpipe drain connection, don’t allow the hose to extend too far into the house drainpipe. Typically, you don’t want it extending more than 7 inches into the pipe. Make sure the hose doesn’t fit so tightly in the pipe that it seals the pipe. A drain hose that’s too deep in the pipe or a tight-fitting drain hose will allow the washer to siphon water up and out of the drain pipe.

With the breaker for the electrical outlet off, plug the washer power cord into the outlet. Turn the breaker on.

Check to ensure the washer is still level. Check the supply faucets to ensure they’re on and that the supply hoses are fully connected to the faucets and washer. Make sure the drain hose is secure in the drain or tub. Run a wash cycle according to your instructions and check for leaks.

Reversing the Door on a Front-Load Washer

If your front-load washing machine has a reversible door, your manual should have details on the process specific to your model. It can be a more complex process than hooking up a washing machine, however, so it’s a good idea to leave it to a professional.

Caution

If you choose to change the door orientation, unplug the washer from the power outlet before working on the door. Don’t attempt to change the door orientation unless your washer is equipped with a reversible door.

How to Install a Washing Machine

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Preparing to Hook Up a Washing Machine

Top-Load Washers

Front-Load Washers

Pedestal Washers

Washer & Dryer Sets

All-In-One Washer Dryers

Stacked Washers & Dryers

Stackable Washers & Dryers

Installing a Washing Machine

How to Install a Washer

Reversing the Door on a Front-Load Washer

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