Plumber - Plumb In Washing Machine

Plumbers Tips - How To Plumb In A Washing Machine

The first step in plumbing a washing machine is determining the location of the washer. It should be on an outside wall near a sink.

A washing machine will require a hot and cold water source as well as an electrical source. Once the location is determined, the type of fitting will dictate the plumbing steps.

The types of fittings to choose from are self-cutting fittings, compression fittings or push fittings. Self-cutting fittings are easier to install and require fewer tools but they are a more expensive option. If you have all the necessary tools, such as pipe cutters and spanners, compression or push fittings are more cost effective. Plumbing a washing machine with self-cutting fittings does not require draining of the water system. Usually whichever brand of self-cutting fittings you buy will contain specific instructions to follow. The general steps are open the back plate of the tap and clamp this around the pipe, then a screw is inserted and the tap body screws into the back plate. This screw cuts a hole into the pipe and then the washing machine hose is installed into the tap.

Plumbing a washing machine with compression or push fittings requires shutting off the water to the pipe section in the washer location. Look for a shut off valve between the main valve and the pipe but if none can be located, it may be necessary to shut it off at the main valve. After shutting off the water, drain the water in the pipes. There may still be some water present even after draining so have a bucket or rag nearby in case water spills out of the pipe. Using a pipe slice, hacksaw or plastic pipe cutter as appropriate, cut out a section of pipe where the t-piece will be inserted. Use either a t fitting and a washing machine tap or a machine tap t-piece inserted into pipe and tighten. Connect washing machine hose and turn water back on checking for leaks.

After the water source is plumbed in, it is time to plumb the waste side of the installation. The easiest way is to attach the waste hose to the spigot trap underneath a sink. This spigot is located on the side of the waste trap and is connected with a jubilee clip. If there is no spigot, use a self-cutting waste outlet. A cutter removes a circular piece of the plastic pipe and another piece is screwed into the waste pipe to which the machine waste hose is attached. The waste pipe from the machine must be higher than the height of the waste trap on the drain.