Q&A for How to Hook up a Washer and Dryer

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Question

What supplies do I need to install a washer?

Homer Flores
Appliance Repair Specialist
Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area.

Homer Flores

Appliance Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

Washer installs will require a set of supply lines, channel lock pliers, and a zip tie to fasten the drain line to the supply lines.

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Question

How can I stop my washer from bouncing around on the spin cycle?

Community Answer

Ensure the washer is level and that all four feet are *completely* on the floor. If only three feet are firmly on the floor (with the fourth nearly down but not bearing weight) it can wobble and walk. Also verify the machine is level using a bubble level, any imbalance can cause strong forces during spinning. These are shown in steps 4-1 and 4-2 above.

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Question

Why are the new connecting hoses to the water taps each over four feet long even though the washer is one foot from the taps? Also, why wouldn't I get warm water unless I cut back on the cold water hose?

Community Answer

The extra length is there in case you need to move the washer further away from the wall than just one foot (to clean behind it, etc.). As to your second question, you may use up the water if you don't cut back.

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Question

How do I find out which side is the hot water?

Community Answer

Run the water into a bucket and touch it. If it's hot, that's the hot water.

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Question

If the hook ups are not color coded, how do I know which is hot or cold?

Community Answer

Put a bucket underneath them both and run your water to see which one is cold and which one is hot.

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Question

Do I need vacuum breaks on my water hoses?

Community Answer

They may be required as part of the local building code, in that case you need them. Otherwise they are optional. Washers are designed to prevent backflow by having an air gap inside the machine to the tub, and another air gap from the drain line to the drain. Step 3-7 above mentions the air gap on the drain line, but probably could be more visible.

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Question

Does it matter which side the washer goes on and which side for the dryer?

Community Answer

Yes. The connections for the washer will be on one side, and the dryer connections will be on the other. If you try to connect the hot and cold pipes and the connections are where the dryer is, you might not be able to get the pipes attached to the washer.

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Question

What do I do if I hooked up my washing machine and it's not coming on?

Community Answer

Check your fuse box to make sure the power is on for that section of your home. Test the electrical outlet with another device. If both of these are good, you'll have to contact the washer's manufacturer for further guidance.

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Question

My washer is set for a cool wash and a cool rinse, but the rinse is coming out warm. What is the problem?

Community Answer

It sounds like the hoses are hooked up to the water source incorrectly.

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Question

Do you have to install a hot water hose if you only use cold water?

Justin

Community Answer

No, you don't have to install the hose. You'll only be able to use the settings/options with cold/cold.

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Question

Do you open the faucets all the way?

Justin

Community Answer

You should be able to open your valve all the way under normal circumstances. The components within the washer call for water, stop the water, and maintain the water levels.

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