How to install a washing machine

You won’t need much equipment. Just have these to hand:

• Your washing machine, with its hoses
• Grippy gloves (if the threaded parts are hard to turn)
• A spirit level

If you’ll attach the drain hose to a sink which hasn’t been connected before, you’ll also need:

• A hacksaw or similar cutting tool
• A metal hose clip (sometimes called a Jubilee clip)

If we’re replacing your washing machine under your Domestic & General plan or policy, check whether installation is included. That could save you the hassle of doing it yourself. To find out more, see our guide to how we replace products that can’t be fixed.

Now pull the machine out of the space again, so you can attach the hoses to the wall. Most modern washing machines only need to take cold water in. But if you have an older machine or a top-loader, it might need a hot water connection as well. If you’re unsure, check your manual.

New washing machines usually come with the cold water hose stored inside the drum. Take it out and screw it onto the threaded plastic connection on the back of the machine. It only needs to be tightened by hand – you can use grippy gloves if that helps. But avoid over-tightening as that can damage the parts.

Next attach the other end of the hose to the cold water pipe on the wall. The valve often has a blue part to show that it’s cold. Again, just tighten this by hand.

Most washing machines come with the drain hose already attached to the back. It’s usually a long, grey hose.

Some machines also come with a U-shaped bracket. This is for hanging the drain hose up, which stops dirty water going back into the machine. Put the hose on the bracket before you attach it to the wall or other surface (as it will be difficult afterwards). If drilling, you’ll need tools like a wall scanner to avoid electrical cables in the wall, a drill with the right bit, a screw and a wall plug. Typically the hose’s highest point needs to be 65cm to 100cm above the floor. Have a look for details in your user manual.

There are a few ways your drain hose can be connected:

• To the sink’s downpipe
• To an open-topped vertical pipe called a standpipe
• Hanging over a sink or basin

If you’re connecting to the sink’s downpipe, you’ll see a tapered plastic part which comes off at a right angle. Cut the tip off this part if it hasn’t been done already. Use a saw to remove about two centimetres from the thin end. Then fit the drain hose into that opening and secure it with a metal hose clip (Jubilee clip).

Or if the hose will go into a vertical standpipe, simply push the hose into that pipe. Check it can’t touch the bottom though – that could make the drain overflow or stop water draining.

For hanging the drain hose over a sink or basin, you need the U-shaped bracket that came with the hose. Attach that to the wall or another surface (usually 65cm to 100cm from the floor), checking it won’t get shaken off by vibration. Then make sure there’s a gap between the end of the hose and what it empties into. Otherwise, the hose can pull dirty water back into the machine.

Now you can plug in the machine and push it back towards the wall. Be careful to leave room behind so the hoses aren’t crushed.

It’s worth checking the machine is still level – use the spirit level and readjust the feet if needed.

Finally, give your washing machine a test spin. It’s better to catch any leaks now before they can cause a problem. So if you see water on the floor, find where it’s coming from. It might be a connection that needs tightening, or a hose that needs replacing.