Today’s laundromats are synonymous with bulky bags and long waiting times. It’s no wonder that with the economical prices of washers and dryers, most families have already installed a set in their homes. If your home does not come with these devices, don’t worry, with tips from the professional MidCity Plumbers team, you can install a washer and dryer in a few simple steps:
Before installing your washer and dryer
Step 1 – Run the hot and cold water lines, if necessary
If you are installing the washer and dryer in a new room in the house, you may need to run hot and cold water lines to appliances and terminate them with shutoff valves. If necessary, install a water hammer between the shut-off valve and the water inlet to control water pressure shocks. The water hammer arrester will eliminate the snapping and flapping in the pipes. Your home’s water pressure should stay around 60 pounds per square inch. If you are not sure, you can check it with a water pressure gauge.
Step 2 – Place your washer and dryer
When you place the washer and dryer, you should get help so you don’t hurt yourself. Make sure the spot you choose is completely flat using a level, or the washer might “walk” through your laundry room during the spin cycle. Plus, you can adjust the washer’s “feet” to make sure it stays stable. Make sure that all hose connections and cords can reach their sources safely. Never use an extension cord, especially on a clothes dryer. Pipes and vents should reach their source without forcing or restricting the flow of water or air.
Always putting the dryer on top of the washing machine. The reason is dryers weigh less than washing machines. You must find a space with an adequate electrical connection and a temperature between 5 and 35 degrees so that it works the same way in summer as in winter. Also, be aware that most dryers can be hooked up to the sewer, so you don’t have to manually empty the condensate tank. If you choose this option, a water outlet will also be necessary.
Step 3: Prepare assembly kit
It is not just an accessory. The common kit allows you to make this column placement ensuring the security that does not move and does not fall. There are several models of kit and you have to choose the right one according to the model of the dryer. If you have any doubts about the choice, just ask us. Some even have a removable table that supports clothes and saves even more space.
Step 4: Cut off the power
Before proceeding with the installation, turn off power to the area in which you will be installing the machines through the appropriate circuit breaker in your home. Do not skip this step, otherwise, you may be electrocuted during installation.
Installing a washer
Step 1: Fixing the pipes
Secure the hoses to the correct socket, observing the hot and cold connections. Use silicone tape to secure. In addition, some modern washing machines have a water removal valve. Make sure to connect this according to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Step 2: Pipe installation
If you have an existing laundry room sink, you can hang the washer’s drain hose over the edge to allow drainage. Otherwise, you must use a standpipe – a 2 inch polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, pipe that attaches to an existing drainage system. You can purchase these hydrants from your nearest plumbing outlet. close, or you can build them from scratch.
Step 3: Set up a trap, if necessary
You will also need to install a trap if you need to use a vertical pipe. The riser should be 18-30 inches above the trap, with the trap being 6-8 inches above ground level.
Step 4: Light the washer
Plug in the washer, turn on the washer breaker, and make sure the water faucets are on. Then turn on the machine to start filling the washer. Check for leaks. If you can’t find it, you have successfully installed the washing machine.
Washer installation
Installation of a gas dryer
Warning: If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with using gas, call a gas fitting professional. Working with gas can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to find and fix leaks.
The method of installing your dryer depends on whether you have a gas or electric appliance. A gas dryer is more energy efficient than an electric dryer because the gas dryer uses a 120 volt outlet instead of a 240 volt outlet. But, you might want to install an electric dryer if you don’t already have the proper gas supply and vent in your laundry room.
Step 1: Connect the gas supply
When everything is closed, including the circuit breakers and the gas valve, connect the gas supply to the shut-off valve. Use silicone tape made for gas installations for added safety. Then connect the flexible gas supply line to the dryer.
Step 2: Check for gas leaks
Check the gas connection for leaks using a 50 to 50 ratio of liquid detergent and water. Turn gas on at the main gas shutoff valve. If you see bubbles around any gas connection, make sure the fitting is tight and that no bubbles are forming. When you’re done, turn off the gas again.
Step 3: Venting the Dryer
Drain the dryer by attaching a metal hose. Use the appropriate lengths to reach the exit. Then use sheet metal screws to secure all elbows and fittings and wrap the connections with duct tape. Never ventilate a dryer in a crawl space or attic. This could cause mold and mildew to form.
Step 4: Attaching the power cord
If the power cord is not already installed, attach one now by following the same instructions as in “Installing an Electric Dryer” below. Then you can plug in your power cord, turn on the gas and electricity, and test your dryer.
Installation of an electric dryer
If you have chosen to use an electric dryer because you do not have a gas supply, install one by following the steps below.
Warning: If you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with electricity, call a professional. Although the project is not difficult, you will be working with high voltage electricity.
Step 1: Buy the right power cord
Some dryers don’t come with a power cord, as older homes often use three-prong 220-volt outlets, while newer ones use four-prong 200-volt outlets. Determine your laundry room outlet and purchase the appropriate cord.
Step 2: Make sure the power is off
Before installing the hair dryer, make sure the power to the dryer is turned off.
Step 3: Install a four prong cord
If you have a three prong cord, go to the next step. To install a four-prong cord, connect the white, black, and red cord wires to the matching ones on the dryer. Make sure to attach the green ground wire to the green dryer’s ground screw. Remove any copper strap or green wire running from the ground screw to the wire of the white dryer.
Step 4: Installing a three prong cord
Using a three-prong cord, connect the red wire from the dryer to one of the outside wires. Connect the other outside wire to the black wire, then connect the center wire to the wire of the white dryer and the ground strap that is attached to the ground screw.
Step 5: Secure the vent pipe
Using hose clamps, secure the vent pipe to the exhaust duct and to the dryer port.
Step 6: Dryer Test
When you’re done, you can plug in the dryer and turn it back on. Test the electric dryer to make sure it works.
Installing the washer dryer in a column is not complicated, as you have seen. But if you run into any troubles or don’t have time and experience to execute it, trust the official technical service like MidCity Plumbers. We are certified plumber team in Burnaby, promise to perform the best plumbing services at competitive price.
