Washing Machine and Dishwasher Installation Guide
INSTALL A NEW WASHING MACHINE OR DISH WASHER
This dishwasher and washing machine installation guide will explain step-by-step how to fit your new washing machine and dishwasher into an existing power supply and water supply.
You will need:
- A flat level floor for the appliance to stand on, close to an outside wall is best
- Wire wool
- Screw driver
- Spanner or wrench
- Paint stripper (optional)
There are three connections to be made when installing your new washing machine or dishwasher:
Water supply
Washing machines usually have both a hot and cold water connection; however dishwashers often only need to be hooked up to the cold water. If you are hooking your machine up from the supply that supplies that kitchen tap, the water will be at mains pressure. Most machines have an in-built flow restrictor in the cold water inlet to even out pressure.
Waste connection
The machine’s flexible hose is for disposing of waste water. It must discharge into a waste pipe or trap above the level of the top of the drum. The option is to hook the hose into the top of an open standpipe with a P-trap and the bottom. The waste pipe should through the outside wall to a hopper head or gully. An air gap at the top of the standpipe is important to stop back-siphonage of dirty water into the machine.
Manufacturers will recommend that you use a standpipe and insurers and water companies often insist on it being in place. But if you find it easier to position your washing machine next to a sink you can change the sink trap to a washing machine trap, saving space. This allows for a the waste hose to be inserted into an inlet. You should install a non-return valve to prevent back-flow again of waste disposal, or simply suspend the hose above the water flow, for instance a hook under a work surface.
Pipe connections
If you find the hoses in place are not long enough you must drain and cut the existing hoses and install T-fittings and run branch pipes to your appliance.
Simply follow these instructions to install your washing machine or dishwasher:
1. Clean the area of the connector and pipe with wire wool, this allows a good seal to be made. Any paint should be removed with white spirit or paint stripper.
2. Ensure the rubber seal is correctly installed then fit the saddle pipe. Take the back plate and fit the saddle over the top. You should screw the back plate to the wall for extra security and strength.
3. Clamp the saddle assembly around the pipe, insert the screws and tighten.
4. Ensure the valve is off then screw it to the saddle with your hand until you feel it bite into the pipe. Use the spanner or wrench to tighten the valve fully.
5. Attach the supply hose to the valve by screwing the capnut on to the threaded outlet, make sure it is tight.