How to correctly install and connect a washing machine with your own hands
Many people cannot imagine their life without a washing machine, which greatly simplifies the washing process. It's no secret that before using a new washing machine, it must be installed and connected to the sewer. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the main features of installing the washing machine.
Installing the washing machine yourself: advantages and disadvantages
Before connecting the washing machine with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of self-installation of such a device.
The main advantages are:
- To save money.If a person manages to install the machine in his home and connect it to the sewage system, he will save a lot of money. He does not have to spend money to call a specialist and pay for his services.
- Ease of repair. It is much easier for a person who installed the machine to install the automatic machine himself to fix the malfunctions that have arisen. After all, he knows how he was connected and he won't need to spend time studying how he was connected during installation.
Among the shortcomings there is a high probability of breakdowns, especially if a person installed a washing machine for the first time in his life. That is why many advise entrusting the connection of washing machines to professionals.
Device installation conditions
Before you start installing a new washing machine, you will need to study the requirements and conditions for its installation. This will help you connect the device correctly.
The optimal location: we take into account the dimensions and model of the machine
Many wonder whether it is possible to install a washing machine in the hallway. Experts do not advise doing this, since the hallway is not considered the best place for a washing machine. Better to install it in the kitchen or bathroom. At the same time, when choosing a suitable place, the following features are taken into account:
- Distance to sewer drain. In the kitchen or bathroom, the device is installed so that it is at a distance of 90-120 centimeters from the sewer.
- Bedroom space. The washing machine should not be installed in a room that is too small, as it takes up a lot of space. Therefore, some people refuse to put them in small bathrooms.
- Space to open the hatch.If a front-loading or vertical loading model is used, the free space in front of the hatch should be 75-85 centimeters.
Soil quality
It is recommended to install the device on a floor that can withstand the load without any problems, therefore, experts recommend placing washing machines on a rough concrete floor. You should not put a washing machine on the tiles, as it will move due to vibrations that appear during washing.
Wiring requirements
It's no secret that you need to connect any machine to electricity. In order for the power supply to the washing machine to be of high quality, it is connected to wiring consisting of three-core copper cables. The device should not be connected to aluminum wiring, as it will not support the load.
Technology of work
Having decided on the installation conditions, you need to understand the installation technology. Installation work is carried out in several successive stages, the features of which it is better to get acquainted with in advance.
Unpacking and removing the shipping lock
First, you need to carefully remove the device from the box it came in. Then the device is carefully inspected to identify any abrasions or other mechanical damage on its surface that may have appeared during transportation. If the surface is seriously damaged, you should immediately contact the seller to replace the equipment with a new one.
After a visual inspection, they begin to remove the transport fasteners installed near the tank. They serve to secure the tank so that it does not move during transport. You can get rid of the bolts with an ordinary wrench or pliers.
We connect to the water supply
The most important stage in the installation of the washing machine is its connection to the water supply. The luckiest are the people who install the device in the place where the old typewriter used to be. In this case, there is already a connection to the pipe and it will be enough to connect a pipe to it.
However, if such a technique is installed for the first time, you will have to make a separate box yourself. During work, the water is turned off, after which a tee is installed, to which a water supply pipe is connected.
Installation of waste water disposal
By connecting the washing machine to the water supply, you can begin to arrange the drain, with the help of which the used water will enter the sewage system. To do this, you will need to install a special siphon, which contains a pipe to drain the liquid. The siphon is connected to the machine, after which a branch pipe is connected to it. After connecting part of the drain pipe to the siphon pipe, its outlet is connected to the sewer pipe.
Adjust the height and level of the legs
It is known that the washer must be level on the surface of the floor, and therefore you will have to independently adjust the level and height of its feet. It is quite difficult to fix the technique exactly without a level, since during the adjustment there may be minor errors that are invisible to the eye. Therefore, you will need to use the building level to evenly fix the machine.
To slightly raise the washing machine, the legs are gradually unscrewed from the case until they rise 5-8 centimeters.
We connect to the power supply
The connection to the mains is considered a crucial step in the installation of the machine, which must be carried out correctly.To increase the level of safety during operation of the washing machine, a separate socket is removed for connecting it, to which no other household appliances are connected. In this case, electricians recommend installing 16 A outlets.
Test and first launch
Connecting the machine, be sure to check its performance. To do this, a wash test is performed without adding items to the drum. Before the first start, powder is added to the washer, which is necessary to lubricate and clean the drum.
A washing test is carried out to ensure the correct operation of the equipment and to check the correct operation of the water supply and the drain system.Experts advise to check the correctness of the installation of the machine before the first start. If tilted, it will wobble during operation due to vibration.
Characteristics of the installation in various conditions
The installation of washing machines has several features that are worth knowing about.
Installation of on-board machines
Installation of a built-in washing machine in a special niche is carried out in several stages:
- Installation in a kitchen set. First of all, the appliances are built into the kitchen unit, in which it will stand. During this step, take extra care to ensure that the unit is installed level.
- Connection to water supply. Built-in models are only connected to cold water. In this case, the fluid supply pipe is set at an angle of 40-45 degrees.
- Sewer connection. To connect the outlet to the sewage system, use a special hose that is connected to the outlet pipe.
- Electrical connection. At this point, the machine is connected to a separate outlet.
Place the device above the toilet
There are quite unusual options for placing washing machines. For example, some people install them above the toilet.
In this case, the machine is connected to the water supply and sewage system in the same way as always. The main feature is the placement of the equipment, since it will be located above the toilet. Before installation, a special niche is built in which the machine will be located. It is made from durable wood that can withstand a load of several tens of kilograms. Experts advise to reinforce the niche with strong iron corners connected to the shelf and the wall.
After the construction of a niche, a washing machine is carefully placed on it. During installation, you will need to hire outside help, as you will not be able to lift the washing machine yourself.
Housing on laminate, parquet or tiles
It is not always possible to place the machine on solid ground and you must place it on a tiled or wooden floor. In this case, experts advise you to independently make a concrete screed, which will serve as the basis for the technique.
The creation of screed consists of several steps:
- Markup. First, a marker marks where the machine will be placed.
- Removal of the old coating. After marking inside the marked area, the old coating is removed.
- Formwork construction. The formwork is made of wooden boards.
- Reinforcement of the formwork. To make the surface stronger, the formwork is reinforced with a metal frame.
- Pour with concrete. The created structure is completely poured with a concrete mix.
What problems can arise: how to solve problems
Often, during the operation of the washer, certain problems appear that you want to get rid of as soon as possible. The most common are:
- Bad stability. If the appliance is placed on an uneven floor, the machine will begin to shake during washing. To prevent him from jumping out, you need to make sure he's level and secure the legs more securely.
- The door is stuck. Occasionally there are problems with opening the door. Most often this happens when you need to wash things. If the hatch does not open after washing, the lock is broken. The only way to fix the problem is to completely replace the lock.
- Drainage problems. It is a common problem that almost everyone faces. Most often it appears due to a clogged siphon.
Conclusion
The washing machine is considered an indispensable device for washing things. To install it correctly, you need to understand the main features of the installation and connection conditions.