Washer and dryer setup

First, connect the cold water line to your washing machine. Next, attach the cold water line to the cold water supply behind your washing machine. Repeat this step for the hot water line. Once the water lines are connected, turn the water on by turning each knob counter-clockwise. If there are no leaks, nothing should happen when you turn the water on. Install the drain hose Next, extend the drain hose out from the washing machine and insert it as far as possible into the drain, which is usually found between the hot and cold water spigots.

You can run your drain hose into a utility sink, if you have one available. Otherwise, you may need to contact a plumber. Finally, plug the washing machine into the power source. Remember, since the power is currently off, nothing should happen yet. Your dryer needs a way to vent all the heat and humidity it produces, which is done by way of the dryer vent hose or duct.

Built-In Cuff Vent Hose: If your vent hose has a built-in cuff, you should be able to just slide it right into the circular void in the back of the dryer and attach it the same way to the vent.

Full-Metal Duct Hose: If you have a metal vent duct, grab a flathead screwdriver to complete this step. Both sides of your dryer vent should have adjustable metal tension bands. Use your screwdriver to slowly loosen the tension band so you can easily slip the band and the duct over the vent hole in the back of your dryer. Once you have it on there, tighten it down as much as possible, being careful to not overtighten and bend the delicate metal.

Next, carefully extend the duct and attach it to the vent using the same technique. Make sure you only extend the duct enough to slide the dryer back toward the wall. If you extend it too much, you can easily crush the thin aluminum, which can cause highly flammable lint to build up over time. Everything should be secure, but not pinched or crushed.

Never restrict water flow or airflow as this can damage your machines and create potential fire and health hazards. Gas is incredibly dangerous since it is flammable and sometimes even odorless. Your gas company may be able to help and should be contacted in advance of setting up your dryer. Electric dryers are easier: While gas dryers are more efficient and cost-effective, if you do not currently have a gas dryer setup, then it will be easier to opt for an electric dryer.

Hand push the drain hose into the drain receptacle on the back of the washer. This plastic tube should click into place. Secure the drain hose to one of the water hoses entering the washer with a tie wrap. Locate the two control cables extending from the washer and dryer. Hand press these two cable connectors together. This connection allows electricity to flow to both the washer and dryer for normal functioning. Push the appliance back toward the wall. Leave some room behind the appliance for the final hookups.

Push the open end of the exhaust duct onto the home's venting duct on the wall. Secure the connection with a band clamp and screwdriver.

Push the opposite end of the drain hose into the home's drain receptacle. The hose should extend into the receptacle by approximately 6 inches to prevent any accidental water leaks when the washer drains. Push the appliance against the wall. Allow enough room for the various connections so that they do not become pinched or damaged.

Turn the washer and dryer on and run through a complete cycle to verify that the hookups work correctly. Writing professionally since , Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities.

By Amy Rodriguez. To install the dryer, attach the vent hose to the vent on the back of the machine, then push the dryer into its final position. For the washer, connect the hot water hose to the hot water faucet and the cold water hose to the cold water faucet.

Finish by attaching these hoses to the corresponding inlets on the machine before turning on the water to test for leaks. For tips on installing the drain hose on the washer and how to test your machines are working, read on!

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Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Measure the space. Before you try to install your washer and dryer, measure the area where you intend to put them to ensure they will fit.

Keep in mind that your dryer will need about four inches of additional space in the back for venting. Make sure the floor is stable. Installing the machines on carpet, soft tile, or any weakly supported structure is inadvisable, as the machines may be unstable or damage the floor. Read the instructions for your washer and dryer.

The instructions provided here will apply to most washers and dryers, but you should read the instructions that came with your machines in case they include any special features that might require additional steps. Part 2. Check and clean your dryer vent. Unless your house has never been lived in, it is important to make sure your dryer vent is free and clear of all debris, as a blocked vent may be a fire hazard.

Starting from indoors, insert the brush a few inches and spin, then remove the brush and clean off the bristles. Repeat until the bristles come out clean. After cleaning the indoor side of the vent, go outside and remove the vent hood to ensure it is clear of all lint and debris. It's a good idea to clean your vent every two years.

In addition to the safety issues that a blocked vent can cause, drying clothes with a blocked vent can damage your dryer and void your warranty. Move the dryer into place. Leave yourself a couple of feet of space behind the dryer so you can stand comfortably while hooking up the vent hose. If using metal ducting instead of a flexible hose, you'll need to move the dryer all the way into place and attach the ducting while standing alongside the machine. Attach the vent hose or duct to your machine.

Place one end of the vent hose over the vent hole in the back of the dryer. If space permits, it is a good idea to use a metal vent duct, as ribbed plastic and aluminum hoses can catch lint and clog more easily. Joints in the metal duct should be sealed with duct tape, as screws may also catch lint. The end should fit snugly into the machine, so no clamps or tape should be needed.

This is another good reason to use metal ducting rather than a plastic or flexible aluminum hose. Make sure your clamps are the right size and fit tightly. Many hoses come with clamps that are made to fit. Attach the hose or duct to the wall vent. If using a flexible hose, clamp it into place, as in step 3. A metal duct will not require clamps but should just slide into place. Part 3. Run some water through the faucets. Place a bucket or tub underneath the hot and cold water outlets you'll be hooking up to and run some water through each.

This will clear any debris that might clog your valve screens. Move the washing machine into place. Make sure you have enough room to navigate either to the side of the washing machine or behind it to hook up the water supplies.