New Washing Machine Setup: DIY Tips and When to Call Fergusons Plumbing

Let’s delve into the art of washing machine setup. As an experienced plumber, I can assure you that the process may seem complicated but with a step-by-step guide, you’ll master it in no time.

Today, we’ll be discussing the intricacies of washing machine setup and how to ensure it’s done correctly for optimal performance.

• Laundry Space Preparation: Start by clearing and cleaning the space where your washing machine will be positioned.
• Unpacking Your Washer: Carefully unpack and position your washer, avoiding any potential damage.
• Drain Hose Connection: Connecting the drain hose appropriately ensures proper drainage during the wash cycle.
• Water Inlet Hoses Attachment: Attach the water inlet hoses securely to prevent leaks and water wastage.
• Levelling and Machine Feet Adjustment: A level machine operates smoothly. Adjust the machine feet for stability.
• Powering Your Washer: Once all connections are secure, plug in and power your washer.
• Contacting Fergusons Plumbing: In tricky situations, never hesitate to call us for professional assistance.
• Maintenance and Prevention: Regular preventive maintenance is key to long-lasting machine performance.

Your washing machine setup is now complete. With proper installation, your machine should operate efficiently for years to come.

Taking Care of Your Washing Machine

Fergusons Plumbing stands ready to assist with any washing machine woes you might encounter.

Beyond washing machine setup, we offer advice on regular maintenance and prevention of damage.

Your satisfaction with our services is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you face any issues.

Remember, a well-set up washing machine can serve you for a good number of years, bringing convenience to your daily chores.

Preparing the Laundry Space

To thoroughly plan your laundry space, a precise measurement of the room is your first port of call. This will clarify what will comfortably fit.

Next, identify obstructions like plumbing, outlets or vents. The layout should be planned to optimise the available space.

Understanding your requirements is integral. Identify necessary items such as a washer and dryer, sink, countertops, storage and cabinets.

Consider the size, style and feature set of any required appliances. Additional electrical, gas or venting connections may be needed.

Remove any obstructions for renovation. Walls may need to be removed to accommodate new appliances or cabinets.

The room should be clean and uncluttered before starting renovations. Proper ventilation is key, so consider installing a window or designing a system.

Determine what you’re willing to spend on appliances, materials and labour. Prioritise the essential items and allocate your budget accordingly.

Researching and comparing prices can ensure you find the best deals. This process can help in effective preparation for successful laundry renovation.

Unpacking and Positioning Your Washer

Your new washing machine has arrived, and it’s time to get it set up. First things first, lift the washer out of its box cautiously.

This task might require an extra pair of hands due to the weight. Ensure you’ve removed all packaging materials before proceeding.

Choosing the Right Spot

The spot you choose to place your washer is critical. It should be a stable, flat surface to avoid vibrations during operation.

Remember to leave enough room for water inlets, drainage, and ventilation. This also helps in easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

Levelling Your Washing Machine

Once in place, check if your washing machine is level. Any imbalance can cause noisy operation or even damage.

Most models come with adjustable feet. Use these to adjust until your machine sits level on the floor.

Connecting Hoses Properly

The next step is to connect the water supply hoses. Always double-check connections to prevent future leaks.

Afterwards, attach the drain hose securely ensuring that it drains into a suitable outlet without causing backflow or spills.

Unfortunately, we did not have data related specifically to unpacking and positioning your washer, but we trust these steps will guide you through the process smoothly.

Connecting the Drain Hose

First and foremost, never connect a trap directly to a vertical drain.

This practice can lead to potential blockages due to debris getting stuck.

Instead, fit a tee junction, preferably a sanitary tee which provides an upward angle on the waste arm.

This minor adjustment can go a long way in preventing drains from clogging up.

Moreover, if you have an old leaky chrome waste line, consider replacing it with a modern PVC alternative.

Step	Action	Benefit
1.	Avoid direct connection of trap to vertical drain.	Prevents blockages from debris.
2.	Install a tee junction, ideally a sanitary tee.	Fosters efficient drainage.
3.	Ensure the waste arm has an upward angle.	Safeguards against clogs in the drain.
4.	Ditch the old leaky chrome waste line.	Avoids unnecessary leaks.
5.	Switch to a plastic PVC waste line and trap.	Promises durability and efficiency.
Table: Steps for Connecting the Drain Hose Efficiently

Your washing machine setup now stands a better chance of a longer, problem-free life.

Attaching the Water Inlet Hoses

To initiate the process, first, switch off the cold water tap and detach the existing washing machine inlet hose. A critical part of setting up your washing machine is not to reuse old hoses.

An important consideration is to replace your inlet hoses every five years. This precautionary step helps to reduce the risk of hose failure. Keeping a record of hose installation and replacement dates on the hoses can be beneficial for future reference.

1. Inspect your hoses regularly: Look out for signs of wear and tear including bulges, kinks, cuts or leaks. If these issues are found, it’s time to replace your hoses.
2. Prepare your new inlet hose: Fix a new rubber washer into the 2 ft (0.6 m) inlet hose and attach it to the cold water tap. Ensure you tighten it manually until it is firmly seated on the tap.
3. Install Y-connector: Affix the “Y” connector to the male end of your inlet hose. Ensure the coupling is tightened by hand before securing it further using pliers (additional 2/3 turn).
4. Attach longer hose: One end of a 5 ft (1.5 m) inlet hose goes to the “Y” connector. The washer’s cold inlet hose should be attached to another side of the “Y” connector.
5. Connecting to water inlet valve: Remove any protective cap from this valve, located at the bottom of your machine’s back panel. Tighten connection by hand and then give an additional 2/3 turn with pliers, without over-tightening.
6. Check all connections: Once everything is connected, turn on the water taps and check for leaks around connections.

Note: The water supply to the dryer for steam is usually on the right-hand side of the dryer’s back. In gas dryers, you’ll typically locate the gas connection on the left side.

By following these steps, you should have your washing machine setup and ready to use without any worries. Remember, maintaining your hoses by regular inspections and replacing them as part of a scheduled cycle will ensure a long lifespan for your appliance.

Leveling and Adjusting Machine Feet

Let’s start with machine stabilisation.

You might not realise how essential it is for your washing machine to be perfectly level.

Reason for Leveling

An unlevelled machine can cause issues, resulting in excessive vibrations and noise.

This can lead to premature wear and tear or even breakdowns.

Adjusting the Feet

To adjust, prop your machine up on a block or unveil the feet by tilting it slightly.

Don’t attempt this alone; always have a mate assist to prevent accidents.

Using a Spirit Level

A spirit level is crucial to achieving perfect balance.

Place it on top, adjusting the feet until the bubble is centred.

It’s tedious work, but it ensures your appliance operates efficiently, minimising potential damages down the track.

Remember, these steps are just basic guidance – if you struggle, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber.

Plugging in and Powering Your Washer

Washing machines are known to use electricity even when idle, an occurrence referred to as standby power, phantom load, amongst other names.

This often unnoticed energy usage can inflate your monthly electric bill significantly.

One way to lessen this impact is by unplugging appliances when you’re not operating them.

Australian households can save up to $100 annually simply by unplugging appliances when they’re not in use.

Common Standby Power Culprits
Appliances with lights indicating they’re off
Desktop computers on sleep mode
Chargers drawing power without an attached device
Media players and phones with active displays
Note: The aforelisted devices are known to consume significant power even when not actively used.

Reducing standby power usage can be as easy as being mindful of the above culprits.

Another great solution is the use of surge protectors, timers or smart plugs that automatically chop off power to appliances not in use.

You can also get appliances that have been certified by Energy Star for their lower standby power use.

To monitor your household’s standby power usage, consider a smart plug such as the one from Samsung that records and alerts you of energy usage.

If your area experiences frequent electricity cutoffs, a generator for powering your washing machine could be invaluable to ensure a clean power supply at all times.

When to Call Fergusons Plumbing

Fergusons Plumbing is your go-to expert for plumbing repairs, service and installations,

As a reliable Australian company, you can bank on us for quick, effective, and efficient solutions.

We pride ourselves on completing the majority of our jobs on the same day.

“We’re committed to doing ‘Whatever It Takes’ to ensure your comfort, instantaneously.”

We’ve earned the trust of local homeowners over the years with our dedication.

We uphold unmatched customer protection and our technical staff are experts in their field.

You will be 100% satisfied with our service as we aim for delight in every interaction.

Aiding the community since the 60s, we promise quality, expertise, and value in all our services.

Our maintenance plans focus on home comfort and peace of mind for you and your family.

Preventive Maintenance and Damage Prevention

As per various technical service bulletins from major car manufacturers, wiring harness damage caused by pesky rodents is quite a common issue.

These critters can gnaw through anything, be it your car’s power steering lines, air-conditioning ducts, or even electrical wires, causing various mechanical problems.

Protective Measures against rodents

To keep these creatures at bay, some tried-and-true steps can be implemented. Using rodent-deterring aerosols regularly is one such measure.

Ultrasonic devices are also popular as they emit sounds that keep rodents away. Keeping mothballs in storage areas (but not inside the car) also works well against these pests.

Other Precautionary Steps

Honda’s part No. 4019-2317 is an effective rodent-deterrent tape with capsaicin. Wiring and hoses enclosed by protective metal mesh provide a good line of defence as well.

Keeping an eye out for potential entry points in your garage and sealing them off can prevent these troublesome critters from getting in.

Maintain a Rodent-Free Environment

Maintaining a clean car interior void of food wrappers discourages rodents. Regularly moving the car dissuades them from nesting in it.

Before starting your vehicle, honk the horn. This simple trick can scare away any present rodents and prevent any nasty surprises.

Wrap-Up Wisdom

Setting up a new washing machine can be doable with the right DIY know-how. However, for tricky issues or if you’re unsure, calling Fergusons Plumbing is your best bet. Their experienced crew can ensure a hassle-free and proper installation, saving you potential future complications.