Plumbing in Your Dishwasher or Washing Machine
If you’re buying a new dishwasher or washing machine then the retailer will often offer an installation service too. This will come at an additional cost, and is there really any need to pay for someone else to do the installation for you? Modern dishwashers and washing machines have been designed to be easy to install, so if you are confident with basic DIY, this is probably a task that you can take on by yourself.
Power and Water
Both of these appliances will need both a cold-water supply and an electricity connection to operate. If you have a machine in the space already, then you should be able to use the existing connections for your new dishwasher or washing machine. A common issue with utility rooms or kitchens is that the sockets are all above the level of the worktop, and the dishwasher or washing machine needs to be plugged in lower down. One option is to run a new electrical spur off the main connection, but it might be better to get a electrician in to do it for you.
Piped Connections
Both the washing machine and the dishwasher need a connection to the cold water supply, and most washing machines will be connected to hot water too. Machines are fitted with flexible hoses which in most cases will stretch to connect up to the existing valves. If they won’t reach, then there are a couple of options; either try to source longer hoses from the machine manufacturer, or run new pipes to the machine. This will involve draining the water system, or isolating the pipe you’re working on using a valve. There are lots of videos online showing you how to achieve this step by step.
Waste Connection
As well as the connection to bring fresh water into the machine, another connection is needed to take the dirty water away and into the sewerage system. If you’re putting a dishwasher or washing machine into a space where one has been previously, then this should again be a simple matter of connecting up the hose to the existing pipe. There is another option of using a long hose on your waste outlet and discharging your dishwasher or washing machine into a sink. It’s not ideal though, and it’s often better to look for some other way of connecting the waste from the dishwasher or washing machine into the waste pipes.
Disposing of Old Machine
One of the main reasons that people pay for installation is that often the charge will include getting rid of the old machine too. Washing machines in particular can be very heavy to lift and move, so it’s often worth paying for someone to do this job for you. Alternatively, offer the old machine free of charge online – someone may be prepared to take it for spares and although you’re not getting any money for it, at least you’re saved the hassle of disposing of it yourself.
