Hooking up a laundry dryer is a straightforward task that you can do yourself, saving you time and money. However, you should always read the installation instructions that came with your appliance to ensure you have everything you need before beginning work.
Before you begin, measure the space in which you plan to install your new laundry machine. This will make sure that the machine’s width and length match up with your space’s measurements. Also, be sure to leave at least four inches of venting space between the dryer and wall. This will prevent the machine from getting too hot and burning down the wall.
Next, disconnect the hoses and power cords from the existing washer and dryer in the space. If the hoses have a drain port, attach this to the standpipe in the floor or along a wall. If yours does not, you will need to buy a hose extension that fits the opening on the back of the washer or a drain hose guide.
Remove the cover plate from the dryer’s back panel to expose a hole about 3/4-inch in diameter that will accept the cord wires. Then, remove the screws from the plate and set it aside.
Now connect the water supply hoses to their matching faucets, making sure to note which one is for hot and which one is for cold water. Most hoses will be color-coded, which makes it easy to find the correct one. If you can’t find any hose labels, check the manual for your dryer to see which hose is for hot and which one is for cold.
You should now have two hoses with plain rubber washers on each end that can be connected to the appropriate inlets on the back of the washing machine. Be sure to insert each hose into its appropriate inlet without stretching or twisting the hose or causing any damage to the connections at the washer’s back.
Once you’ve done that, move the washer to its final location and plug it in. Do a test run to be sure that all of the connections are secure and that it’s working correctly.
If you need to move your washer around, try using a dolly to evenly distribute the weight. This will prevent it from bouncing on the dolly or being forced into an awkward position as you plug it in.
After that, connect the water supply hoses to their respective faucets and insert them into the sink area, making sure not to stress the connections at the back of the washer. This will help the hoses to stay attached and will keep them from getting loose.
Lastly, connect the drain hose to the sink or standpipe. This will connect the washer’s drain port to the drain line. If your drain hose does not reach the sink, purchase an extension hose and attach it to the sink inlet.
Adding hookups for your laundry equipment is generally an inexpensive process that runs between $350-600. This figure depends on the amount of plumbing and electrical work required to get the system set up. Alternatively, you can hire an appliance installation specialist to do the job for you.