Perhaps you found this article after purchasing one of the best washer-dryer combos. Installing your washer-dryer is the logical next step.
Many people consider washer-dryers excellent space-saving and potentially money-saving appliances, but at Top Ten Reviews, we know from our experience and from talking to laundry and home tech specialists that proper care and maintenance are paramount.
You must take care of whatever laundry appliance you purchase—from the best stand-alone washing machines to the best top-load washers or front-load washers to the best dryers.
This is especially true for washer-dryers. Again, from our experience and liaising with industry experts about washer-dryer combos, there seems to be a broader scope for potential error.
Judi Kutner is a licensed realtor as well as a senior contributor at Virtual Staging, the premier solution for transforming vacant property listings into captivating dream homes. She currently holds a Florida real estate license and has held a NY Mortgage Broker's license, a Florida Community Association Manager license, plus several SEC licenses during her career.
- User manual for your washer-dryer
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Teflon tape
- Spirit level
- Bucket
- Old towels (to soak up any leaks)
Judi Kutner explains, "Washer-dryer combos are good in some situations but imperfect. They save much space, which is a big deal for people in apartments or smaller homes."
"That said, the drying part is where most people feel let down. The machine can usually only dry about half of what it can wash, so you either split loads or air-dry some of your clothes. Separate machines tend to perform better overall."
We suggest you don't tackle the installation yourself but accept an installation from the manufacturers or resellers.
However, before installation, educating yourself about how washer-dryers work and how to use them is wise. This can help you understand some potential pitfalls and limitations.
This guide will provide expert advice, best practices, techniques, and solutions for installing your washer-dryer, as well as step-by-step instructions for getting the best results from your machine.
First, double-check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions and installation advice. As a rule of thumb, this is the best place to begin.
Gwil is a heated laundry and dishwasher expert with more than seven years experience and holds a particular interest in heat pump tumble dryers.
Manufacturer Installation
It's important to note that most manufacturers will advise that the machine be installed by professionals insured to perform installations for the said machine.
It's vital to understand this advice, as it's likely that if you decide to install the model yourself, the warranty will be immediately void. This could leave you in a difficult position later on if your machine breaks down or turns out to be faulty.
We would always advocate following the guidelines and advice of the manufacturers, especially in this case.
We do advise that you agree to expert installation from the manufacturers.
However, this feature will still be beneficial for you to help you prepare what you need in the space for the washer-dryer, and it may potentially save you time and money, as you can get prepared ahead of your machine installation.
AO expert Gwil Snook says, " We always recommend not installing the appliance yourself, as it can void your warranty. Instead, use services provided by retailer professionals."
Joy Aumann is a licensed realtor (CIPS), interior designer and co-founder of the LUXURYSOCALREALTY team at COMPASS. 2021 and 2022 Wall Street Journal Real trends; ranked in the top 1,000 small real estate teams nationwide; two decades of luxury real estate and design experience staging homes; cited in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc.
How to install a washer-dryer combo: quick steps
- Prepare a space for the machine
- Check the area is near a water supply and drain
- Check the area is near an electrical outlet
- Connect to the water supply and test for leaks
- Connect the drain hose
- Connect to power
- Ensure machine is level and stable
- Run a test cycle
How to install a washer-dryer combo: Step-by-step guide
1. Prepare a space for the machine
Check that where you intend to position your washer-dryer combo is suitable for your machine, and consider the following:
1. Is there a nearby hot and cold water supply and drainage?
2. Is there a power outlet? Most models require a 120V or 240V outlet.
3. Ensure proper ventilation and space for the machine to vibrate and move a little.
4. Measure the space to ensure adequate room for the washer-dryer.
Judi Kutner explains, "Installation isn’t complicated but has to be done right. The machine should be near water and drainage with good ventilation."
Expert Joy Aumann asserts: "Installing a washer-dryer is straightforward but needs attention to detail. Ensure the space is big enough and has hot and cold water access. A good drainage setup is crucial, so securely attach the hose to avoid leaks."
Gwil Snook says, "When installing your washer-dryer, ensure access to a cold-water supply, a waste hose connected nearby, and a power outlet."
All our experts agree that your washer-dryer must be near a hot and cold water supply, a drain, and a power outlet.
2. Check the area is near a water supply and drain
As our experts advise, ensure that your washer-dryer is located close to a hot and cold water supply and drain and that these are in good working order.
3. Check the area is near an electrical outlet
Another crucial must-have our experts explained is to ensure that the intended space for your washer-dryer is near a power outlet.
It's also advisable to check that your power outlet is safe and in good working condition.
4. Connect to the water supply and test for leaks
Connect the hot and cold water supply hoses for the unit to the water inlets on the rear of the washer-dryer. Then, attach the other end of the hoses to the water supply valves.
Using a wrench, secure the hose at both ends. Tighten comfortably but not too tightly to avoid pressing on the machine.
Switch on the water supply and check for leaks. If necessary, secure any threads with Teflon tape. If necessary, use a bucket and towels.
5. Connect the drain hose
Place the drain hose in position and secure it as you insert it into the sink, wall drain, or standpipe.
The drain hose should be at the height required for your particular washer-dryer.
Siphoning issues may result from the drain hose not meeting the required height.
Judi Kutner explains: "Hoses need to be attached securely to avoid leaks."
6. Connect to power
Connect the power and plug the unit into a safe and grounded electrical outlet.
We advise against utilizing extension cords or power strips.
Ensure the washer-dryer unit is compatible with your home's electricity system and power supply.
Judi Kutner explains, "The power outlet should match the machine’s requirements. Skipping these details can lead to trouble later."
7. Ensure machine is level and stable
Ensure that the machine is level and stable in your desired location so that it can run safely and minimize the possibility of damage.
Adjust the base and feet of the washer-dryer to ensure the machine is level. Use a spirit level to test this. Tighten the feet of the unit to ensure it is stable and secure.
Joy Aumann asserts, "Double-check that the machine is perfectly level. This helps prevent noisy vibrations during cycles. Take time setting it up, and it’ll work efficiently for years."
8. Run a test cycle
Run a complete test cycle for your washer-dryer combo.
Check that the machine performs a complete wash and dry cycle. Ensure there are no leaks and the washer-dryer is in full working order. Also, look out for any strange or unexpected noises, vibrations, or movement.
If you are concerned, contact the technician to look at your machine.
How to install a washer-dryer combo: FAQs
Should I install a washer-dryer myself?
Our advice is to follow the manufacturers' guidelines for installing your machine. Generally, this means opting for manufacturer installation from insured technicians, as installing the washer-dryer yourself can result in losing your warranty.
As AO expert Gwil Snook asserts above, "We always recommend not installing the appliance yourself, as it can void your warranty. Instead, use services provided by retailer professionals."
What should I consider for washer-dryer installation?
Before installation, it's key to consider where you intend to place your washer-dryer combo. Is there space in your kitchen, utility room, garage, or other room to instruct the technicians to install your machine?
You must ensure that the floor is level in the intended area and that the washer-dryer's intended location is close to a water supply, drain, and power outlet.
Be sure all your plug sockets are safe and in whole working order.
Be advised that during installation, you will likely need to be present to provide the technicians with information on the location of your home circuit breaker or similar device.
If you could read the user manual and instructions for your machine before installation, that would be ideal. You will likely be able to find this on the manufacturer's website.
If you have any questions before installation, ask the manufacturer or reseller you purchased from.
Final thoughts
Installing a washer-dryer might sound like a daunting task. For the reasons we just explored, you should leave this work to the professionals, especially if doing it yourself would result in a loss of your warranty. It's simply not worth the hassle.
You should opt for a manufacturer's installation, or if that isn't possible, contact a trusted professional technician for help.
Educate yourself on the above steps for washer-dryer installation and follow the guidelines to ensure your home is suitable for your purchased model.
We would advise that you research these aspects before you buy. Discover how much a washer-dryer will cost in our helpful guide.
