HOW-TO GUIDES
How to plumb in a washing machine
Updated 07/26
By: Content Team
Reviewed: Alex Peters
Think you can install your own washing machine? Follow the step-by-step instructions, troubleshoot and see where to book a plumber near you.
Where to position a new washing machine
The step-by-step process for connecting water, waste and power
How to plumb in a washing machine under the sink or in a caravan
Fitting a washing machine and dishwasher together
How much professional installation typically costs
What to check if something isn't working afterwards
Plumbing in a washing machine yourself can save you the cost of professional installation, and if you're fitting it in the same spot as your old machine, it's a job most confident DIYers can manage.
This guide covers positioning, the full step-by-step connection process, and some trickier scenarios like waste pipes, under-sink installs and dishwasher combinations.
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Before you start: positioning and safety
Choose a spot that's on a level, hard surface, close to both a water source and a drain, and away from heat sources like radiators, boilers or fireplaces.
Check the machine will actually fit into the space, including door clearance, before you commit to installing it there.
Remove all packaging, including the transit bolts on the back of the machine, which keep the drum still during transport.
Leaving these in place will damage the machine as soon as it's switched on. Sweep and clean the area first, since it's much easier to do before the machine is in position.
Safety note: you'll be working with electrics and water together, so make sure you're confident with each step. Washing machines are also heavy, so make sure to get help moving them into place.
Step-by-step: how to plumb in a washing machine
Make sure any old washing machine is fully disconnected and removed before you start.
1. Level the machine
Adjust the feet by twisting anticlockwise to raise the washer or clockwise to lower it. Check level in both directions, front-to-back and side-to-side, using a spirit level on top of the machine.
2. Lock the feet in place
Tighten the nuts once the machine is level.
3. Fit the water inlet hose
New machines usually come with a hose. Reusing an old one is possible if it's in excellent condition, but a new hose is generally the safer bet. Don't over-tighten the connection, as this is a common cause of leaks.
4. Connect the water supply hose
Connect it to the tap or washing machine valve, following the manufacturer's instructions for your model. Don't overstretch the hose.
5. Check for leaks
Check every connection carefully before moving on.
6. Attach the drain hose
Attach it to the waste pipe or standpipe.
7. Plug in the electrical supply
Plug the machine into an electrical socket.
If you're connecting to a standpipe rather than a sink waste, make sure the standpipe is wider than the drainage hose, otherwise water can back up during the drain cycle.
Washing machine installation checklist
Take a photo of how your old machine was connected before you disconnect it. It's a handy reference if anything looks unfamiliar when fitting the new one.
How to plumb in a washing machine waste pipe
To fit a new waste pipe, cut a hole in the wall slightly bigger than the pipe, typically around 4cm. The waste pipe carries dirty water away to the foul water sewer, never the rainwater soakaway.
There are three common ways to connect a waste pipe:
Push fit waste: join the connectors together after removing any burrs.
Compression waste: cut and sand the pipe, then connect using a rubber washer and nut.
Solvent weld waste: cut and sand the pipe, then use solvent cement to attach it to the fitting.
If the pipe blocks up after installation, our guide to how to unblock a washing machine waste pipe covers how to clear it.
How to plumb in a washing machine under the sink
This follows the same process as a standard installation. Locate the hose connections under the sink and turn off the water supply before starting.
It's worth keeping the drain cap safe for future reference, in case you ever need to install another machine in the same spot.
How to plumb in a washing machine in a caravan
Attach the washer's hose to a water source, such as under the sink or an external tap, then plug the power cord into an electrical socket.
Portable washing machines, common in caravans where space is tight, are generally simpler to connect than full-size machines.
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How to plumb in a washing machine and dishwasher together
1. Check whether your washing machine needs a hot water connection
Some models only require cold water.
2. Check whether your dishwasher needs a hot water connection
Dishwashers typically only need a cold water supply.
3. Fit T-fittings if your existing pipework doesn't reach both machines
Turn off the mains water and fit T-fittings with branch pipes, connecting each machine to its own mini stop valve. This lets you isolate either machine without shutting off the whole house.
4. Connect both waste hoses to a shared standpipe
Connect the washing machine's waste hose to a standpipe fitted with a P-trap, then connect the dishwasher's waste hose to the same standpipe.
5. Turn the water back on and check for leaks
Check every connection carefully before you finish up.
6. Plug both machines into a power socket
Use an adjacent socket for each machine.
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How to plumb in a washing machine drain hose
Connect the drain hose to a standpipe, usually located under the sink, ensuring the lip of the standpipe sits around 30 inches (76cm) from the ground, but check your machine's manual first since fitting varies between models.
Fitting a non-return valve, or routing the hose up and over your worktop, helps stop dirty water siphoning back into the machine.
If something's not working once it's connected, our guide to common washing machine repair issues covers the most likely causes, or a washing machine repair specialist can take a look.
Hiring a professional
A plumber will typically charge in the following range for washing machine installation:
Replacing an existing machine (like-for-like): £45-£65 labour charge
New installation with no existing plumbing: £20-£40 per hour, plus £20-£25 for supply and feed fittings and £10-£15 for waste fittings
This job can get complicated fast, especially if you need to run new pipework rather than connect into an existing setup.
If you find yourself unsure at any stage, it's not worth pushing on and risking a leak or an electrical fault. Our guide to washing machine installation: DIY vs professional can help you weigh up which route makes sense.
It's always worth comparing quotes for your job. See our plumber cost guide for more detail on typical rates.
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FAQs
On average, 10 to 12 years if it's properly installed and maintained. Incorrect installation, particularly an unlevel machine or over-tightened hoses, can shorten this significantly.
Most people can plumb in a washing machine themselves if they're replacing an existing machine in the same spot with existing pipework. If you need to run new supply or waste pipework, or you're not confident working with electrics and water together, it's worth hiring a plumber.
Check that hose connections aren't over-tightened, that the machine is level, and that the drain hose is properly seated in the standpipe or waste connector. Persistent leaks are worth getting checked by a professional before they cause water damage.
You can if they're in excellent condition, but hoses degrade over time, so fitting new ones with a new machine is generally the safer option, particularly for the water inlet hose.
Take it to your local recycling centre, or sell it if it's still in good working order. Many professional installers will also dispose of your old machine, usually for an extra charge.
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