Buying new household appliance often associated with calling a master to put him to work. I suggest giving up this habit and doing everything yourself.
This article will help you understand how a washing machine works: how to connect it yourself for reliable long-term operation not only in a city apartment, but even where there is no stationary water supply.
All this is done simply and step by step in just seven steps according to my accessible instructions. Strictly adhere to proven technology.
Step #1. Preparatory work or a hacker's secret CHIP: a prerequisite for the success of any endeavor
A funny story happened in our laboratory electrical protection and automation on high voltage substation more than seven years ago.
An experienced head of our service brought new microprocessor protection from PES for testing. Our people are, in principle, experienced:
- senior foreman with thirty years of practical experience at this substation;
- the engineer had already worked for two years after university, where he thoroughly studied all modern protections;
- two electricians of the seventh category with twenty years of experience as electricians perform all protection checks independently and have a number of related specialties.
And now Sasha K, who arrived two weeks ago, has just graduated from college. He is preparing to take the test for admission to independent work.
The boy is smart, learns quickly, repairs computers and phones, reads Hacker magazine. For this he received the same nickname from his peers from the neighboring PS team.
We unpacked this new protection, placed it on the table, connected the cables and began to simulate various emergency situations and control the behavior of the output contacts.
We see that it does not work stably, the spread of time parameters is significantly exceeded. Well, that’s it, we think: they sent us marriage, we’ll refuse...
Here our hacker says: you need to press the red button and, while holding it, calibrate the signal input. That's what they did: everything worked...
We look at him, and he grins. The boss asks: how do you know this?
Sasha answers: we had a good computer science teacher at school. He managed to convince me that you should always start with the CHIP. And he remains silent.
Naturally, the question followed: what does this CHIP mean? Sasha explained: CHIP - at the beginning read the instructions idiot... , and only after that do something.
With this real case, I tried to draw your attention to the need to carefully read the manufacturer’s requirements for compliance with the technology for connecting and operating a washing machine specifically for your model.
This is the only way to avoid making numerous mistakes that will not allow you to use such an expensive acquisition to its full potential.
Step #2. Unpacking a new washing machine: what to look for - 2 tips
Shipping packaging and its role in the safety of equipment
It is designed to preserve decorative appearance and protecting the housing from mechanical damage during transportation and during storage in warehouses.
Removing wood sheathing is not difficult, but care must be taken when disassembling it. Otherwise, you may accidentally scratch the case.
Typically, external surfaces are covered with special protective coatings, secured with tape or adhesive tapes.
All this must be carefully removed. And this is where some craftsmen make a mistake, because the details of the sheathing and covering are no longer needed. They should not be left nearby in the workplace.
They're in best case scenario will simply get in the way, and at worst - will cause accidental damage to the decorative coating of the case . Always take them away.
Shipping bolts: why are they needed and what role do they play?
During operation, the drum of a frontal or vertical washing machine rotates and mixes a pile of laundry with water. It is impossible to strictly center this moving mass.
It also creates uneven loads, shaking and even jumping of the body. Nobody likes it. Therefore, manufacturers mount the rotating drum on powerful springs, which dampen all such vibrations.
During transportation and loading/unloading, these springs are also subject to force due to sudden acceleration and braking of vehicles during rigging work.
Therefore, they are fixed in the housing with four transport bolts.
These bolts should be removed at the installation site of the washing machine. A regular wrench will do. The most common size is 10 mm, but it can be different.
The vacated holes are simply closed with plastic plugs from the supplied factory kit.
If you leave the transport bolts in place, then during washing they will block the operation of the power springs and will not allow them to compensate for sudden loads from the rotating drum. All shocks will be transmitted to the body without dampening, and the car will shake and even bounce.
Be sure to follow this step of the instructions.
Step #3. How to choose and prepare a place to install a washing machine: 3 simple recommendations
Which rooms are best suited for permanent installation?
In this matter, the main role is usually assigned to the hostess, and she is guided by the area of the rooms in the apartment and their functional purpose, which is correct.
However, it is worth considering other factors: for normal washing, at least three communications must be close together:
- water tap with the ability to quickly shut off the water pressure;
- sewers for draining polluted streams;
- electrical outlet that supplies electricity to electric motors and automation systems.
And they are only in the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen. Depending on local conditions, you have to choose one of these premises. Sometimes the space in them is extremely limited. Then they consider other options, for example, a corridor.
But in this case, difficulties will arise with connecting to water and sewerage.
What role does the floor play and why should you pay attention to its quality?
Household washing machines are not attached in any way to the room; they are simply installed on the floor and.
Relatively silent operation and high-quality washing are achieved through:
- own weight of the structure;
- balanced operation of the rotating load compensation mechanism;
- taking into account the permissible load level of laundry.
If your device is not installed firmly, but on a wobbly floor, then washing will occur with a lot of noise and problems. And this is typical for uneven plank flooring, poor-quality laminate installation, or wobbly parquet flooring.
Such installation sites should be avoided, but the best thing is to have them properly repaired. Methods for leveling surfaces depend on the type of coating.
It is important for us to ultimately obtain a strong and even structure that can reliably withstand vibrating loads. Otherwise, the jumping body will finish off the already shaky floor.
How to check the machine's workplace and its secure installation
Manufacturers create cases with strict geometry, when the top surface is clearly parallel to the bottom plane, and all sides are strictly perpendicular to them.
This property allows you to clearly set washing machine even on slightly sloping floors. It is enough to place the spirit level on the top cover and use the adjusting screws on the lower legs to set the required protrusion.
This adjustment is carried out in three steps:
- use a wrench to release the locking nut (position 1);
- the adjusting screw is released or screwed in to the required length, controlled by the spirit level (position 2);
- the created protrusion is fixed with a locknut (position 3).
Four such screws are mounted at the bottom of the case. Each one needs to be clearly regulated. After this, the level is again placed on the body, and with both hands, force is applied to its various parts.
A securely installed washing machine should not wobble, move or slide. Ideally, your hands will feel the same monolithic structure, not amenable to such force loads.
Remember well: only clear installation of the body on a flat floor ensures optimal washing conditions. It will save your nerves and not give your neighbors a reason to worry.
What automation algorithms affect the rules for connecting a washing machine - it is important to understand them
In order to prepare your new purchase without errors for reliable operation, you need to have a good understanding of the technology embedded in its design. It consists of successive stages:
- water intake. The automation opens a regular valve in the built-in line and monitors the fill level with a sensor. At his signal, the valve closes again;
- heating the aqueous solution to the set temperature by electric heating elements and automatically turning them off;
- washing clothes by rotating the drum driven by an electric motor. Automation ensures the execution of modes specified by the user-installed program;
- by draining the dirty solution into the sewer under forced pressure from the pump and then stopping this mode;
- automatic filling of the tank with clean water until the level sensor is activated;
- rinse mode;
- repeated draining of water into the sewer and spinning the laundry.
These 7 stages can be expanded with other modes. But I brought them in order to explain the need for priority connection to the sewerage system.
After all, if you first fill the tank with water, then it will need to be drained somewhere. Therefore, you should start from this point. And here it is necessary to have a good understanding of hydraulic processes.
At the bottom of the drain line at the outlet of the tank there is a pump connected to a drain hose. There are no shut-off valves or valves here. Water can move through the internal cavities in any direction.
To ensure that the washing solution remains in the tank during washing, the hose simply rises above the fill level, separating its cavity from the sewer line.
In this way, two communicating vessels are created (tank and sewer pipe), connected at the bottom by the lower elbow of the drain hose.
Nowadays, manufacturers perform this fastening directly on the body with stationary plastic brackets. In this case, the top point of the drain line is already raised above the operating level of water in the tank.
In approximately half of the cases, connecting various models is enough to organize normal washing.
If the drain hose is lowered from the housing below the set water level, which is not difficult to do by unfastening the brackets, then the liquid under its own weight will simply begin to flow through the water pump and further into the sewer.
This will be sensed by the level control sensor during washing. It will work and the fill valve will open. Cold water will flow into the tank and begin to fill it from above. And at the same time its drain will pass from below...
As a result, the automatic operation algorithm will be disrupted, and washing will suddenly be interrupted and resumed. The household electric assistant will begin to live its own life, which will cause a lot of trouble for its owner.
To eliminate such troubles, a scheme for connecting the washing machine to the sewer system has been developed, taking into account hydraulic requirements.
According to the rules, an elbow with a water seal is made inside the sewer pipe. It prevents the penetration of unpleasant odors into the room.
From it, a part of a pipe with an internal diameter of 4 cm rises to a height of up to 60 cm (the upper level of the washing tank). The end of a drain hose with a cross-section of 28-30 mm is inserted here through a sealing rubber adapter.
At the same time, it is raised a little more to provide additional air gap. It is necessary to prevent self-draining that occurs due to the formation of vacuum in the sealed compartment of the hydraulic system even after the pump is turned off.
The maximum height of the top point of the hose should not exceed 100 cm. Otherwise, the water pump will not be able to push all the contaminated water into the sewer line.
The dimensions shown in the picture in digital terms may vary depending on the brand of the model and the manufacturer’s developments. Check them in the technical documentation.
Sometimes the factory length of the drain hose may not be enough. Then they buy it of the same brand in a hardware store and connect it through an adapter.
Automation can sense disturbances in the operation of the drain line, leading to a failure of its algorithms for various reasons (filter clogged, self-draining...). In this situation, washing will be stopped and
After a short theoretical excursion, we move on to considering practical issues.
Step #4. 5 Practical Ways to Connect a Drain Hose to a Sewer
Let's look at them in order of popularity and ease of use. modern conditions. Previously, in houses with cast iron pipes this issue was more difficult to resolve.
Installing a stationary tee in the sewer line is the most common method
Almost everything under sinks and washbasins is already prepared for such a connection. All that remains is to install a tee with an outlet pipe between the lower end of the hose and the stationary pipeline.
The hose from the washbasin is rigidly inserted on top of it, and from the washing machine on the side through a rubber sealing ring.
Siphon for connecting a washing machine - an affordable way
The use of a siphon with a discharge pipe attached directly under the sink is considered the best option. Here, too, rigid fastening of drain lines is used.
The upper outlet pipe of the siphon is used to connect the drain of our device. Then water flowing from the washbasin will not penetrate into it.
All communications are carried out using a flexible corrugated tube made of sanitary plastic. At the ends of the hose, the ribbed surface ends in a smooth cylinder shape, which allows the use of union nuts and collars.
Draining water directly into the bathtub or toilet: advantages and disadvantages
The presence of nearby plumbing fixtures allows you to lower the drain hose into them using a simple plastic tip.
This method was used in older activator machines. He has the right to life now. Its advantages:
- simplicity;
- no need to change the configuration of the existing sewer system;
- installing the hose at an acceptable height.
But with this method it is important to take into account the disadvantages:
- the possibility of flooding of the room due to the lack of rigid fixation of the hose, which under the influence of the jet pressure can simply fall out onto the floor;
- Flexible corrugation fastenings may lose their tightness when moved frequently, which will result in water leaks;
- if the tip is insufficiently deep into the sink, drainage water may splash outward: on furniture, walls, floor;
- The position of the holder requires constant monitoring during spin and drain mode. They are characterized by increased vibrations;
- during washing, the plumbing fixture cannot be used for its intended purpose;
- The hose must be installed before washing and removed after washing.
Features of installing a drain in a private house or country house without a sewer system
This problem is solved by installing an additional container: a barrel or tank with a volume exceeding the water consumption when washing clothes. When filling it, simply open the tap from below and drain the sediment into the prepared place.
The height of the tank allows the principle of communicating vessels to be implemented and washing can be carried out normally.
Check valve in the washing machine - an alternative method
When, due to various circumstances, it is not possible to drain according to the requirements of scientific recommendations, you can use the installation of an industrial check valve.
It is designed to eliminate the phenomenon of self-draining and prevent sewer water from entering the lines of washing machines or dishwashers.
However, among such products there are still many designs that cause problems for consumers after completion. guarantee resource. Be careful.
Step #5. 4 ways to connect to a water supply and 2 methods of collecting water without it
Which safety requirement should you pay attention to first?
We will proceed from the fact that any, even the most reliable equipment breaks down over time. In our case, this can cause flooding not only of your apartment, but of all the neighbors located below.
Therefore, it is imperative to provide an emergency water shut-off valve in the water main, which operates by simply turning the handle.
You know very well what the quality of water is in our water supplies. Precipitated salts, oxides, and mechanical particles clog the internal cavities. The moving mechanism of such a crane will become harder to work after a year of operation.
Managing it will require significant effort. In such conditions, lightweight plastic handles often break. Therefore, choose designs from durable metal. They will not let you down in a critical situation.
Your emergency water shut-off valve does not have to be on display, but access to it should always be convenient . Be sure to follow this safety requirement.
It is best to use this tap to open the water only for the duration of the wash, and after finishing it, turn off the pressure.
4 available water connection technologies
The following methods are popular among city residents:
- installation of a tee in the pressure line;
- fittings for metal plastic;
- tee for mixer;
- crimp coupling.
Tapping into a metal pipe through a tee requires specialized tools and good plumbing skills. It was often used in old buildings.
It is easier to equip modern pipelines made of metal-plastic with fittings - special inserts with a discharge pipe. The pipe is cut, shortened to the length of the tee, a fitting is mounted and a metal hose or pressure hose is connected to it.
Water drainage can also be taken directly from the washbasin faucet. To do this from the outside cold water connect a tee with a tap, and simply add a sleeve of the same length to the hot tap.
The method of connecting to a metal water pipe using a crimp coupling deserves your attention.
It has a collapsible design with bolt clamps. Installed through seals.
The section of pipe under the coupling is cleared of paint, tilted and drilled with a drill bit along the diameter of the mounting hole in the coupling.
A crimp coupling is attached to the prepared area.
Methods for collecting water at a dacha and in a private house without running water
Here you will have to take into account the design features of the washing machine. Water is supplied into it under external pressure. It will have to be created artificially.
To do this, the easiest way is to place a special tank somewhere at a height, provide for the possibility of filling it, and achieve the required pressure. Before washing, it is filled, and after it is finished, the remainder is drained.
The second available method is the use of a special pumping station, which will have to be purchased in advance. It will require connection to electrical wiring.
Then an additional water container can be placed next to the washing machine and normal pressure can be created at its inlet.
Now, for rural residents without running water, the industry has begun producing washing machines with a built-in pumping station. You can immediately purchase this model.
Step #6. 5 Electrician Commandments for Electrical Safety
Without electricity, the washing machine will not work, and it can cause very big troubles. Therefore, I recommend that you think carefully.
Treat safety as a religion. You may not believe her claims, but everything is traditional observe rituals strictly .
You can, of course, simply plug the power cord into the outlet, as most people do. But I recommend analyzing a number of issues.
How to safely supply power from electrical network
Modern household electricity consumers are designed to operate in a three-wire system. electrical diagram, . Their factory power cord terminates in a three-prong plug that fits into the appropriate outlet.
If it is installed in a damp room, which is already a violation, then the housing must be special design with a closing lid that meets the requirements
Its response setting for leakage current is a maximum of 10 mA, since washing takes place in damp rooms.
Electricians joke about this: if you make a mistake, the machine and the RCD will correct you and insure you.
If you have an old two-wire network and there is no RCD, then there is a great danger of falling under the influence of electric current in case of breakdown of phase insulation on the device body.
Take care of your own safety, select and configure security modules to suit your specific conditions.
The socket and its circuit breaker must be located in a convenient place to quickly relieve tension. Supply power from them only for the duration of washing, and after it is finished, remove them.
Please note that most household electrical appliances consume less energy when turned off. (A safety joke, however.)
The minimum cross-sectional area of the power cable cores is from 2.5 mm sq. for copper, and preferably 4 square meters. It depends on the power consumption of the device. The same requirement applies to extension cords.
Unfortunately, quite often housewives buy ones designed to power computers. Their copper cores have an area of about one square, which is clearly not enough.
It is advisable to replace the aluminum wiring completely, even though it is approved for use.
Step #7. Testing as the final stage of installation
Begin checks with an external inspection of all mounted components and checking the position of the controls according to the instructions. When you finish it, do a test run.
Immediately analyze the time it takes to fill the tank with water and pay attention to the absence of leaks. If leaks appear, then all the water is drained into the sewer pipe. You will have to find out the causes of the malfunction and eliminate them.
After checking the tightness of the pressure lines, measure the water heating time and evaluate the absence of noise when the engine is running.
Then pay attention to the washing and spinning mode, how the water is drained. After a positive assessment of the test results, you can put your purchase into operation.
The use of modern household appliances in our homes significantly improves the quality of life.
It is almost impossible to imagine our existence without a washing machine. It has become so firmly established in our lives that it has become an integral part of it.
Perhaps this is the most popular equipment that can: minimize manual labor, perform many operations, integrate into the home management system, and have a beautiful, designer look.
Preparatory stage for installing and connecting the washing machine
Owner of the future washing machine focuses primarily on personal preferences, specifications and financial capabilities. When this miracle technology appears in the house, the first question that puzzles its owner is: what does it mean to independently connect a washing machine and how to do it?
Before purchasing a washing machine and bringing it into your home, it is advisable to already decide on its installation location. There are many models of different depths and sizes.
Although, in principle, if you are not going to build the machine into a bedside table or into a separately designed and allocated space, you can think about the installation location after delivering the assistant home. The washing machine is usually located in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway or pantry.
What requirements must be taken into account in this case?
- Flat floor.
- Proximity to water supply, sewerage and electrical outlets.
- Convenient operation.
- Aesthetics.
Next, the transportation parts are dismantled: bolts, bars, staples. The tank is secured with bolts, which, when unscrewed, should hang on the springs.
This is a mandatory point, otherwise operation with them present will cause equipment malfunction. Empty bolt holes are closed with plugs, usually included in the kit.
The brackets secure the power cord and. The bars are laid between the tank and the body.
The next step at this stage is preparing the floor covering for the machine. It must be durable, of course horizontal and resistant to harsh operating conditions.
If the characteristics of the living space do not meet the requirements, measures will need to be taken to ensure them. That is, you may need to lay a cement-sand screed on the floor or use other methods of strengthening the base of the floor.
Washing machine installation
After preparatory stage and unpacking the machine, it can be installed. You will need a building level or plumb line to align the machine strictly horizontally with a permissible deviation angle of 2 degrees.
The check is carried out on the top cover. The angle of inclination is adjusted by screwing in the support legs of the washing machine or, conversely, unscrewing it.
It is prohibited to place foreign objects under the machine, as there is a high probability of them jumping out during vibration. If the equipment is installed on tiles or other slippery surfaces, it is advisable to purchase a rubber mat - an excellent shock absorber.
After adjusting the legs, they should be secured using a locknut that is tightened counterclockwise.
For long-term and efficient service of the washing machine, the installation phase must be carried out conscientiously.
What else do you need to know before connecting the machine?
- The most stable position of the machine is ensured when the legs are fully screwed in. However, this is only possible with ideal flat surface.
- You can check by swinging it diagonally. If it swings, it means that it is either installed incorrectly or, if the rigidity of the case does not allow this, the swing amplitude for different diagonals should be the same.
- If installation on a flat surface is not possible, and an option with an inclined floor is being considered, then fasteners will be needed for fixation.
Connecting the washing machine to the water supply
Responsible and serious stage. The machine is connected to cold water as standard, which is heated by heating element if necessary.
Some people also use hot water in order to save electricity, but the issue is controversial, since you have to spend hot water.
To connect water to the washing machine you will need a water hose. Usually it comes complete with a washing machine. The hose for connecting the washing machine is equipped with fittings, but there is one caveat, which is that the length of the standard hose (70-80 cm) is usually not enough.
In this regard, you can buy a rubber hose of the required length in a store or use a stationary connection.
In the first option, everything is simple - the machine is connected to the equipment inlet pipe and the water intake point.
There are some points for this:
- the water hose must pass in a place inaccessible to mechanical damage, it is better if it is hidden;
- the hose must lie freely and not be stretched, otherwise it may become deformed;
- The quality of the rubber hose affects the reliability of use, as well as the tightness during operation of the washing machine.
If we consider the second case of connecting a washing machine, then water is supplied to the machine using the installation of stationary communications. Here you will need pipes (metal) and plastic systems.
The use of steel pipes is impractical and impractical, since frequent blockages of rust on the pipe itself and parts of the unit will quickly damage the washing machine.
When using metal pipes, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a direct connection to an automatic washing machine will not ensure high tightness, so the use of an adapter hose can be considered a necessity in order to avoid leakage.
There is a way to connect the washing machine through a mixer. This will require a long hose. The inconvenience is that before each wash you need to unscrew the tap and replace it with a water inlet hose. This option is rather temporary.
There are models of washing machines that are equipped with an AQUA stop. The meaning of the work is that it has solenoid valves at the end that shut off the water when the machine is turned off.
The main points without knowing which the connection of the washing machine to the water supply will be of poor quality:
Connection to sewerage
Connecting the washing machine drain to the sewer does not seem such a complicated process. There are two possible ways:
Connecting the washing machine to the mains
Before connecting the machine to the electrical network yourself, you must familiarize yourself with the electrical safety requirements.
The washing machine is in constant contact with water, which requires the following points:
Sockets must be grounded, and the wire goes into the panel to a grounding bus with a cross-section of 3 mm. It is prohibited to connect this conductor to the water and heat supply system to avoid the possibility of equipment breakdown.
When installing an outlet, you should consider that a humid environment is not desirable and it may be necessary to use adjacent rooms. You should also pay attention to the degree of electrical safety of the sockets; it is advisable to purchase them with a ceramic base and a protective cover.
Be sure to take into account what voltage it is designed for. It is not recommended to connect the washing machine through an adapter due to heating of the contacts and failure of the unit.
Functionality check
After preparation, installation and connection, a test run of the equipment is carried out. This provides access to water and electricity.
Other possible defects are also checked.
After this, the first wash starts without laundry on a program with the maximum water heating temperature.
This is done to remove factory grease.
How to connect a washing machine with your own hands? The task is not difficult, but it has its own characteristics, we described them in this article so that you can confidently and correctly make your first installation in your life.
Connecting to a water supply - techniques
To connect a washing unit in a bathroom, kitchen or other room, you must ensure that the machine has access to a water supply. In this case, two rules must be observed: stable pressure of at least 1 atmosphere and clean water. You can provide access to fluid in different ways.
One of the most common options is tapping using a crimp coupling. In this case, you will need a flexible hose, one end of which is connected directly to the machine, and the other to the coupling and through it to the water supply. This method is suitable if you have metal pipes. First of all, we fix the crimp element on the pipeline, and then drill a hole in the system directly through it.
If you have metal-plastic pipes, then a tee is perfect. We cut out a piece of pipe and insert a fitting into the resulting space. Next, we connect a ball valve to it and provide access to the water supply through a flexible hose. You can also install a tee at the junction with the drain tank or mixer. In this case, there is no need to cut or solder anything, but the aesthetic side will suffer significantly. And before each wash you will have to remove the tap hose, which is not very convenient, especially if the unit is in the kitchen.
But what to do if not? Residents of private buildings often face this problem, and it doesn’t matter whether you planned to park the machine in the kitchen or in the bathroom. In such conditions, the location will be determined by a large reservoir, which will be the source of water. However, there is one problem: this tank must stand at a height of 3 meters. Next, using a hose, we provide a water supply. And by putting a small pumping station, you don’t have to raise the container, but then you’ll have to spend money.
Types of drains and safety basics
But ensuring fluid supply is only half of it. We continue to study how to connect a washing machine, because the used water must still be drained somewhere. The easiest way is to buy a special hose with a hook and drain the soapy liquid directly into the bathroom or through the toilet. But this option is not the most convenient. It is much better to make the drain stationary. Construction stores sell special siphons, both for kitchen use and for sinks, which have an outlet for the washing machine.
The outlet in the siphon must be located above the knee, otherwise there is a high probability that water from the sewer will enter the device. And then an unpleasant smell cannot be avoided.
You can also install a special outlet under the machine directly on sewer pipe, but only if its thickness is 4–5 cm. In this case, you will need a special hose in the shape of the letter “S” and seals. We insert the flexible element into the sewer so that there is no contact with waste water, and its upper edge should be at a height of at least 50 cm from the floor.
Installing a washing machine yourself also involves ensuring reliable protection of the device from electrical leaks and breakdowns. One of the most desirable devices can be called aquacontrol. This device monitors water and electrical leaks and, if necessary, turns off the unit. In expensive models, aquastop is usually included in the package, but if you decide to save on the car itself, you should additionally purchase protective equipment.
RCD circuit breaker or device protective shutdown, is triggered as soon as you touch a metal part or wire of the equipment. So if there are children in the house, then you cannot save on such a device. In addition, protection against damage due to insulation wear is provided, high humidity and mechanical impact.
We assemble the entire circuit ourselves
Although installing a washing machine yourself seems like a simple task, some problems may arise with the connection. Below is detailed instructions, with which everyone can cope with the task.
How to connect a washing machine - step by step diagram
Step 1: Select a location
The first thing to focus on is choosing a location. This problem is relevant for owners of both large private houses and small apartments. In the first case, you need to determine the most convenient location, and in the second, you simply need to find a place. There are 3 options: in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in the closet. When choosing between the first two options, it would be correct to give preference to the kitchen.
Why is it undesirable to connect in the bathroom? Due to too high humidity in this room, which often leads to household electrical injuries. In addition, a damp environment in the bathroom negatively affects the service life of many components of the unit. There is often little space in the kitchen, and when connecting a washing machine in this room, we have to sacrifice work space, no matter how hard we try to avoid it.
Although most of us are accustomed to seeing this unit in the bathroom or kitchen, best option- a closet adjacent to one of the rooms where there is access to a water source. True, you will have to punch a hole in the wall to ensure inlet and outlet. But in general, if you have a special tool, doing this correctly and accurately is quite possible. And in order for air to circulate in the room while the machine is running, you just need to open the door.
Step 2: Unboxing
Immediately before connection, all transport parts must be removed from the unit. These include bars, bolts and brackets that secure all rotating elements during transportation. The drain hoses and power cord are usually held together with staples, and the tank is bolted on. After unscrewing the hardware, the tank should hang on the springs. Close the bolt hole with the special plug included in the kit. And by tilting the unit forward, you can remove the bars located between the body and the drum.
Step 3: Grounding
When you have purchased an expensive washing machine from a world-famous manufacturer, as a rule, the price of the unit includes the connection. It would seem that nothing can disturb your happiness, but the master comes, and suddenly it turns out that he is missing protective grounding. As a result, the specialist refuses to carry out the installation, and the warranty is removed from the machine. But even if you purchased a budget option without special conditions, then grounding is still required. Otherwise, there is again a high probability of being left without warranty service.
You can carry out electrical connections yourself only if you have the appropriate education and work experience. There is also electronic grounding, it is relevant for multi-storey buildings. However, such a device has a significant drawback - increased sensitivity to air. So the device often works when it is not needed. And as you know, the greatest load occurs when electrical equipment is turned on or off. So before doing such grounding, ask whether this will affect the warranty.
Step 4: Installation
It is important to install the machine correctly in the bathroom, kitchen or other room, since its performance depends on the position. We will need a level from the tool. An inclination of more than 2° and vibration will lead to rapid failure of parts. Therefore, it is necessary that the coating under the device is reliable and does not “play.” A concrete floor is best suited; most often such a base is found in the bathroom. We check the horizontal level of the top panel of the machine with a level and, if necessary, adjust the height of the legs. In all models they are twisted. Pieces of linoleum, cardboard, and wooden blocks should not be placed correctly; this will negatively affect stability.
Step 5: Connection
Now it’s time to provide a connection to the water supply and drain according to the chosen option. If the machine does not have a check valve, then you should take into account the level at which the drain hose is located. This value is specified in the technical documentation. In houses with a boiler, you can power the unit with hot water and then save on electricity. The first thing to do is drain, then, turning off the water, we provide its supply.
Step 6: Power Supply
It is advisable to install an RCD for such a powerful device, but if this is not possible, then an exception can be made. In addition, it is a good idea to worry about stable voltage in the network. It’s good that today there are many devices that, if not level, then at least turn off electrical equipment during dangerous surges. This problem is especially relevant for residents of the private sector.
Step 7: Check
Having connected the automatic washing machine with your own hands, you should check how it works. First, we give the go-ahead to the water supply and see if there are any leaks in the hose system. If such a problem is discovered, it must be corrected immediately. Then we turn on the unit to the network and start the test mode. If everything is done correctly, then after completing the cycle, the machine should turn off automatically; in some models, it notifies you when the wash is complete sound signal or a message on the display. Next, turn off the hot water to check if the self-heating function works. This can be done by standard washing or by using the test again.
Now there are no problems with choosing and purchasing automatic washing machines, but the same cannot be said about installing them. Not every man is ready to do all the installation work on his own. However, you don’t want to spend extra money on the services of a specialist, given that professionals charge dearly for their work. In this case, you will have to personally understand the theory and understand how to connect the washing machine yourself in practice to the sewerage system and water supply. You will have to tinker with the electrical wiring, and also replace the electrical outlet if it is not grounded. All connections and connections must be secure to prevent leakage. Installation work can be carried out different ways, from which everyone chooses the most convenient and practical.
This video clearly demonstrates how to properly connect a washing machine to the water supply system and sewer network.
Choosing a reliable place to install a household appliance
In a standard city apartment, there is not much room for confusion when choosing a suitable place for a stationary placement of an automatic washing machine. Usually they choose from three options - kitchen, bathroom, toilet, if the bathroom is separate. Moreover, only top-loading models, which have compact dimensions, can be placed in the toilet.
Important! When choosing a location, do not forget that there should be free access to the installed equipment. After all, washing machines are used quite intensively, especially in families with small children.
It is best to install the machine on concrete base. This will reduce vibration of the device to a minimum during operating mode. With the help of twist-out legs, they ensure a level position for the machine, both horizontally and vertically.
We carry out proper unpacking
Manufacturers carefully package complex household equipment, such as a washing machine, to prevent damage to the product during transportation. Therefore, before starting installation work The device is freed from its original packaging, and then the bolts that specifically secure the tank are removed. The manufacturer supplies the device with plugs used to close the resulting holes. Bolts removed from the machine must be stored and used for their intended purpose during transportation of the equipment.
Removing shipping bolts and installing plugs
The procedure for removing shipping parts is specified in full detail in the text of the instructions, which are necessarily attached to each household appliance by the manufacturer. When purchasing imported equipment, make sure that the instructions are translated into Russian. If you carefully follow the diagram in the buyer's manual, you will be able to connect the washing machine without any problems.
Important! Please remember that it is strictly prohibited to turn on equipment with shipping bolts. If this is allowed, then breakdown of important technical components of the household appliance is inevitable. Moreover, the consequences can be catastrophic, to the point that repairs will not help. In this case, you cannot count on a warranty, because the cause of damage will be related to installation errors.
Connecting the washing machine to the water supply
The washing machine can only be operated if there is an uninterrupted supply of cold water. Each washing mode requires water at a certain temperature. Therefore, the incoming cold water is heated automatically.
Do-it-yourself connection of the washing machine to the central water supply is done using the inlet hose supplied with the technical product. If the length of this hose is not sufficient, then you can purchase a longer copy at any store specializing in the sale of building materials.
Inserting a tap into the water supply system to connect a washing machine
There is a special hole on the back panel of the automatic machine to connect the inlet hose. The second end of the hose must be connected to the water pipe and this can be done in several ways.
- The easiest way to connect is if the system has a separate tap specifically designed for this purpose. You will need an adapter whose thread will match the threads of the tap and inlet hose. Both threaded connections must be carefully sealed to eliminate the possibility of leakage.
- If the water supply system in a house or apartment is made of metal pipes, then to connect it you will have to install a tap. A ball valve equipped with two outlets, as well as a clamp (bandage), is purchased. To drill a hole in a pipe, you must first turn off the water. Then a bandage with a seal is put on the resulting hole and the tap is screwed in. An inlet hose is connected to the free outlet of the ball valve.
- You can independently connect the washing machine to the water supply using a pass-through ball valve with three terminals. When choosing faucets, you should not skimp on quality. It is better to give preference to brass taps. If the machine is placed in a toilet, then the connection point is used to connect cold water cistern and a hose.
Important! When performing work, do not twist the inlet hose or “break” it. Threaded connections are sealed with a rubber gasket or a special elastic plumbing tape.
We ensure the drainage of waste water into the sewer system
Many owners don’t really think about how to connect the washing machine drain to the sewer system. Simply secure the drain hose using the special plastic hook included in the kit to the edge of the bathtub or sink. If the machine is in the toilet, then the drain hose is simply lowered into the toilet. This method, although simple, is not very convenient. Plumbing fixtures quickly become dirty from the water drained after washing. Yes, and it is difficult to use them for their intended purpose. A flood cannot be avoided if you forget about the placement of the drain hose.
Methods for draining waste water from a washing machine
It is much safer and more practical to connect the washing machine drain through a special siphon, which looks like a plastic elbow with an outlet. It is on this outlet that the tip of the drain hose is put on.
Important! The outlet must be located above the curved section of the knee, which will ensure connection with the atmosphere. It is forbidden to connect the drain directly to the sewer system, since the tightness of the connection will create a “siphon” effect. In this case, the machine simultaneously pumps water and drains it. There is also an unpleasant odor inside the washing machine.
How to properly connect equipment to the electrical network?
You can’t joke with electricity, as mistakes made when connecting the machine can cost the owners their lives. Therefore, to perform electrical installation work It is better to invite an experienced electrician. The specialist will determine the power and cross-section of the supply wires and select a cable of the appropriate brand. Install a Euro socket with a grounding contact and a residual current device. It is not recommended to use tees and extensions, as this may cause a fire.
Therefore, you can connect the washing machine to the sewer and water supply with your own hands, since this work does not require special knowledge. Entrust everything else to a qualified electrician so as not to worry about the health of your loved ones.