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How to install a washing machine?

Hi,
I have just moved into an unfurnished property and I have a couple of questions regarding a washing machine installation. Here are some pictures for context:

Water outlet:

Water outlet

Bathtub drain:

Bathtub drain

Sink drain:

Sink drain

Questions:

1. Do I need an adaptor to connect the water outlet to the washing machine? If so which one?

2. Does the water outlet tap remain open or should I close it after each use?

3. There isn't any drainage pipe in the space. Can I connect the washing machine drain pipe to the bathtub or the sink? If so, how?

Doing this for the first time so a bit confused. Thank you so much for your help!

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ARAI. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about washing machine installation.

Your washing machine should have its own set of hoses for water connection. If not, you can pick up a new inlet hose. This hose should screw directly onto the tap and the back of your washing machine.

You'd normally leave the tap open.

The washing machine waste hose would typically be pushed onto the waste outlet barb in the top right of your sink drain image. Just ensure the inside is drilled out and ready to accept your hose. You'll also need a pipe clamp to hold it in position. If you cannot access the barb under the sink, you can have the water directed into the sink. One of these hoses with a plastic U-fitting helps direct the water into the sink. The U-fitting will be available separately in-store if you already have a hose.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ARAI

Hi @MitchellMc ,

Thank you so much for your quick response, especially on a Sunday! I wasn't expecting a response until tomorrow.

I just checked and the inside of the top right barb is not drilled out. Can I just use a normal drill head to drill it open?

Also, as the tap from the previous picture is a bit far from the sink drain, would there be any adaptors I could use to connect the washing machine inlet hose directly onto the sink tap?

Sink Tap picture for reference:

Sink tap

Thank you so much for all your help and feel free to respond tomorrow! I don't want to take up your time on a Sunday! Thank you again.

MitchellMc

No need to worry, @ARAI; we're a 7-day-a-week service around here! 👍 😀

You'd use a normal drill bit, and the closer to the inside diameter of the hole, the better. You want to open it up entirely but avoid damaging the outside walls. There are a few different sizes, but it should be around a 10-12mm drill bit.

It's entirely better and a more secure connection to use the threaded wall tap instead of the sink tap. There are some rather convoluted ways to connect to the sink tap, but I'd try to avoid those at all costs. My washing machine is quite far away from the tap as well, and I used a Kinetic 4m Stainless Steel Washing Machine And Dishwasher Inlet Hose to reach it.

Mitchell

DIYGnome

Hello @ARAI your washine machine should have come with (and still have) the required hot & cold inlet hoses (as seen in the supplied photo), they screw onto the underside of your plumbing fixtures and can remain "on" once fully connected as the washing machine features electrically controlled inlet valves that open as required only during the wash cycle.

The outlet pipe/hose (depending on your machine) can generally hook over the sink or in a specially provided inlet (also seen in the photo supplied).

ARAI

Haha didn't know about that!

And got it. I'll give that a go and reach out again if I get stuck. Thank you so much for your help!! 😀

ARAI

Thanks for sharing that. That helps a lot.

Unfortunately, my sink does not have an outlet hole like that so gonna have to do some work to get the waste outlet working with my sink but should be alright (hopefully).

EricL

Hi @ARAI

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your washing machine plumbed up and ready for use.

Eric

ARAI

Hey @EricL,

I sure will. Currently deciding between using the under sink drain or just letting the washer empty into the bathtub. Bathtub is convenient cause it's next to the machine. Getting it under the sink means having a hose in the middle of the bathroom at all time.

What do you guys think, letting it drain into the bathtub will be alright?

EricL

Hello @ARAI

I suggest using a Kinetic PVC Washing Machine Hose Outlet U Bracket. This keeps the hose hooked on to the edge of the outlet which is your tub.

However, I highly recommend that you read up on the required height for the washing machine outlet. Some models if placed at the wrong height creates auto siphoning and will drain out the water in the machine. This will then cause overheating and shorten the life of your machine.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

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