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It is sometimes essential to move your washing machine from one point to another. Some factors can necessitate moving or transferring your washing machine out of its current position, like disconnecting it from a power supply. Still, the process is essential and needs caution regardless of the reasons.

You could move the appliance to look into a problem, patch a broken wire, or maybe replace a damaged part. Perhaps you've bought a brand new washer, and it's necessary to remove the old one. Maybe you're simply relocating and bringing your favourite washer with you. Disconnecting your washer, for whatever reason, is a significant undertaking.

Every washing machine is attached to the wall at around three or four locations and with various attachments. Before you can lift your washer out of its position and have it serviced or transferred onto a dolly for transportation, each component must be correctly disconnected. If you need to disconnect and move your washing machine, read on, and you are bound to see this task through without a hitch.

Is It Simple To Disconnect A Washing Machine?

The answer is entirely dependent on where you live. Some houses have an accessible valve that turns off the hook-up to the washer before the lines reach the specified valves. This valve is similar to the valves located at the rear of your toilet or beneath the sink. If you own one of these, you can quickly shut off the water supply by shutting the valve before moving your appliance.

If you do not have such a valve, you can turn off the water flow at the connecting valves that link the washing machine to the wall. However, if rust has accumulated over time, the task of turning the valves might be more complex than necessary. If everything else is unsuccessful, you can always shut off your whole home's water system at the mains, just as you would during major plumbing maintenance.

Necessary Tools To Disconnect Washing Machines

Disconnecting means unplugging your washing machine, which is a relatively straightforward operation that requires you to have a few items ready before you can begin. Below is a brief checklist of everything you will need as a means of disconnecting your washing machine.

  • Pipe wrenches or a pair of adjustable pliers
  • Washer locks or foam
  • An electric screwdriver
  • A pair of protective rubber gloves
  • Appliance dolly
  • A crate (for collecting any excess water)
  • Towels
  • A moving blanket
  • Bleach as well as vinegar
  • Slip-joint bucket pliers
  • Duct tape
  • All-purpose cleaner or a rag
  • Bungee or cords rope

Disconnecting And Moving Your Washing Machine

If you follow a few basic procedures, detaching and moving your washing machine regardless of its make is straightforward. Ensure that you have at least two people to assist you in navigating your stairs and doorways.

Step One: Clean the machine

Turn the water to heat, then run a standard cycle. For the cycle, pour some vinegar and bleach into your washer. This helps clean your drum as well as the drain pipes. Let the appliance dry thoroughly by leaving the door open for around 24 hours.

Step Two: Switch off the water supply

Now, switch off the water supply to the washing machine. Check that the cold and hot water valves have been both completely closed.

Step Three: Remove excess water from the machine hoses

Set the washing equipment to a warm wash, then turn it on for around 30 seconds to remove excess water from the hose into a washer tub. To enable the water to discharge from the washer, change the mode to spin. Turn off the washing machine. And if there's no power since it has been shut off, or if the washing machine is not operating, you will need to have a bucket nearby to collect the water in your drain lines.

Step Four: Disconnect the power cord

Disconnect the power cord. Take the duct tape and use it to fasten the cable to the rear of your appliance. Disconnect the drainage hose from the drainage pipe. Use some old rags to capture any residual water in the pipe. You can now remove the hose from the washing machine and keep it in the tub. Otherwise, you can use duct tape to tie it to the rear of the washer.

Step Five: Remove the water supply pipes from the valves

Prepare a basin and use the slip-joint pliers to separate the cold and hot water supply pipes from the valves on your wall one by one. Fill the bucket with the contents of the hose. Next, using the pair of pliers, remove the hoses from the washer. To avoid forgetting the hoses during the relocation, store them within the washing machine.

Repeat the process for the drainage hose. To make installation more manageable in your new house, tape the drainage hose to the rear of the washing machine rather than removing it and keeping it in the drum.

Step Six: Disconnect the hoses from the water supply

Prepare the bucket or towels once more, then disconnect the water hoses from the water supply connections. It will likewise need to be eliminated from your washer's rear. During transportation, keep the hoses within the washer's tub.

Step Seven: Tape the washing machine lid or door

Tape the washing machine lid or door shut using duct tape to avoid breakage while loading or unloading.

Step Eight: Transfer the washing machine onto the dolly

Now, slide the washing machine carefully onto the dolly and position it in a manner that evenly distributes its weight. Use both the bungee cords and ropes to fasten the washer for added strength, especially if you are transferring it upstairs or downstairs.

Step Nine: Attach washer clamps

Attach washer clamps as well as foam. Consult your owner's handbook for instructions on how to secure the drum throughout the relocation process. Top-loading appliances might simply necessitate the placement of cardboard or foam in between the drum and the casing. Front-loaders are frequently fastened by putting shipping nuts in your machine's back.

You might need to acquire washing machine locks from the manufacturer. Likewise, precise instructions should be found in your owner's handbook.

Reconnecting A Washing Machine After A Move

If you were paying attention while unplugging the washer, reconnecting it will be a breeze with just a few extra steps.

Step One: Undo the tape

Undo the duct tape that was keeping everything together and extract the stored tubes from the washing tub. Allow sufficient space behind the washing machine for you to operate while connecting the hoses.

Step Two: Examine the washing machine

Examine the washer fill hoses for damage and abrasions. You should also examine the connections for corrosion. Repair it with a new piece if they are well over around three years old. As protection from burst hoses, using a stainless steel fill line would be the most acceptable option. Check that your rubber washers are correctly seated in the connections.

Step Three: Check your washing machine hoses length

Now, ensure that your washing machine hoses are long enough for the current placement. If they are not, you can purchase an extension or new hoses that are greater in length. Then, attach the fill hoses to your water intakes on the rear of the washer using a pair of pipe pliers or by hand. Avoid over-tightening the hoses as it can damage the rubber washer, which would create leaks.

Attach the hose to your wall water mains while leaving the hose unkinked and ensuring that the correct lines travel to the cold and hot water outlets.

Step Four: Check for leaks

Inspect for leaks by turning on the water valves. You can use paper towels or ensure your hand is dry, then run them along with hoses. If you detached the drain line during the relocation, reconnect it to the washer tightly (a clamp is customarily provided).

Step Five: Connect the drain hose to the drainpipe

Put the washing machine drain hose into your drainage pipe in the wall. Check to ensure that your wall pipe is level and, as such, the drain hose is not pulled too far down your wastewater drainage pipe. The ends of the new washing machine drain hoses have plastic hooks onto which to connect the drainage hose clamps.

This keeps you from shoving it very far in. If the washing machine is continually filling as well as emptying, then the drain hose has been pulled too far down the pipe. If the drainpipe isn't long enough at the new position, you can make use of a specialised connector and extra hose to lengthen it.

Step Six: Slide the machine into position

Now, slide the washing machine into position, taking care not to kink or compress any of the hoses or drains. Check that the washing machine is level. You can check it with a level (your smartphone might have an app for this though you can still install one if you do not have it) and if it is not level, adjust the feet beneath the washer to rectify it. Levelling your washer lowers vibrations and aids in the prevention of leaks. If your washing machine is older or has no retractable feet, balance it using wood shims or thick cardboard.

Step Seven: Plug the power cable back in

Plugin the power wire and run the washer through its paces. After a few loads, thoroughly inspect it to ensure that no leaks develop.

If you want to move your washing machine completely, you should use a rolling dolly that will allow you to carry the heavy appliance without harming your back or scratching the floor. Take caution not to yank the connectors. You can keep the power line, as well as hoses, wrapped up onto themselves and off the ground with a few snaps.

Having Difficulties? Contact Expert Services

Whether you are relocating by yourself or using professional movers, you will need to unhook your washer as well as the dryer if you intend to transport them. Although you might be concerned, it is a straightforward activity that you can complete as long as you follow the above steps to the latter. However, if the work seems too complicated, feel free to enlist the assistance of trustworthy and affordable expert movers.

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