Preparing your home for installing a washer and dryer

Step 1: Switch off your old machine

Make sure your old machine is turned off and check the drum for any stray socks. Then unplug it from the mains.

Step 2: Turn off the water and unplug the pipe.

Slowly pull your machine away from the wall, and you’ll spot a hose connecting the washing machine to an outlet on your wall. There should be a small tap (often blue) on top of the hose; turn it off and then grab a bucket or cloth and unscrew the cold water in the pipe.

Step 3: Detach the wastewater hose

You’ll see another hose going from your machine into the floor. This is your wastewater pipe. Again, have a cloth handy for any drips and drops, and just give it a pull to detach it.

NB: When you’re preparing your home to install a new tumble dryer, if you had a vented tumble dryer, you’ll need to disconnect the vent hose by twisting left at the vent hose kit in the wall and if there’s a hole through an external wall, fit a proper external vent cover or seal it up as only heat pump tumble dryers are sold in Ireland.

Is it easy to install a washing machine yourself?

Installing a washing machine yourself is straightforward and something you can do yourself. That said, if you’ve never done it before or aren’t confident dealing with large appliances, it’s definitely worth the peace of mind of getting professional appliance installation.

How to install a washing machine

Now that your old washing machine has been unplugged from the power supply and the hoses have been disconnected, you are ready to install a washing machine.

Step 1: Remove carriage bolts

Your first step is to remove the carriage bolts from the back of your new washing machine. There are four carriage bolts, and they secure the drum from moving around too much while the washing machine is in transit by connecting to screws that press against the drum. To remove the carriage bolts, just unscrew them. It’s as straight-forward as that.

Step 2: Attach the cold water hose

You’ll find all the parts you need to connect your washing machine, and your manual, in the drum. Once they’re out, your next step is to get it hooked up to receive cold water. Screw one end of the hose to the attachment at the top of the back of your machine and the other end to the cold water supply (the one with the blue tap).

Step 3: Test the water supply

Now that the cold water supply hose is attached, turn on the blue tap and check that water is flowing through the pipe and isn’t leaking. Once there are no water drips, you can be confident that it is connected correctly.

Step 4: Attach the wastewater pipe

Next, you’ll need to attach the wastewater hose (attached to the back of the machine) to your wastewater pipe.

Step 5: Make sure your machine is level

Lastly, make sure your washing machine is stable and wobble-free. As the drum spins at super-fast speeds, the last thing you want is a noisy machine or a damaged machine hitting off counters. If it’s not level, you’ll need to adjust the legs’ locking nut using a spanner. How do you do that? You can either gently rock the machine from side to side to see where it needs adjustment or grab your spirit level.

Done? Now just glide your machine into place and get ready to put on your first wash!

How to install a tumble dryer

Tumble dryer installation is generally straightforward. Since 2025, we only sell EU heat pump tumble dryers, which are the easiest to install. Heat pump tumble dryers have a water collection tray and lint tray. They circulate hot air in the drum to remove moisture from your clothes and recycle it.

Step 1: Remove the packaging

Remove all plastic wrapping from the outside of the tumble dryer and then remove the polystyrene. You might see a sticker and ribbon attached to the door; if so, you’ll find polystyrene in the drum, which would have helped the drum stay stable during transit.

Step 2: Open the tumble dryer door

Like a washing machine, you’ll find the tumble dryer instruction book in the drum. Make sure the drum is completely emptied before you start to install it.

Step 3: Disconnect your old tumble dryer

Most tumble dryers just need to be turned off, unplugged from the wall and moved. If your old tumble dryer was a vented tumble dryer, you’ll need to disconnect the vent hose first. This is done by twisting it to the left at the vent hose kit in the wall.

Step 4: Plug your new tumble dryer in

Plug your dryer into a socket and gently push it into place. You may need to adjust the feet once it’s in situ but check your instruction manual as how to adjust tumble dryer feet may vary by manufacturer.

Troubleshooting and repairs (when to call the pros)

If you thought you could install your new laundry appliance but now that it’s sitting on the floor in front of you, it feels like an overwhelming task, it might be the time to call the pros and get it professionally installed. If you run into issues like leaky pipes, clogged drains, excessive noise or wobbly machines, then it’s best to get a professional to check the issues.

With your new appliances in place, laundry will no longer be a chore. If you’re still choosing your new washing machine, our washing machine buying guide has all the information you need to make the best purchase for your needs.

FAQs

How do you plumb a washing machine waste pipe?

Your waste pipe, to drain dirty water, is a flexible pipe attached to the machine. To connect it, locate the waste drain under your sink or in your utility room and securely place it into the drain. If it’s a nozzle-style drain, slide a jubilee clip onto your pipe, attach it to the nozzle and secure it by screwing the jubilee clip into place.

Do you need to install a heat pump tumble dryer?

No, you do not need to install a heat pump tumble dryer as they are ventless and self-contained. To get started with your new heat pump tumble dryer, remove the instruction book from the drum, plug it into the socket, move it into place and make sure the feet are even.

How do I attach a washing machine drain hose?

Your drain hose will be in the drum of your machine. To attach the washing machine drain hose, connect the 90-degree connector to your machine on the top right by twisting it into place. Connect the flat side to your water supply (it has a blue lever) by twisting it into place and then turn the water on by flipping the lever.