Install a Washer and Dryer

• Step 1 Disconnect the washer and dryer

  

  Move the washer and dryer away from the wall and carefully unplug them. Turn off the hot and cold water valves behind the washer — if they’re not already marked, figure out which is which, then label them with masking tape. Use the tongue-and-groove pliers to disconnect both water lines. Pull the washer's drain hose from the drainpipe and unclamp it from the washer. Save the hoses and hardware as temporary replacement parts in case a hose ever leaks or bursts.

   

• Step 2 Unplug the water

  

  If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve from the wall. (In the off position, the valve is perpendicular to the gas line.) Disconnect the flexible gas line from the connection on the bottom of the dryer using an adjustable wrench.

  Disconnect the aluminum vent hose from the back of the dryer only — leave the other end connected to the vent. Vacuum the inside of the hose to remove lint.
  

• Step 3 Level the washer and dryer

  With someone helping, tilt each machine up about six inches. Using an adjustable wrench, turn the screw feet on the bottom clockwise to make the feet longer or counterclockwise to make them shorter.  Set the machines back down and place a level on top to test. Adjust the screw feet until the machines are flat.

• Step 4 Connect the water

  

  Move the washer and dryer close to the water supply lines, leaving enough room to work behind it. Connect the new water hoses to the supply pipes on one end and to the washer connections on the other end. Tighten by hand and then with tongue-and-groove pliers.

  Connect the drain hose to the washer and place the hose in the drainpipe between spigots. Don't plug them in yet.
  

• Step 5 Connect the dryer

  

  Locate the new washer and dryer close to the dryer vent and electrical outlet. Attach the aluminum vent hose to the dryer. Attach the flexible gas line to the connection on the lower back of the dryer by hand, and then tighten snugly with wrench. Don't plug it in yet.

• Step 6 Test the gas connection

  

  Mix water and a little dish detergent in a spray bottle and spray the soapy water on the gas line connections. Slowly turn the gas on at the valve. Bubbles indicate a leak — turn off the gas immediately and re-tighten connections. Test again.

  If leaks persist, turn off the gas at the valve and call your gas company or appliance company for service.
  

• Step 7 Plug in the washer and dryer

  Plug the power cords into their electrical outlets. Push the machines carefully into place and check the level again, adjusting the leveling feet if needed. Make sure all cords, lines and hoses are still connected and are not pinched or stretched.

• Step 8 Test the connections

  Turn on both water valves. Run the new washer empty for one entire cycle. Check for proper filling, agitating and draining. Watch for water leaks.

  Run the dryer with a few pieces of clothing.  Make sure hot air isn't leaking from the exhaust pipe inside; if it is, tighten the connection and, if necessary, seal it with foil duct tape. Go outside to check that air is coming through the exhaust vent. 
  

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