Disconnect and Install a Washer and Electric Dryer

ChickFix
by ChickFix
2 Materials
15 Minutes
Easy

Maybe you're moving to a new home, or perhaps you've gotten a new washer or dryer and want to save money by installing it yourself. Whatever the case may be, doing this on your own is is simple, even if you don't think of yourself as "handy."

A friend told me her moving company was going to charge her an additional $150 to disconnect her washer and dryer! Not to move it, mind you; just disconnect and plug it in at the new house. "Don't do it!" I said. "Here, let me show you..."


(Scroll down to see the full video on YouTube!)

Disconnecting the Washer


Behind your washer, you have the plug, the drain line, and the hot and cold water outlets. First, turn the hot and cold water off. Mine have these easy-to-read handles to indicate when the water is turned off. Yours might be more like the water spigots on the outside of your house, and in that case, just remember "righty tighty, lefty loosey." Turn them clockwise to turn them off.



Unplug the power cord and remove the drain line from it's hole. Be mindful that there might be a little bit of water still in the drain line. Then remove the water lines, which attach to the water connections similar to the way a hose attaches to a spigot on the outside of your house.


Since the water lines are very rarely removed, they might be difficult to get loose. Use some channel locks or vice grips to get them started.


NOTE: If you are not comfortable unplugging either appliance, turn the power off at the breaker box, which should have dedicated switches for these appliances.


And that's it! You're disconnected, and it's ready to move! Use a rubber band or a zip tie to hold all of your cords together, and tuck them into the washer drum to keep them safely out of the way during transport. (You can also disconnect the water and drain line from the back of the washer if you choose.)

Installing the Washer in its New Home


Installing the washer is just the same thing in reverse! Just make sure that you are connecting the hot water line with the hot water outlet, and the cold with the cold. There should be an indication of some kind on the back of your washer to indicate which is which.


And don't forget to turn the water back on!


NOTE: If you have left the drain line attached to the washer during transport, make sure it has not come loose from the back of the washer before using it!

Disconnecting the Electric Dryer


This is even easier than the washer! Simply unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent hose from the wall. Mine has a simple clamp which releases just by squeezing it; yours might require a flat-head screwdriver to loosen.


If you are moving your dryer to a new home, also remove the vent from the back of the dryer to keep it from being damaged. The clamp will likely be similar to the clamp on the other end.

Installing the Electric Dryer


To install the dryer, first connect the vent hose to the vent opening in the wall. (This can be a little tricky, so be patient.) Make sure the clamp is firmly secured, and plug in the dryer. Move into place carefully, making sure the vent hose doesn't fall off its opening.


NOTE: if you have a flexible vent hose like I do, it might be worth replacing it for your new home. They tend to degrade over time and might loose their integrity, and it's only about $10-15 to replace.

What if My New Wall Outlet is Different?


Older homes might have a three-prong wall outlet, whereas newer homes will likely have a four-prong outlet. But don't worry: you don't have to replace the dryer! You should be able to order a replacement cord from your manufacturer to match the outlet in your new home, and changing out the cords is a relatively easy process.


NOTE: U.S. National Electrical Code currently calls for four-prong outlets, which allow for the added safety feature of an additional grounding line on high-volt appliances like dryers. Since there are many homes in the U.S. that still have the three-prong outlet, most new dryers sell the cord separately, so that you can purchase the specific one that fits your home.

What if I have a gas dryer?


Gas dryers differ from electric dryers in two significant ways:


(1) In addition to the plug and the vent, there is a gas line with a shut off valve on the line near the wall.

(2) They operate using a 120-volt outlet, instead of a 240-volt, so they likely have a more standard plug.


If you are moving your gas dryer, you will need to shut off the gas at the valve before disconnecting the line.


**Please look up specific instructions for this type of dryer to make sure you disconnect and install it safely.

Watch the Full Video Tutorial!

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 4 comments
  • William William on May 14, 2020

    Great tips and perfect tutorial. This will help out a lot of DIY's.

    • ChickFix ChickFix on May 15, 2020

      Thanks for the kinds words! I hope it does help some people!


  • Jean Danner Jean Danner on May 15, 2020

    If the washer has the older “rubber” water lines, this is an ideal time to change to the more secure metal lines. My homeowner’s insurance will not cover damage from leaking/blown rubber lines. Anyone can change these!

    • ChickFix ChickFix on May 15, 2020

      If you feel like they might blow out on you, then by all means change them! Not sure they need to be metal though.

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