Midea MF200W70B/E Freestanding Washing Machine
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The installation of a washing machine and dryer involves plumbing knowledge, electrical knowledge, and carpentry skills. Washing machines require an electrical outlet, a supply of hot and cold water, and a drainage outlet. Dryers also require electricity, with electric dryers requiring a 240-volt socket and gas dryers requiring plumbing for a gas supply. In addition, the dryer will need an exhaust outlet. Next, we will provide you with some guidance to help you better complete your washer and dryer installation.
Make sure you have a 120-volt electrical outlet near your washer and dryer and confirm that the outlet is ground fault protected. If not, you will need to convert the existing outlet to a GFCI and you will also have to change the circuit breakers to match the appliance's current specifications. In addition, an electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet controlled by a pair of dedicated 30 to 50 amp circuit breakers, depending on the dryer's specifications. If you don't have sufficient experience with electricity you're better off seeking a professional electrician to install a 240-volt dryer circuit for you.
It is best to keep your washing machine close to the water heater as you can tap into the water heater's cold and hot water supply from its inlet and outlet lines. If the distance between the washing machine and the water heater is long, then you can use the nearest 3/4" hot and cold line. Connect with a 3/4" by 1/2" tee fitting and run these lines to the wall behind the washing machine. Each line terminates with a shut-off valve, securely attached to the wall frame above the top of the washing machine for easy access. A plumber usually terminates the supply line with a washing machine box. It contains the valve and also has an opening for the installation of a vertical pipe.
The drain for the washing machine is known as a standpipe and is usually constructed from a 2" ABS pipe. The opening of the standpipe should be above the overflow level of the washing machine and at least 34 inches above the floor. It drains into a P-trap which in turn drains into a convenient waste pipe. Washing machines and sinks or toilets usually share a standard drain. the P-trap must discharge within 5 feet of the trap. A plumber usually runs a vertical pipe from the horizontal trap outlet to connect it to an existing vent.
The installation of 1/2" galvanized or black iron gas pipes for gas dryers is another important task that needs to be completed and this is usually carried out by a professional. This is because this task is dangerous and could potentially cause a fire if things go wrong. In addition, installing dryer vents requires some carpentry skills. Because the vent needs to go out of the side or roof of the house, you will need to cut a hole for it and seal the gap after the vent has been installed. Dryer manufacturers will generally recommend that you use smooth metal ducting. And you can make the maximum length of the vent included in the dryer specifications, although 25 feet is the standard maximum length for a vent without a bend.
