If you have an existing hook-up for your washing machine, the new washing machine installation may be as simple as disconnecting the hoses on your current washer and connecting your new one. If your plumbing system does not have an existing hook-up for your washing machine, or, if your existing hook up was not installed correctly the first time, your washing machine installation could leave you at risk for significant and expensive water damage to your walls, floors and other structures due to leaky connections.
Risks of Washing Machine Installation
Sometimes, the installation can be so faulty it might be dangerous and possibly even deadly. For example, in one recent photo that we saw, a connection between a washing machine and the water source was made using several old plumbing fixtures and several small sections of pipe.
The installation that was shown in the photo not only increased the chance of leaks occurring, it also placed users at the risk of receiving a significant electrical shock and possibly losing their life. This is because the water connections to the washer were made adjacent to an extension cord that was used to plug up the washing machine, rather than a standard, grounded, electrical outlet that would help to protect the user from shock.
Standard Washing Machine Installation Tips
In general, an installation of a washing machine is best made by installing a separate connection for the hot and cold water sources. Each connection should feature a single, straight pipe and tap for the hot and cold water connections. Each connection should them be hooked up with hoses to the corresponding hot and cold water connections on the washing machine. Any error that is made in cutting the pipe in the existing plumbing, or, when installing the connections themselves, can lead to plumbing leaks.
When installing the washing machine, it is also important that the correct size of drainage tube is installed to the existing drainage system. A drainage hose that is the proper width and length must also be used to make the connection between the washer and the drain. Any error in the size of tube, hose, or the connection between the tube and existing drain, can also be a source of leaks.
Plumbing leaks can grow over time, and, the longer that pipes or connections leak, the more likely it is that extensive damage will occur. Why take the risk of making an expensive, possibly harmful, plumbing error? The next time that you need washing machine installation, or, make other changes to your existing plumbing system, leave the hassle and risk to the professionals. Contact the experts at Aladdin Plumbing.