install a dishwasher or washing machine

2: Connecting to a power supply

• Washing machines and dishwashers need to be plugged into a standard 13 amp socket.
• If the sockets in your kitchen or utility room are all above the work surfaces, run a spur from a suitable socket to a switched fused connection unit above the work surface. Then run a cable from this to an unswitched socket below the work surface to serve the machine.
• The socket should have an integrated light to show when the machine is switched on.
• If you are unsure about anything then contact a qualified electrician for assistance. It’s always a good idea to also check with local building regulations before undertaking any electrical work.

3: Installing a washing machine

• Fig. 1 shows a typical washing machine installation: nearby hot and cold water pipes have been extended using T-fittings to reach of the machine’s supply hoses.
• When doing any new plumbing work, make sure you fit isolation valves to allow the appliance to be isolated without having to cut off the hot and cold water supplies (fig. 1).
• Hook the waste hose into the trap at the top of the standpipe (fig. 1).

4: Installing a dishwasher

• Fig. 2 shows a typical dishwasher installation which will have a cold water supply only.
• When doing any new plumbing work, make sure you fit an isolation valve to allow the appliance to be isolated without having to cut off the water supply (fig. 2).
• Hook the waste hose into the trap at the top of the standpipe under the sink.

helpful hint...

Your washing machine can be kept working efficiently by running it on a ‘service wash’ once a month. Set it to the highest heat setting without putting in any laundry. This clears grease from the pipes and drum.

5: Connecting to an existing water supply

• If you are replacing an old machine, the hot and cold water supply pipes will already be in place.
• Screw the end of the machine’s cold water pipe to the blue-coloured valve on the end of your cold water supply pipe.
• This valve allows the water to the machine to be turned off if there's a problem with the machine.
• If your machine also uses a hot water supply, connect this hose to the red valve in the same way (fig. 3).
• If one of the hoses supplied doesn't reach an existing valve, you can buy an extra length of flexible hose. Connect the two pieces together with an inlet hose connector.

6: Fitting to a new water supply

• If hot and cold connecting valves are not already fitted, the easiest way to plumb in your washing machine or dishwasher is to use selfcutting valves (fig. 4).
• These come as a kit and can be attached to hot and cold 15mm copper water pipes without having to turn off the water supply.
• Choose a convenient point on a section of your cold water supply pipe.
• Fit the back plate of the valve directly behind the pipe. Place the top piece over this and screw the parts together, around the pipe (fig. 5).
• Turn the valve to ‘off’ and screw it into the pipework. This will make a small hole in the copper pipe. Use two spanners to tighten the nuts.
• The cold water flexible plastic hose from your machine is then screwed to the end of the valve.
• These steps are repeated for the hot water supply if the machine needs cold and hot water.

7: Using your sink to drain

• The machine’s flexible waste hose has to discharge into a waste pipe (standpipe)or trap above the level of the top of the drum.
• One option is to position the machine next to a sink and change the sink trap to a washing machine/dishwasher trap. This has an inlet for the waste hose (fig. 6).
• Install a non-return valve to prevent back-siphonage of waste water, or fix the hose so that it runs higher than the level of the sink overflow. This will ensure that the waste water can’t run back into the machine.

8: Using a waste outlet to drain

• If your machine isn’t close enough to connect to a sink waste trap, or there’s a vertical waste pipe already fitted on the wall behind the machine, connect your waste pipe to this outlet instead.
• Simply push the flexible pipe supplied with the machine into the top of the 40mm diameter waste pipe. This is connected to the sewer system for the house.
• You can buy a waste outlet pipe as a DIY kit. If you fit this, make sure the end is at least 600mm above floor level.

9: Checking the connections

• Turn on the cold supply valve (and hot if fitted) and check the pipes for leaks.
• If all is OK, plug in the machine and start a short wash cycle to check that it takes in water and the waste water drains away.
• When you are satisfied that everything is OK, push the machine against the wall.