How to Install a Top Load Washer in 12 Steps

Have you recently purchased a top load washing machine and are now wondering how to install it? Hooking up a washer can be easy if you have the right tools and instructions. Watch this video and learn how to install a top load washer from Maytag appliance experts.

CAN I INSTALL A TOP-LOAD WASHING MACHINE MYSELF?

You don’t always need a professional to install a new washing machine. As long as you have the hookups, it’s a task you can tackle with the help of a friend. However, before you begin, you'll need the written installation instructions that accompanied your product and a second person to help move this heavy machine into place. 

If you don’t have hookups in your desired washer location, contact a professional to help get your laundry space up and running.

INSTALLING A TOP LOAD WASHER

Begin your top load washing machine installation by unpacking your machine. Then, move on to the washer drain hose installation and the connection of the inlet hoses to your hot and cold water faucets. Make sure to level your machine before plugging it in and using it.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To install your top load washing machine, you’ll need about two hours of your time, inlet hoses, a wrench, 1 ¾” pliers, a level, a utility knife, measuring tape and a wood block.

Step 1. MOVE WASHER AND REMOVE PACKAGING

Place the washer within four feet of its final location in a fully upright position. Use a utility knife to make a cut along the bottom of the packaging. Lift the box up and over the washing machine. Then, get another person to help you tip your laundry machine over. You can use the additional packaging to prevent the machine from scratching your floor. While the machine is tipped on its back, remove any additional packaging, then tip the machine back into a standing position.

Step 2. REMOVE PACKING TRAY FROM TUB

Remove the tape from the washer lid, open the lid and remove the cardboard packing tray from the tub. Be sure to remove all parts from the tray. This may include: a detergent sample, machine literature and a drain hose. Then, close the lid.

Step 3. FREE THE POWER CORD

Firmly grasp the power cord plug and pull to free it from the back of the washing machine. Gently place the power cord over the console to give yourself access to the back of the washing machine.

Step 4. WASHER DRAIN HOSE INSTALLATION

To install the drain hose, remove the red plastic plug from the black drain port on the back of the washer. If the clamp is not already in place on the elbow end of the drain hose, slide it over the end. Squeeze the clamp with pliers and slide the black elbow end of the drain hose onto the black drain port before securing it with the clamp.

Step 5. PLACE THE DRAIN HOSE IN THE STANDPIPE

Place the drain hose into the standpipe or over the side of the laundry tub. 4.5" of the drain hose should be inside the standpipe. You should not force any excess drain hose into the standpipe or lay it on the bottom of the laundry tub. The drain hose form must be used.

For floor drain installations, you will need to remove the drain hose form from the end of the drain hose. You may need additional parts with separate directions.

Step 6: CONNECT THE INLET HOSES TO WATER FAUCETS

Attach the inlet hose to the hot water faucet. Screw on the coupling by hand until the coupling is seated on the washer, then use pliers to tighten the couplings for an additional two-thirds turn. Repeat this for the cold water faucet. 

You must use new inlet hoses with flat washers and be sure to attach both hoses and have water flowing to the inlet valves. If you are only connecting to a cold water faucet, you must use a Y-adapter. Do not overtighten or use tape or sealants on the valve when attaching to faucets or to the washer.

Step 7. CLEAR THE WATER LINES

Run the water for a few seconds through the newly installed inlet hoses into a laundry tub, drainpipe or bucket to avoid clogs. Be sure to run the water until it is clear. Make a note of which hose is connected to the hot water faucet in order to correctly attach the hoses to the washer.

Step 8. CONNECT INLET HOSES TO THE WASHER

Attach the hot water hose to the hot water inlet valve marked with a red ring. Screw the coupling by hand until it is snug, then use pliers to tighten couplings an additional two-thirds turn. Repeat this with the cold water inlet valve. It is important to replace these hoses every five years to reduce the risk of hose failure. 

It may be helpful to record installation and replacement dates for future reference and periodically inspect and replace the hoses if bulges, kinks, cuts, wear or leaks are found.

Step 9. CHECK FOR LEAKS AND SECURE HOSE

Turn on the water faucet to check for leaks. A small amount of water may enter the washer, which will drain later. Once you are sure there are no leaks, secure the drain hose to the laundry tub leg, drain standpipe or inlet hoses with a cable tie.

Step 10. LEVEL YOUR WASHING MACHINE

Move the washer to its final location and place a level on the top edges of the washer. Use the side seam as a guide to check the levelness of the sides. Then, check the levelness of the front of the washer. Place the level in the middle of the lid, right in front of the console. Rock the washer back and forth to make sure all four feet make solid contact with the floor. If your washer is level, there should be an air bubble in between the two lines of the level. 

For washing machines with metal feet, when the washer is level, use a 9/16" open-end or adjustable wrench to turn jam nuts counterclockwise on the leveling feet tightly against the washer cabinet. 

If the washer is level, skip to step 12. If your washer is not level, go to the next step.

Step 11. ADJUST THE LEVELING FEET

For washing machines with metal feet, use a 9/16" open-end or adjustable wrench to turn jam nuts clockwise on the feet until they are about 1/2" from the washer cabinet. Then, turn the leveling foot clockwise to lower the washer or counterclockwise to raise the washer. Once the washer is level, use a 9/16" open-end or adjustable wrench to turn jam nuts counterclockwise on the leveling feet tightly against the washer cabinet. 

For washing machines with plastic feet, use the adjustable pliers to turn the plastic leveling foot counterclockwise to lower the washer or clockwise to raise the washer. 

For all models, recheck the levelness of the washer and repeat as needed. You may want to prop up the front of the washer about 4" with a wood block or similar object that will support the weight of the washer.

Step 12. PLUG INTO A GROUNDED 3 PRONG OUTLET

Plug your washing machine into a ground 3 prong outlet. You are now ready to use your Maytag^® machine. Be sure to refer to your installation instructions to ensure no steps have been missed.