To install a stackable washer and dryer in a closet, you need the service of a licensed electrician especially if you are installing the Energy Efficient washer and dryer that complement each other. Other stackable washers and dryers come as individual units but have a connecting metal bracket at the back, while other washers and dryers come as separate units but once installed, they present as a single complete unit.
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How to install a stackable washer and dryer in a closet
Before the installation process, you must first ensure that you have all the tools that you will require for a successful installation. Your stackable washer and dryer comes outlined with a list of parts and tools that you will need for the installation process. Also before installation, you have to take the necessary measurements and ensure that the washer and dryer aren’t positioned too close to the wall.
The rear of your washer and dryer should leave a five-inch space from the wall and if by any chance you will be installing the washer and dryer in a recessed wall space ensure to allow at least 1inch space on the sides of the appliance and the top of the dryer. At the front part of the washer and dryer closet ensure to leave enough space for the doors of the appliances to fully open.
And given that the stackable washer and dryer must remain conspicuous, you must ensure that the preceding door is ventilated, it can therefore be made of louvers. Alternatively, you could leave space at the top or bottom of the door to encourage airflow, with all the above in check, you can now slide the washer closer to the installation space.
Ensure that that the washer is level and if not you could support it with a woodblock, and then adjust the legs. Once you have confirmed that the appliance is level, you can then tighten the lock nuts on the legs for stability and to secure the legs.
The next step is to fit the right legs on the dryer, lay down a large piece of cardboard, and tip the dyer to gain full access to the dryer’s legs. The next step is to unthread the existing feet with an adjustable wrench so that you can replace them with the feet that come with the kit. Once you have installed all four feet, you will then return the dryer into its rightful position and slowly move it in front of the washer.
Get someone to help you lift the dryer and set it up on top of the washer, position the dryer to slightly overhang the back of the washer. At the back bottom part of the dryer, you will find two slots on both sides, and which you will align a plastic cap on the edge. You will then get a metal bracket from the installation kit that will be used to connect the washer and the dryer.
Push the metal bracket over the plastic alignment and ensure that it is tightly secured, the next step is to connect the bracket to the rear of the washer. You will, therefore, move the dryer forward and align the bracket with the washer, and then get a Philips screwdriver and use it to secure the flat head screws to the washer.
With one side complete repeat the same process on the other side by securing the bracket to the washer. You can now move the appliance stacked washer and dryer to their position in the closet.
How to install an Energy Efficient washer
This type of stackable washer and dryer do not come as individual units, they are electrically joined at the center. So the first step is to position the washer into the closet, you will then proceed to connect the hot and cold water pipes, including the drain pipes. Get the top part which is the dryer and put it on top of the washer, and begin the connections at the front part by first removing the panel at the top part of the door. Once the top and bottom part have been successfully connected, you can now push the stackable dryer and washer back to their rightful position.
Once joined the High-Efficiency washer is more of a standalone unit and will leave some space on the sides and at the top.
Conclusion
Installing a stackable washer and dryer is not a big deal, you can do it yourself but if you are installing the H.E unit then you have to get help from a licensed electrician. H.E units have an electrical connection going on between the washer and dryer that requires accuracy for the units to function. But if you are installing the individual units then you don’t have to worry about electrical connections.
FAQ’s
What is the correct size of a stackable washer and dryer?
For a stackable washer and dryer, you must provide a space of up to 40 inches deep and about 32 inches wide.
What is the minimum size needed behind my stackable washer and dryer?
You should have at least 1-inch of space behind your stackable washer and dryer.
What about installing a washer and dryer in other tight spaces?
There are a few key differences, so we have a separate post about installing a stackable washer/dryer in tight spaces.