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Note

Note: Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Preparing to Hook Up a Stacked Laundry Center

Before installing a stacked washer and dryer combination, refer to the instruction manual that came with the appliance for a list of specific installation instructions, safety procedures and required tools and parts. Before beginning installation:

Make sure a grounded electrical outlet is within 2 feet of the location where you’re installing the appliance.
Check the electrical supply requirements of the appliance. Electric dryers, for example, typically require 240V.
Ensure a hot and cold water supply is located within 4 feet of the water fill valves, located on the back of the washing machine.
Leave 5 inches from the back of the appliance to the wall behind it for plumbing and venting. You should also leave 1 inch of space on the sides and top of the appliance.
Make sure there’s enough clearance for the doors to fully open on the appliance.

Shop Stacked Laundry Centers Shop Stackable Washers & Dryers Shop Washer & Dryer Sets

Caution

Before installing a stacked laundry center, locate the circuit breaker for the outlet that powers it. Do not turn the breaker back on until after installation is complete.

Installing a Stacked Laundry Center

Below you’ll find general steps for installing a stacked laundry center. Installation instructions will vary by brand and model of the appliance so refer to the instruction manual for specific instructions related to your appliance. The general instructions below apply to electric stacked laundry centers, not gas models.

Need to Know

Don't feel comfortable installing a stacked laundry set yourself? Learn about washing machine and dryer installation from Lowe’s.

Caution

A stacked laundry center is heavy. Enlist the help of another person to safely move the appliance to the desired location.

Instructions For Installing a Stacked Washing Machine and Clothes Dryer

When removing packing material, make sure to keep the unit upright. Laying the unit on the floor may result in damage. There may be a foam insert at the base of the unit. Make sure to remove that before sliding the unit into place. Also, remove any shipping bolts, brackets and other hardware included. Place the included plastic caps over the bolt holes on the unit.

Tip

Use a hand truck and the help of another person to safely move the appliance near the installation area.

Before sliding the washer and dryer set into place, measure the space you intend to put it to make sure there's enough clearance. Ensure the laundry center is on a solid floor strong enough to support its weight. Use furniture sliders or a piece of cardboard from the packaging to slide the appliance into place, but be careful to not scratch the floor. Leave enough room to attach the water supply lines and electrical connections.

Good to Know

Local building code may require a drain pan to be used for the washing machine. Follow local code and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connect the water hoses to the washing machine and to the hot and cold water valves. Use new supply hoses, even if replacing an existing appliance. Insert hose screens and washers into the washing-machine ends of the supply hoses. Tighten the connection to the corresponding inlet on the back of the washing machine. After hand tightening, use pliers to tighten the connectors.

Once connected, turn on the hot and cold-water supply valves to clear out debris that could clog the washer hose screens. Use a bucket to catch any leaks. Turn off the water.

Insert washers in the supply-end of these hoses and hand tighten the connection to the hot and cold supply valves. Use pliers to tighten the connectors.

Open both water valves and check the hoses and connections for leaks.

Caution

Be careful to thread the connectors properly to avoid cross threading and do not overtighten.

how-to-install-a-stacked-laundry-center-dryer-vent

The area where the appliance is being installed must have a proper dryer vent exhaust. Venting is necessary for drying performance and safety and most local building codes require that dryers vent to the outdoors. Make sure your dryer vent system is free from debris before installing the new dryer. Use heavy metal ductwork, not plastic or metal foil, to hook up the dryer’s vent to the room’s exhaust system. Use dryer hose clamps to secure it into place.

Caution

Use the shortest length of vent possible, with as few elbows as possible.

Make sure the circuit breaker that connects to the appliance's power outlet is turned off. Use a screwdriver to remove the terminal block access cover. Plug the power cord in only after installation is complete.

Install a strain relief into the power cord through-hole. Then, thread the wire power cord through the strain relief. Follow the instructions in the manual for choosing the correct plug and for connecting the wires to the terminals. Reinstall the access cover.

Use a level to ensure the appliance is level. Make any adjustments necessary with the included feet included for your appliance. A level appliance reduces any potential vibration and noise issues as well as performance issues. To adjust the level, turn the leveling feet in one direction to raise it and the opposite direction to lower it. Once level, turn the locknuts counterclockwise to tighten them into place.

how-to-install-a-stacked-laundry-center-test-the-appliance

Once the appliance is plugged into a grounded electrical outlet, turn the circuit breaker on. Check the water supply faucets to ensure they’re on and that the supply hoses are fully connected to the washing machine. Ensure the drain hose is secure before running a wash cycle according to your appliance’s instruction manual.

Run a small load of washed items through a dryer cycle to ensure it’s working properly. Ensure the appliance isn’t moving or vibrating too much throughout the cycle.

Tip

For ideas on creating a dedicated laundry closet, check out this guide.

How to Install a Stacked Laundry Center

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Preparing to Hook Up a Stacked Laundry Center

Installing a Stacked Laundry Center

Instructions For Installing a Stacked Washing Machine and Clothes Dryer

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