First-time installation of a washer and dryer will cost you anywhere from $350 to $2,000. However, if the hook-ups are already in place, the cost will be around $110. Most people normally pay between $100 and $150, but for high-end machines, the cost could be up to $750 and low-end lower to $50.
The initial installation cost of a washer and dryer in a new place is higher due to the need to fix hook-up equipment first. These include; discharge laundry sink, an electric outlet, drain line, cold and hot water plumbing lines and a vent. However, if you are installing a gas dryer, you will need to put up a gas line.
The Average Cost Of Installing A Washer And Dryer
| Level | Cost |
| Low | $50 |
| Average | $110 |
| High | $2,000 |
Typical Washer-Dryer Hook-Up Cost
1. Contractor’s fee for a new washer and dryer hook-up, including electric outlets and running waterline, is around $400-$800. This cost applies to locations near the outside wall venting and 10 feet from the existing water lines and electrical panel. However, the cost would vary depending on local rates and the amount of work the contractor needs to do.
2. If the desired laundry area is far from the exterior walls, current electric panel, and plumbing lines, the total cost of a new washer-dryer hook-up could total up to $700-$2000. The difficulty of doing installation increases the cost; for instance, if the existing plumbing system is outdated or aging and needs an overhaul if there is a need to install another electric panel, buried plumbing pipes which make access difficult, or extra work is needed to drill holes on the walls and later restored.
3. The addition of a new electric panel only costs $300-$800 for a 240V circuit and $75-$250 for a 120V line. Nonetheless, if there is a need to upgrade the electric panel, you might pay between $1300 and $4000.
4. A new dryer vent costs between $150 and $500 if installed by a professional. However, for a gas line, you will part with $150-$250 if it is 10 linear feet from the installation area, $300-$750 if 20-30 feet away, and up to $1000 for complex work.
5. It will cost $25-$150 if the installation is done on the existing laundry room with all the necessary vents, electricity, and plumbing connections in place.
6. A local building department permit can cost $25-$150, though it is normally acquired by plumbers and included in the final project fee. However, it is free in some localities, with some charging more depending on the location and complexity of work to be done.
Summary Table Of Washer-Dryer Hook-Up Cost
| Project | Cost | Details |
| Obtaining installation permit | $25-$150 | The location and complexity of the installation determine whether you will need a building permit |
| Creating a laundry area | $500-$5,000 plus | Installing a washer and dryer in a ready place cost less, but larger remodels are expensive |
| Dryer vent installation | $150 and $500 | Dryer vents prevent mold growth as they expel moisture and excess heat |
| New drain pipe installation | $230-$1,170 | This excludes material cost; Drain pipes will cost you $0.75-$30 per linear foot |
| Plumber’s fee | $700-$2,000 | You will pay more if your laundry area is far from plumbing attachments |
| New dyer outlet installation | $500 | If your devices are big and use a 240V circuit, then you will end up paying more |
| New washer machine outlet installation | $100-$250 | Most washers use standard 120V outlet |
How Do You Install A Washer Dryer Hook-Up?
One of the intimidating things is dealing with large appliances such as washing and dryer machine. The thought of getting it ready can leave you scratching your head, wondering how it should be done well and safely. You might find yourself in that situation if you are moving to a new home, your old machine is outdated or has broken down, or you need to have a laundry area in a house that never had one.
You will deal with water and gas or electric systems when installing a washer and dryer. This means it should be done correctly to avoid damaging your equipment and putting your home at risk. If the hook-ups are in place, then you can do the installation yourself. However, if there is a need for additional electric outlets, ventilation systems, and new plumbing hook-ups, it is advisable to call a professional.
Nonetheless, understanding how the installation is done will go a long way in ensuring you put the necessary plans in place. Here you will learn how to install both the washer and dryer successfully.
How To Install A Washer
Before you start the installation process, ensure you can access drainage, water supply and electricity or gas system. After that, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Prepare The Laundry Area
Where you intend to set up your laundry area should accommodate the washer in length and width. Take the measurements of the washer and the area and ensure that the two match. The intended area should also be close to plumbing, drainage and electricity outlets.
Check that the floor is sturdy and levelled to avoid damaging it and causing any imbalance on the washer.
Step 2: Read The Installation Guide
Read the instructions and check any unusual specification that needs attention when installing your washer model. Though it may seem difficult due to technical terms, it is the only way to know how best your model should be handled.
Step 3: Run Both Cold And Hot Water Through The Faucets To Clean It
Before installing your new equipment, clean the faucets by running both cold and hot water through them. This ensures any clogs that could otherwise block your washer are cleared. Once you are done, shut the water supply to avoid it turning on when installing the washer.
Step 4: Move The Washer Into A Laundry Area
Get a person to help you move the machine into the laundry area and slide it into place beside the wall. Ensure there is enough space left behind it for necessary pipes and wire hook-ups. Once all necessary connections are done, you can slide the machine perfectly in place.
Step 5: Join The Water Supply Hoses To Their Corresponding Faucets
Attach hot water hose to hot water faucets and cold water hose to the cold water faucet. Mostly, the hose pipes are color-coded for easy distinction. Red is for hot water while blue is for cold water. If your hoses are not color-coded, you should check for any labels and if it doesn’t have then read the instruction guide.
The end with a filter screen in the coupling attaches to the faucets and the other to the washer. Loosely connect the hose to the faucets, and then snuggly hand tightens by twisting the couplings in a clockwise direction. After that, take a pair of pliers and turn each coupling 90° clockwise, and use your hands to check whether they are secure without the chance of accidentally unscrewing it. Avoid overtightening as it can cause leaks later on.
Step 6: Attach Back The Water Supply Hoses To The Washer
Now, connect the right hose pipes to the right inlet at the back of the washer. The end with the washers is the side to be attached back to your device. Tighten the hose as you did in step 5. Twist it clockwise with your hands and after that, add 90° turn using a wrench or a pair of pliers.
Step 7: Inspect For Any Leaks
Allow the water to flow by turning on the supply and opening the taps. Let the water run through the hoses and check that there is no leak at attachment points. If everything is well, go to the next step, but if not, tighten the couplings well.
Step 8: Join The Drain Hose To Your Equipment
Sometimes the drain hose is already connected to the washing machine; if this is the case for your model, skip this step and go to the next. For one that is not connected, attach the drain hose to the water outlet by screw it firmly in place.
Step 9: Direct The Drain Hose Into The Drain Receptacle
Your plumbing system set-up will determine how to connect the drain hose to the receptacle. Be it the drain in the laundry sink, floor or wall. Most washers have a u-shaped hook at the hose end used to attach it to the receptacle. Secure the drain pipe using the tools such as hooks and straps that come with the machine. Follow the instruction manual to use the elements well based on the machine’s specification.
Always leave a few inches between the bottom of the sink or drain and the end of the machine’s hose. This prevents the water from being siphoned back through the drain pipes to the washer.
Step 10: Connect To Power
This is the simplest step where you need to plug in your washer to your preferred power outlet. Once this is done, push the machine against the wall, and you are ready to wash your clothes anytime.
Installing A New Dryer
In order to install a dryer, you should ensure you have an exhaust vent and a power source. Exhaust vent takes the hot air used by the dryer to dry wet clothes, while the ideal power source depends on whether the dryer is electric or gas-powered. Electric ones need a 240V outlet controlled by 30-50 amp breakers. Once you get the two in place, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Prepare the space for dryer installation by taking the measurements and ensuring it fits your machine
Step 2: Read the user manual to check for any special instructions that may necessitate unusual modifications
Step 3: Clean the vent if you are attaching it to an existing one. Blocked vents are dirty and can cause fire hazards. You can use a shop vac, a vent brush or both to clean your vents before installing the dryer.
Step 4: Move your dryer to the laundry area against the wall but ensure there some space left to work behind it.
Step 5: Connect the vent hose to the dryer, ensuring it neatly fits over the escape hole.
Step 6: Connect the vent hose to the installed wall vent, ensuring it fits securely. You can use circular clamps if using a flexible tube.
Step 7: Connect to power and check that everything is working well. Once the dryer is in good shape, push it back to its final designated place, leaving some space between it and the wall.
What Hook-Ups Do You Need For A Washer And Dryer?
The dryer needs electricity, and if it’s a gas dryer, you must connect to the gas supply. On the other hand, an electric dryer needs a 240V electric outlet and if there is none, plan to install one. You will also need an exhaust vent where hot air used to dry clothes can escape. The washer also needs electricity and, in addition, requires drain and cold and water supply. Once these hook-ups are in place, you can go ahead and install your washer and dryer with ease.
How Hard Is It To Add A Washer Dryer Hook-Up?
Installing a washer and dryer in a place with already set up hook-ups is straightforward. However, if there is a need to do the necessary hook-up, it can be hard to do it yourself. In such a case, you need a specialized plumber and electrician to route and connect all attachments in place. Note that the two machines use electricity with dyer requiring vents, calling for expert installation to avoid any health hazards.
Final Word
In today’s world, it can be hard to live without a washer and dryer in place. It saves you energy and time in doing your laundry. However, if there are no hook-ups in place, you need a professional plumber to do the installation. You might end up paying between $350 and $2,000 that is always worth in the end. After all, it is best to have the machines installed properly to avoid any risk such as damaging your washer and dryer or, even worse, fire hazards.
