Washing machine installation and connection

What does washing machine installation involve?

A washing machine is connected with an inlet hose to the cold-water washing machine tap. The drain hose goes into a floor drain, the sink trap or a drain connection in the wall, and it is secured so that the pressure from the pump cannot knock it loose.

We use the inlet hose supplied with the new machine. An old hose that has been under pressure for years is not worth reusing, because a brittle hose can burst without warning.

Before connecting, the transit bolts are removed from the back of the machine. If they are left in, the machine vibrates violently and can be damaged on its very first spin. The machine is then levelled with its adjustable feet so it does not move during the spin cycle. After that, we run a short programme and check that the joints stay dry and the water drains properly.

Floor drain, leak protection and washing machine tap

Ideally, a washing machine goes in a room with a floor drain, usually the bathroom or utility room. The machine should not cover the floor drain, so that the drain can still be cleaned. The drain must also flow well, as the pump empties the machine quickly. A slow floor drain should be cleaned before installation.

If you want the machine in the kitchen, hallway or another room without a floor drain, it needs a leak tray underneath, and a leak detector is recommended as extra protection. Many insurers require this kind of protection, so check your home insurance terms before deciding where the machine goes. If a leak does happen, our guide to a water leak at home explains the first steps.

The washing machine tap needs to be easy to reach, as it is wise to turn it off whenever you are away for longer. If there is no tap, or the old one is stiff or leaking, a new tap can be fitted during the same visit. This is agreed separately.

If a condenser tumble dryer goes on top of or next to the washing machine, its condensate hose can often be routed to the same floor drain or trap as the washing machine's drain hose. Then you do not need to empty the water container by hand. Mention the dryer when you book.

The price and what affects it

Installing and connecting a washing machine costs €78.44, including 25.5% VAT (ALV). If the inlet hose is too short or the drain needs an extension hose, extra fittings and hoses are charged separately. You can see all our fixed prices on the prices page. A stand-alone appliance installation does not qualify for the household tax credit – see our household tax credit guide.

When a new machine goes where the old one was and the connections are already in place, the job is straightforward. If the machine needs a completely new location, a new water and drain connection is required, and that is a different job from simply connecting the machine. Such work is priced case by case – read more on the small plumbing jobs page.

The machine plugs into an earthed socket. Sockets in wet rooms are subject to strict placement rules, so a new socket is always installed by an electrician. If you are also having a dishwasher installed, both can be done during the same visit – see dishwasher installation.

In a block of flats or terraced house

When a new machine is connected to the existing connections, you usually do not need to notify your housing company (taloyhtiö). If a new water or drain connection is made for the machine, the flat's owner submits a renovation notice (muutostyöilmoitus) to the housing company before work starts. Practices vary, so check with your property manager (isännöitsijä).

If your flat has no shut-off valve of its own and the washing machine tap cannot be closed, turning off the water is arranged with the maintenance company (huoltoyhtiö). Mention this when you book, so the shut-off can be agreed in advance for the installation day.