The best water outlet height on a washing machine should be about 32″ to 34″ from the ground. You can go slightly higher, but installing them at a lower height is not recommended.
Installing a washing machine is not an easy task. If you are not a mechanic, it can appear significantly complicated when dealing with many wires, pipes, and outlets.
However, many people prefer installing their washing machine. It saves a tonne of money that can be used for other purposes.
One of the most important parts is the water outlet valve. This outlet needs to be very explicitly placed for the best results.
If you are someone who wants to make it a DIY task, you have come to the right place for help. I will explain the specifics of installing a water outlet valve in a washing machine and help you do it correctly.
What Is The Best Height For A Washing Machine Outlet?
The ideal height for a water outlet valve is 39 inches above a floor. However, most general electricians recommend keeping the valve at least 30 inches above the drain outlet.
I have fixed many drain outlets in my life because most people are scared away from doing it alone. Some are not particularly confident about their skills and prefer calling a professional.
However, calling a professional is an expensive decision that not everyone can afford. It can take around 100 dollars to install a drain outlet by a professional.
You can do it yourself to avoid spending so much extra cash on a professional. A few tutorials on the Internet are more than enough to help you understand the basics of it.
The most important thing you must remember is that the water outlet valve on a washer must go high up the floor. Most washer brands recommend that people install the valve at least 39 inches above the ground.
You can opt to install it around 30 inches above the drain outlet. However, the recommended height will still be 34-36 inches at a minimum.
Where Does The Outlet Go On A Washer And Dryer?
Electrical outlets for washers and dryers must be placed within 6 feet of the unit. While a minimum height for outlets is around 35 inches, it more or less depends on local building codes.
Many brands often sell washers and dryers separately for a higher load capacity. Many people tend to opt for these variants in their homes.
When installing these outlets, you should be careful to place them between 34 and 36 inches high. Remember to have these outlets close to each other to avoid any inconvenience in the future.
Precautions To Take When Installing A Washer Outlet
Installing a washer outlet is more or less straightforward. It can be extremely easy for people with prior experience handling and installing home appliances.
Although you can readily find the courage to do this task on your own, It is best to follow certain precautions. If you are not careful enough, you might end up causing damage to your property or yourself.
Here are some precautions you must take when installing a washer and dryer outlet.
1. Check The Electric Supply
It is always wise to check the electric supply before you carry out any installation work. Always ensure that the supply is switched off for that area/room or the entire house.
Forgetting the electric supply can have some severe consequences for you. There are chances of getting electrocuted or causing a short citric when the power supply is on.
2. Check The Height Of The Water Outlet
You must install the water inlet and outlet valves on a new washing machine. While many houses come with ready provisions for a safe installation, sometimes you might need to do it yourself.
Ensure you check the water outlet’s height when installing the machine. If the outlet is lower than 34 inches, there will be a problem in maintaining water flow and pressure.
3. Make Sure The Outlet Connection Is Secure
One of the most critical steps in installing a washing machine is to check if your connection is secure. Make sure there is no room for error.
If the connection is too loose, your washer might not work. There will be a problem with filling the tub during a wash cycle.
What Height Should A Dryer Outlet be At?
Ideally, one should place a dryer outlet about 34-36 inches above the drain. It would help if you ensured the washer and dryer outlets were placed side by side and close to each other.
When Installing a dryer, you need to follow the general instructions for installing washer outlets. For convenience, it’s better to keep them at the same height with a distance of a few feet between them.
In most cases, you might find a pre-installed outlet in your new home. However, if one is unavailable, you can install it following the user and installation manuals.
Even if the pre-installed outlet is present, I recommend you check the height and compare it to the instructions in the manual. Sometimes when you add extra flooring, the size of the outlet might decrease and cause problems.
Final Remarks
Finding the ideal Washer Outlet is not a difficult task. Installation manuals contain detailed instructions for placing water outlets for your washing machine.
You must read the manual carefully to get detailed information on the matter. You can also use the information this article provides to help with your installation.
Here is a quick recap of what I’ve discussed.
The ideal washer outlet should be placed about 34-36 inches above the floor. Also, you need to install a dryer outlet at the same height if it’s provided separately.
My name is Rick Kinney and I am the founder of ExHandyman. I have worked as a handyman for many years, and fixing stuff is my greatest pleasure in life.