Photo of the back of a white washing machine with black water and drain hoses extending out and into washing machine plumbing hookups.

Washing Machine Plumbing: Step-by-Step Guide for DIYers

November 28, 2025

If you’ve just purchased a new washing machine or relocated your laundry area, you might be wondering: “Can I plumb in a washing machine myself?” The short answer is yes… if you have the right tools, a bit of plumbing experience, and feel confident working with water supply lines and drainage. DIY washing machine plumbing can be a cost-saving project, but improper setup may lead to leaks, flooding, or code violations. When in doubt, it’s best to call a professional plumber for washing machine installation, especially in older homes with outdated plumbing.

If You Have Existing Washing Machine Drain Plumbing or a Sink

If your home already has the proper supply valves and a drain or sink nearby, you can often install your washer yourself - it’s pretty straightforward:

  • Remove the old washer: Unplug it, shut off the water valves, disconnect the supply hoses and drain hose, and move the unit out. 
  • Prepare the new washer: Move the new washer unit into place, leaving enough space to work around it (connecting hoses, leveling the unit, etc.). 
  • Connect water supply hoses: Screw the supplied hoses to the hot‑ and cold‑water valves, then to the washer. Hand-tighten, then give a small extra turn with pliers (don’t over-tighten). 
  • How to Plumb a Washing Machine Drain: Insert the hose into an existing standpipe or drain or down a utility sink with a hose guide. Don’t force extra hose into the drain. 
  • Level the washer: Use a level and adjust the feet so it sits evenly, then plug it in.

If your laundry space is already plumbed correctly, washing machine drain plumbing and hook-ups should take less than two hours.

If You Don’t Have Existing Washer Plumbing and New Plumbing Is Needed

If there’s no nearby drain or water supply, you’ll need to do more extensive work and install new clothes washer plumbing. This involves:

  • Running new water supply lines from existing plumbing, both hot and cold, to the washer location, using pipe tees, new shut‑off valves, and secure stub‑outs. 
  • Tapping into an existing drain system with a proper 2‑inch drain branch, then installing a standpipe and P-trap near the washer location. A vent connection should also be tied into the home’s vent stack. 
  • Installing a proper washer outlet box or wall box (with supply valves and drain port) to keep the connections contained and code-compliant.

Because of local plumbing codes and risk of leaks or flooding, this kind of new plumbing work is usually best handled by a licensed professional rather than as a DIY job.

Call a Trusted Nashville Plumber for Your Washing Machine Installation

If you’re unsure whether to DIY or you’ve run into complications, it’s time to call a professional. Southern Plumbing Works is your go-to plumber for washing machine installation in Nashville. We’re licensed, insured, highly-rated, and known for quick, reliable service. Whether you’re dealing with hard-to-reach plumbing drain pipes for washing machines or need guidance on how to plumb a washing machine drain pipe, our team is ready to help. Contact us today!