New Washing Machine? Essential Post-Installation Tips for SA Households

Bringing a new washing machine into your home is exciting! Once the installation is complete, it's easy to just start washing, but taking a few extra steps can make all the difference in the longevity and efficiency of your appliance, and prevent common headaches like leaks or drainage issues. Think of it as a post-installation check-up to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Our trusted plumbing experts often share valuable insights after installing washing machines across South Africa. They've seen it all – from minor drips to significant water damage – and much of it can be avoided with some simple, ongoing attention.

Why Post-Installation Care Matters

Proper post-installation care isn't just about avoiding immediate problems; it's about safeguarding your investment. A washing machine is a significant household appliance, and ensuring it operates correctly from day one helps prevent costly repairs down the line, saves on water and electricity, and keeps your laundry routine running without a hitch.

Essential Post-Installation Checks and Ongoing Maintenance

Even after a professional installation, there are a few key areas you should regularly monitor to ensure your washing machine remains in top condition.

1. Confirming Your Washing Machine is Level

This might seem basic, but a level washing machine is crucial for its performance and lifespan. Our experts often highlight that vibrations from an unbalanced machine are a leading cause of wear and tear, and can even cause the machine to "walk" across the floor.

• How to check: Gently rock your washing machine from corner to corner. If it wobbles, it’s not level. Most machines have adjustable feet at the bottom.
• How to adjust: With the help of another person, carefully tilt the machine slightly to access the feet. Turn the feet clockwise to lower the corner or anti-clockwise to raise it until all four corners are stable on the floor. Use a spirit level on top of the machine (both front-to-back and side-to-side) for precision.
• Expert Tip: One plumber recounted a call-out where a customer's brand-new machine was vibrating excessively. It turned out the initial installation, though done by a professional, hadn't quite got the levelling perfect on an uneven laundry room floor. A quick adjustment of the feet solved the problem, preventing potential damage to the machine's internal components.

2. Regularly Inspecting Hose Connections

The water inlet hoses (hot and cold) and the drainage hose are your machine's lifelines. Leaks from these connections are common culprits for water damage.

• • Water Inlet Hoses:Check for tightness: Feel around the connections at both the tap and the back of the washing machine. They should be snug, but don't overtighten them as this can damage the rubber washers.
  • Look for drips: Even a slow drip can cause significant damage over time. Check for any signs of water around the connections, especially after a wash cycle.
  • Inspect for wear and tear: Over time, hoses can degrade, crack, or bulge. Periodically check the entire length of the hoses for any visible damage. Some plumbers recommend replacing hoses every five years, even if they look fine, as a preventative measure.
  • Drainage Hose:Secure placement: Ensure the drainage hose is securely hooked into your standpipe or sink, and that it isn't kinked or blocked.
  • Proper height: The standpipe for drainage should typically be higher than the machine's water level during a cycle to prevent siphoning (where water drains out continuously, leading to insufficient water for washing). Most manufacturers specify a minimum and maximum standpipe height, usually between 65cm and 90cm from the floor.
  • Expert Anecdote: A professional once shared a story about a customer whose laundry room always had a damp smell, even though there were no visible leaks. After inspection, it was discovered the drainage hose was inserted too far down the standpipe, creating an airlock issue and causing slow, inefficient drainage that led to residual dampness. A simple adjustment of the hose's depth resolved the issue.

3. Cleaning the Lint Trap (Filter)

Many washing machines, especially front-loaders, have a small filter, often called a lint trap or coin trap, located at the bottom front of the machine. This trap catches lint, coins, buttons, and other small items that accidentally make their way into your laundry.

• Why it's important: A clogged lint trap can lead to drainage problems, foul odours, and reduced washing efficiency. It puts extra strain on the machine's pump.
• How to clean: Refer to your washing machine's manual for the exact location and cleaning instructions. Typically, you'll need to place a shallow tray or towel under the filter to catch any residual water. Unscrew the cap slowly, allow water to drain, and then pull out the filter to remove any debris.
• Frequency: Our experts recommend cleaning this trap every few months, or more frequently if you wash a lot of lint-producing items like towels or pet blankets.

4. Understanding Drainage Nuances Specific to SA Plumbing Systems

South African homes often have specific plumbing configurations that can influence washing machine drainage. Being aware of these can help prevent blockages and overflows.

• Standpipe vs. Sink Drainage: Most modern installations use a dedicated standpipe. If your machine drains into a sink, ensure the hose is securely fastened to prevent it from flopping out during vigorous draining cycles, which can lead to a messy flood.
• Shared Drain Lines: In some older homes or apartments, your washing machine's drain might share a line with other fixtures like a kitchen sink. This can sometimes lead to blockages if too much grease or food waste goes down the shared drain. Be mindful of what goes down your kitchen sink if it shares a drain with your laundry.
• Foreign Objects: Plumbers frequently find foreign objects (like socks, small toys, or even cutlery) obstructing washing machine pumps and drain lines. Always check pockets before washing!
• Expert Insight: One common issue observed by plumbers in SA is the "fatberg" phenomenon in shared drainage systems, especially in older buildings. If kitchen grease combines with lint from washing machines in a shared drain, it can create stubborn blockages. Regular maintenance, like flushing drains with hot water (if safe for your pipes) and using a proper lint trap, can help mitigate this.

5. Using the Right Detergent and Amount

Using too much detergent, or the wrong type, can lead to excessive suds, which can overflow from the machine, or leave residue on your clothes and in the machine itself.

• High-Efficiency (HE) Detergent: If your washing machine is a high-efficiency model, it requires HE detergent, which is low-sudsing. Using regular detergent in an HE machine can create too many suds, potentially damaging the machine or causing error codes.
• Measure Correctly: Always follow the detergent manufacturer's recommendations for the amount to use, based on your load size and water hardness. More isn't always better.

6. Periodic Maintenance Washes

Running a maintenance wash helps to clean the inside of your washing machine, removing detergent residue, mould, and mildew that can build up over time and cause unpleasant odours.

• How to do it: Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting (e.g., 60°C or 90°C), often with a cup of white vinegar or a specialised washing machine cleaner poured into the detergent dispenser.
• Frequency: Aim to do this every 1-2 months, especially if you tend to use cooler wash cycles.

By dedicating a little time to these post-installation tips and ongoing maintenance, you'll ensure your new washing machine delivers clean laundry efficiently for years to come, giving you peace of mind in your South African home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my washing machine is draining properly?

You can tell if your washing machine is draining properly by observing the water level during the drain cycle and checking if clothes are spun dry at the end of the wash. If water remains in the drum, clothes are still soaking wet, or the machine shows a drainage error code, it's likely not draining correctly.

2. What are the common reasons for a washing machine to leak after installation?

Common reasons for a washing machine to leak after installation include loose or improperly tightened water inlet hoses, a poorly positioned or kinked drainage hose, a clogged lint filter, or damage to the detergent dispenser or door seal.

3. How often should I clean the detergent dispenser drawer?

It's a good practice to clean your detergent dispenser drawer every few weeks or whenever you notice a build-up of detergent residue or mould. Simply pull out the drawer (most are removable) and wash it under warm water, using an old toothbrush to scrub away any grime.

4. Can an unbalanced washing machine cause damage?

Yes, an unbalanced washing machine can cause significant damage over time. The excessive vibrations can wear down internal components, particularly the bearings and suspension system, leading to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for the appliance. It can also cause the machine to move or "walk" across the floor during spin cycles.