So, How Much Does It Actually Cost to Install a Washing Machine in the UK?
Let’s be real: laundry day can be a royal pain without a properly installed washing machine. But before you splash the cash or wrestle with the hoses yourself (cue dramatic pause), you might want to know what you’re in for cost-wise. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about buying the machine; installation charges can definitely sneak up like that stray sock you never find.
In the UK, installation typically ranges from £30 to £175, depending on a handful of factors like whether your machine is freestanding or integrated, if new plumbing’s involved, or if you’re relocating the beast. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty with a breakdown that won’t make your head spin.
Installation Types and Their Price Tags
First off, washing machine installations can be broadly categorized based on the type of machine and the complexity of the install:
- Freestanding Washing Machine Installation: The classic plug-and-play option if your plumbing’s already there.
- Integrated Washing Machine Installation: The sleek, built-in types with cabinet doors hiding the action.
- Relocation Installations: Moving the washing machine to a new spot, sometimes requiring fresh plumbing and electrical work.
- Additional Tasks: Old machine removal, capping pipework, and other extras.
Freestanding Washing Machine Installation: The Wallet-Friendly Classic
If you’re lucky and your laundry setup already has the plumbing ready for action, you’re looking at an installation fee between £30 and £70. Retailers like John Lewis offer rates on the lower end, around £30, while plumbing pros might charge closer to £70 for the same straightforward job according to John Lewis.
Trying to install your own washing machine can save money, but if the water hose end twists off more than it should or the drum gains an unwanted pirouette, it might not be worth the headache. Professionals come with insurance and know-how, which counts when you consider the potential flood if things go wrong.
Integrated Washing Machine Installation: Style Has a Price
Integrated machines—those ones camouflaged in kitchen cabinetry—come with a bit of a cost premium. Installation fees range from about £115 to £130 if the plumbing’s already in place. The process involves fitting panels and ensuring the machine blends seamlessly, so naturally, the price tags reflect that as per HaMuch.
Relocating Your Washing Machine: The Adventure Begins
So you’ve decided the laundry station needs an upgrade… or at least a move. Relocating a freestanding washing machine while hooking it to fresh plumbing can cost around £120. For integrated machines, that price rises to about £160. And if brand new plumbing or electrical work is needed, expect to shell out anywhere from £150 to £200+ according to MyJobQuote.
Keep in mind, this isn’t just a tap-and-go deal. Moving pipes, potentially installing new outlets, and ensuring everything is watertight takes time and skill. An amateur DIY approach can backfire spectacularly—involving water damage or electrical mishaps.
Extras: Removal and Capping
If you need your old washing machine removed, most installers charge around £65 for removal and capping off the pipework. Not glamorous, but definitely something to budget for to avoid the dreaded laundry mountain in your hallway source Appliances Direct.
Location Matters: London vs. The Rest
Brace yourself if you’re in London or the South East—installation charges there tend to be on the higher side. Plumbers in these areas are generally busier and their rates reflect the London premium, often pushing prices closer to or beyond the top of the range.
So if you’re not in the capital, consider yourself a bit luckier in the pricing game.
DIY Installation: A Penny Saved or A Problem Made?
If you’re a dab hand around tools and plumbing, installing the washing machine yourself can save you the installation fee altogether. However, do your homework first! Incorrect installation can lead to leaks, electrical hazards, and voided warranties.
We’ve got some good reads if you want to get nerdy on how washing machines function inside—knowledge that might save your skin and your wallet in the future How Washing Machines Work Inside.
Shopping Tips: Installation Deals and Affiliate Recommendations
Many retailers sweeten the deal by offering installation services either for free or discounted when you buy your washing machine through them. It’s worth asking at purchase time if you want to bundle the service and save some coins.
For those who like to shop Amazon-style, here are some recommended washing machine hoses and installation kits that can make DIY easier and safer: India link and Global including USA link.
Key Takeaways
- Freestanding washing machine installations are generally cheaper, starting around £30 if all plumbing is ready.
- Integrated machines cost more to install due to added complexity and fitting.
- Relocating machines or adding new plumbing can hike installation costs to £200 or more.
- Londoners, brace for premium pricing!
- DIY installation can save money but carries risks without proper know-how.
With this knowledge in hand, your laundry woes will hopefully be easier to manage—with fewer surprise costs and more clean clothes.