How Much Does a Washer and Dryer Installation Cost in 2024?
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Ed Malaker
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If you are moving into a new apartment or home, one of the first appliances that you will likely need is a washer and dryer to keep your clothes clean. Since these items are large, most people have them delivered and installed so they don’t have to do the work. If you are thinking of making this purchase but would like to know how much it’s going to cost, you’ve come to the right place. We researched the average installation cost for washers and dryers and go over any hidden costs that you might need to anticipate.
The Importance of Washer and Dryer Installation
While many modern washers and dryers are much lighter than previous models, most are still too large to fit into the average vehicle, so people need to have them delivered to their homes. Most companies will bring both units at once if you order them at the same time. The delivery drivers will also have the tools to quickly bring the washer and dryer into your home and the experience to hook them up correctly.
How Much Does Washer and Dryer Installation Cost?
Most modern washer and dryer installations cost between $50 and $2,000, with the average being $110. This low cost assumes that you are using an electric dryer with preexisting hookups, though. If this is the first time you are installing a washer and dryer or if you are moving them to a new spot, the cost will be a bit higher, and you should expect to spend between $350 and $2,000 to complete the job due to the new fixtures that the technician will need to install.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Plumber
If you need to install hot- and cold-water pipes for your washer to use, you will likely need to hire a plumber to complete the work for you. The farther away the existing pipes are from the location where you want to install the washer, the more expensive it will be to do the job.
Larger Circuit
Most standard washers and dryers will run on standard electricity, requiring no additional lines (unless none exist), but certain large and powerful dryers use 240 volts, which will require installing the appropriate outlet and connecting it to your home’s circuit box.
Drainpipe
Installing a drainpipe for your washer can be an expensive part of the project, especially if it needs to run a long distance before reaching the sewer line.
Dryer Vent
Installing a dryer vent is not too difficult, nor is purchasing the vent expensive, but longer distances will lead to a higher cost.
Dryer Plug
For some reason, many dryer manufacturers require you to purchase the plug separately, so make sure you check to see if you need one before you schedule your delivery because the technician won’t install the dryer without it.
Laundry Room
The cost of a new laundry room can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the materials that you use and the complexity of the design.
Gas Lines
While most modern dryers are electric, some larger, higher-powered units use gas to achieve hotter temperatures. If this is the type of dryer that you are installing, you may need to install a fixture and run a gas line to the dryer location.
Permits
In some cases, extensive home remodeling can require a building permit, especially if you are remodeling and building a new laundry room.
Washer and Dryer Installation by Item
| Item | Average Cost | High–Low |
| Washer and Dryer Installation | $110 | $50–$2,000 |
| Standard 120-Volt Outlet | $200 | $100–$250 |
| 240-Volt Outlet | $500 | $300–$1,000 |
| Drain Pipe | $800 | $230–$1,170 |
| Drain Materials | $1 per foot | $0.75–$30 per foot |
| Dryer Vent | $150 | $80–$200 |
| Dryer Plug | $12 | $10–$15 |
| Gas Line | $500 | $300–$800 |
| Laundry Room | $500–$5,000 | |
| Building Permits | $30–$150 |
How Often Should I Replace My Washer and Dryer?
Most people will replace the washer and dryer when they start to fail, in order to get the most life out of them. However, this often results in them failing when we need them the most and when we don’t have the funds to replace them. You can try to avoid these problems by replacing the appliances proactively. Most experts recommend replacing your washer and dryer every 10 years to prevent any service interruption. Most units start to fail soon after this period and knowing the timeline enables you to set up a budget. Many people also change their dryer if it starts to leave clothes damp at the end of every cycle.
What to Do for Your Washer and Dryer Between Replacements
- Clean the dryer’s lint trap after every load. Too much lint in your system can lead to a fire, damaging the dryer and your home.
- Don’t overload the washer or dryer. Doing so will put too much strain on the belts and gears. It also reduces circulation in the tub, so the clothes may not come out as clean as they could.
- Adding too much detergent to your washer can cause the machine to overload with suds, and it might damage some of the parts inside. The extra detergent will also be difficult to rinse away and might be left behind on the clothes, where it can irritate the skin.
- Don’t let clothes sit in the washer for too long after they finish. Doing so will enable mold and mildew to form, causing your clothes to have a bad odor. It can also remain in the tub, ready to infect the next load. If you notice a bad smell coming from your washer, you can eliminate it by adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to your next wash cycle.
- Clean your dispensers frequently to avoid the buildup that can clog your system.
- Don’t place rubber-backed rugs into the dryer or clothing with many metal parts that might damage the tub.
- Make sure your washer and dryer are level before you operate them. Also, try to load the clothes into your washer evenly to avoid throwing it off balance.
Conclusion
It will likely cost you about $110 to have your washer and dryer delivered and installed but don’t forget to see if you need to purchase a plug for the dryer. If you are moving your washer and dryer to a new part of the house, you will need to pay a bit more as you will likely need to run water pipes to the area, connect new hookups, add draining and ventilation systems, and possibly even install gas lines.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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