How to Install a Timed Washing-Machine Valve | Ask This Old House

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a new washing-machine valve that will prevent flooding.
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Shopping List for Installing a Timed Washing-Machine Valve:
- Timed washing-machine valve
- Brass elbows, to join the valve to the water-supply pipes
- Copper pipe and assorted fittings
- Lead-free solder
- Acid brush and flux, to apply to pipe and fittings prior to soldering
- Braided stainless-steel hoses, to connect the washing machine to the valve
- Copper pipe clips, to fasten the pipes to the wall
- 3/4-inch screws, to secure copper pipe clips
Tools List for Installing a Timed Washing-Machine Valve:
- Propane torch
- Tubing cutter, to cut copper pipe
- Cleaning brush, to clean copper pipe and fittings
- Adjustable wrench, to tighten compression fittings
- Pliers, to tighten washing-machine hoses
- Cordless drill
Steps for Installing a Timed Washing-Machine Valve:
1. Close the hot- and cold-water shutoff valves leading to the washing machine.
2. Disconnect the hoses from the back of the machine and slide the machine out of the way.
3. Tighten two brass 90-degree elbows onto the rear of the timed washing-machine valve.
4. Use the close-quartertubing cutter to cut into the existing hot- and cold-water supply pipes.
5. Clean the new copper pipe and fittings with the cleaning brush.
6. Use the acid brush to apply flux to the pipe ends and fittings.
7. Solder the new copper pipe and fittings onto the existing copper water-supply pipes.
8. Tighten the compression fittings on the brass elbows to secure the timed washing-machine valve to the copper water-supply pipes.
9. Fasten the copper pipes to the wall with 3/4-inch screws and copper pipe clips.
10. Slide the washing machine back into position, and connect its hot- and cold-water hoses to the valve.
11. Plug in washing machine's power cord, then open the hot- and cold-water shut-off valves.
12. Snap the plastic cover onto valve and open the valve by sliding its lever to the left.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Install a Timed Washing-Machine Valve | Ask This Old House
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