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Kenmore Stacked Washer Dryer Installation Instructions

Becky Lower

Stackable clothes washer and dryer units have become very popular in recent years, especially in apartments where floor space is at a premium. These units contain a washer on the bottom with the dryer unit on top. The units, especially the models that offer front-loading washers, are highly energy efficient in addition to being compact in size. Before installing, check to make certain the gas or electric and water outlets are ready for the machine, and that a vent to the outside is in place for the dryer.

Install a stackable washer and dryer and you can avoid hanging clothes outdoors.
  1. Check to make certain that your floor can support 500 pounds. If using a gas unit, the supply line should be a 1/2-inch pipe. A 3/8-inch reducer must be installed to connect the dryer. There should be a shut-off valve within six feet of the dryer. A 1/8-inch NPT plugged tapping must be installed upstream of the gas supply line. A four-inch wide metal duct is needed, and must be sealed with duct tape. Hot and cold water lines must be within four feet of the back of the unit.

  2. Remove all packing clamps, except for the plastic clamps on the right side of the washer that secure the drain hose. Some models don't have this feature.

  3. Lay the unit on its side and remove the foam base. Using a 3/8-inch ratchet and pliers, remove the mechanism shipping bolt and plastic space block from the center of the base. Return the unit to its upright position.

  4. Connect the gas supply line to the dryer, if the unit is gas.

  5. Remove the two screws at the top of the front access panel on the dryer unit. Lower the panel until the bottom tabs disengage. Remove the panel and set it aside. Remove the screws on the safety cover to the dryer and remove the cover.

  6. Ensure the shutoff valve in the dryer is open. Open the shutoff valve to the gas supply line.

  7. Test the connections by placing soapy water on them. If the water bubbles, there is gas escaping. Correct any leaks with pipe joint compound.

  8. Run water from the hot and cold faucets to clean the lines. Hook the hoses up to the water valves on the left side of the washer unit. Tighten by hand and then turn with the pliers another 2/3 of a turn. Do not over-tighten. Attach the other end of the hoses to the correct faucets and tighten in the same manner.

  9. Form a "U" shape in the drain hose and position it in a standing pipe or into a laundry tub. Secure in place with a cable tie.

  10. Move the unit to its final location and plug in. Tilt the machine forward until the back legs come off the ground. Then lower slowly, allowing the back legs to self-adjust. Place the level on the top of the washer and check for level, from side to side and front to back. Screw the front legs up or down as needed.

  11. Connect the exhaust duct to the outside and tape into place.

  12. Turn the electricity on and run the unit through one complete cycle before reinstalling the access panel.