Everything You Need to Know About Appliance Installation — What’s Included and What Isn’t

Buying a new appliance should be exciting. But before your washing machine, dishwasher, oven or fridge freezer arrives, it is worth checking exactly what your appliance installation service includes.

“Installation” does not always mean the same thing. It can range from connecting a freestanding appliance to existing, suitable connections to fitting an integrated model behind a kitchen door. Some jobs are straightforward. Others require extra plumbing, electrical work or alterations to your kitchen.

At Ruislip Appliances, we help customers understand what is needed before delivery so there are fewer surprises on the day.

What does appliance installation usually include?

A standard appliance installation normally means connecting your new appliance to safe, suitable and accessible services that are already in place.

Depending on the appliance and the installation service booked, this may include:

Positioning the appliance in the prepared space
Connecting it to an existing electrical supply
Connecting water inlet and waste hoses where required
Levelling the appliance
Carrying out basic checks to make sure it operates correctly
Fitting an integrated appliance into an existing, suitable housing
Attaching an existing compatible furniture door to an integrated model

The exact service depends on the appliance, your property and the connections available. Installation is not automatically included in the price of every appliance, so it is important to arrange and confirm it when ordering.

You can read more about Ruislip Appliances’ delivery, fitting and removal services before placing your order.

Is appliance delivery the same as installation?

No. Delivery and installation are separate services.

Delivery means bringing the appliance to your property. Depending on your location and the delivery arrangement, this may also include bringing it inside, unpacking it and removing the packaging.

Installation means connecting and fitting the appliance so it can be used safely. If you only book delivery, you should not assume that the delivery team will also disconnect your old appliance or connect the new one.

Ruislip Appliances offers local delivery and can provide fitting services for both freestanding and built-in appliances. Installation requirements and costs should always be discussed before delivery.

Deliveries outside the local area may be made through a kerbside pallet service. In this situation, installation is not included.

What is included when installing a washing machine?

A standard washing machine installation generally involves positioning the machine and connecting it to existing water, waste and electrical points.

Before delivery, you should check that:

There is a suitable electrical connection within one metre
The correct plumbing and waste connections are already fitted
The appliance will fit the available space
There is enough room to reach the connections
The route into the property is clear and wide enough

Standard installation does not usually include fitting new pipework, moving water connections, repairing faulty plumbing or altering kitchen units.

The same principles apply to freestanding washer dryers.

What is included when installing a dishwasher?

A freestanding dishwasher can usually be connected to existing power, water and waste points. The appliance will then be positioned and levelled before basic operating checks are completed.

An integrated dishwasher requires more work because it sits inside the kitchen cabinetry. The existing housing must be the correct size, and a suitable furniture door must be available.

If the new dishwasher uses a different hinge system from the old model, the existing door may not be compatible without adjustment or replacement. This is worth checking before choosing your appliance.

Standard installation does not normally cover new plumbing, electrical work, major alterations to cabinetry or repairs to damaged kitchen units.

What is involved in installing an integrated appliance?

Integrated appliance installation is more involved than connecting a freestanding model.

The appliance must fit the existing cabinet correctly, allow the required ventilation and work with the furniture door or fixing system. Even where two appliances have similar external dimensions, their hinges, door sliders or ventilation requirements may differ.

Before ordering an integrated washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, check:

The appliance niche dimensions
The height, width and depth of the available space
The furniture door dimensions
The hinge or door-fitting system
The position of the power, water and waste connections
The manufacturer’s ventilation requirements

If you are unsure, speak to Ruislip Appliances before placing your order. Checking the space properly is much easier than discovering an incompatibility on installation day.

What about ovens, hobs and cookers?

Ovens, hobs and cookers need the correct electrical or gas supply in a safe and accessible position.

Some electric cooking appliances can use a standard 13-amp connection. Others require a dedicated higher-rated cooker circuit. The required supply depends on the appliance’s power rating, so you should never assume that a new model can use the same connection as the old one.

The installer will need suitable access and sufficient clearance around the appliance. There must also be no unsafe or combustible materials close to the cooking area.

Gas appliances must be fitted by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Ruislip Appliances does not provide gas appliance fitting, so this will need to be arranged separately.

Installation will not usually include installing a new electrical circuit, relocating a gas supply, cutting worktops or making major changes to cabinetry unless this has been specifically quoted and arranged.

Do fridge freezers need professional installation?

Many freestanding fridge freezers only require safe positioning, levelling and connection to a suitable power supply. However, there are a few important exceptions.

American-style fridge freezers and models with plumbed water or ice dispensers may require a suitable water connection. Larger appliances also need careful access planning because they may not fit through standard doors or narrow hallways.

Before delivery, measure:

The appliance itself
Every doorway along the delivery route
Hallways, staircases and tight corners
The final space, including ventilation clearance
The distance to the electrical and water connections

Integrated refrigeration must also fit the existing housing and furniture door system correctly.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how long the appliance should stand before it is switched on after delivery.

What is not normally included in standard appliance installation?

Unless it has been discussed and quoted in advance, standard appliance installation does not usually include:

Installing new electrical sockets or circuits
Moving or replacing electrical connections
Adding or relocating water and waste pipework
Repairing leaks or faulty valves
Cutting worktops
Altering kitchen cabinets
Modifying flooring or skirting boards
Removing doors, windows or fixed property features to create access
Correcting unsafe or unsuitable existing connections
Additional parts or accessories not supplied with the appliance
Fitting gas appliances
Making good any decoration after alterations
Removing an old appliance unless this service has been booked

If extra work is likely to be needed, tell the retailer before delivery. This gives you time to arrange the appropriate tradesperson and helps prevent a failed installation.

Can my old appliance be disconnected and removed?

Old appliance removal is normally a separate service and must be arranged in advance.

For collection, the old appliance may need to be disconnected, empty and free from excess water before the team arrives. This is particularly important for washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers.

Do not assume that removal is included simply because a new appliance is being delivered. Confirm the service, cost and preparation requirements when you place your order.

If your old appliance is integrated, check whether its removal from the kitchen unit is included or whether it must be taken out before delivery.

How should I prepare for appliance installation?

A little preparation can make installation day much smoother.

Before the team arrives:

Measure the appliance space and the complete delivery route.
Check that the correct electrical, water, waste or gas connections are already in place.
Make sure all connections are accessible.
Clear cupboards, worktops and floors around the installation area.
Remove fragile items from the delivery route.
Check whether your old appliance needs to be disconnected.
Empty and defrost any refrigeration appliance being removed.
Confirm whether installation, packaging removal and recycling have been booked.
Make sure someone is available to provide access and approve the completed installation.

Do not arrange other fitters until the appliance has arrived and has been checked for damage.

What happens if the appliance cannot be installed?

An installer may be unable to complete the work if:

The appliance does not fit
Access is unsafe or restricted
The required connections are missing
A valve, socket or connection is faulty
The electrical supply is unsuitable
The kitchen housing needs modification
The appliance or property would be damaged during installation

This is not simply a matter of inconvenience. Connecting an appliance to unsuitable services could be unsafe and may cause leaks, electrical problems or damage.

If installation cannot go ahead, the team should explain what needs to be corrected before another appointment can be arranged. Additional visits or work may involve an extra charge.

Why buy from a retailer that can talk you through installation?

Choosing an appliance is only part of the job. It also needs to fit the space, suit the available connections and reach its final position safely.

An experienced appliance retailer can help you consider these practical details before you buy. This is especially valuable for integrated appliances, range cookers, American-style fridge freezers and replacement models going into older kitchens.

Ruislip Appliances offers fitting services for freestanding and built-in appliances, with installation requirements discussed according to the product and property. The team can also advise on local delivery and old-appliance removal.

For more practical advice about buying, using and caring for household appliances, explore the latest articles on The Appliance Blog.

Speak to Ruislip Appliances before delivery

Every home and appliance installation is slightly different. If you are unsure whether your existing connections are suitable, whether an appliance will fit or what service you need, ask before ordering.

A quick conversation can help identify potential problems early and ensure the correct delivery, fitting and removal services are arranged.

Visit the Ruislip Appliances delivery and installation information page or contact the showroom team to discuss your order on 01895 633837.