Why in the name of all that's holy do shops connect a washing machine but not disconnect one??

[RockBird]

Want a washer dryer to replace knackered washing machine. This is the first time I have replaced a machine, rather than bought one to fill a hole IYSWIM. Therefore, imagine my surprise when I see that I can add connection for a hefty fee but not disconnection. So you have to pay a plumber to come out and disconnect so you can then pay Comet/Currys/John Lewis to connect? T'is madness isn't it?

Don't set me off! We had a washing machine delivered today - dh had paid for installation, but hadn't completely disconnected the old one - I couldn't quite do it but the MORON driver said he couldn't possibly do it and literally ran out of the house! We had paid for installation and the old being taken DH got home steaming and went to Currys to have a 'chat' with them. Turns out the driver was completely in the wrong, clearly just wanted to get home early, and they are now going to come back, disconnect, remove and reconnect new one PLUS a discount of £50 - he got it with £150 off anyway, so think we have done rather well!

LOL, we had a similar experience with Comet today. Paid heaps for them to deliver fridge freezer at a specific time. Didn't turn up so DH ranted at them and we got our entire delivery refunded and the fridge showed up within the hour. It's worth making a scene, isn't it?

Anyway, am now going to google disconnecting washing machines as it can't be that difficult if hairy arsed truckers can do it!

It's not hard, honest. I had to disconnect my old one and connect the new one as Argos let me down. I'd paid for installation but they sent it on a van where the driver didn't do installations. I thought I'd give it a go myself before calling a plumber and it was surprisingly easy.

Just looked it up, seems to be...

1. Pull out and switch off
2. put down towels and bowl
3. Turn off water valves
4. Undo hoses
5. Drain water and pull out hose from drain
6. Feel smug

That's pretty much it. The feeling smug bit is very important. Don't forget to reward yourself with cookie/chocolate/wine/treat of your choice!

Dear god, you don't need a plumber to disconnect a washing machine!

It is exactly as your instructions say (although there may only be one hose as machines often seem to be cold fill only now). Connection is the same in reverse (although don't feel smug until the end and remember to remove the transit bolts)

It isn't hard, but the GIT who was delivering ours said 'ooh no can't take it, can't wait, got to go...' and ran out of the door before i could look at the pipe at the back!

i disconnected mine and we had to buy a cap for the cold water pipe as it was slightly leaking. that was a pita to find, be handy if comet etc carried some with them (ours didn't) so not always straightforward

Today's the day. There is a final load in and then I'm going to disconnect. Am worried now 'They' are going to connect the new one but I really hope I don't flood the kitchen or blow myself to kingdom come