Should You Run the Washer and Dryer at the Same Time? Here's How to Avoid a Fire Hazard

If you’ve got a busy schedule, laundry day seems to come around faster and faster each week. On top of that, it can be really time consuming. Separating colors, washing special items, separating what can be dried with what can’t—laundry-day can be a huge undertaking. Running the washing machine and dryer at the same time is one of the most time-efficient ways to make the best of laundry day—but is it safe?

Using both appliances simultaneously can streamline your laundry routine, cut down on total chore time, and even help you stay ahead of the laundry pile-up. However, before pulling a double-shift, it's smart to have a little awareness of your home’s electrical setup. Here’s what to know.

Understand Your Electrical Capacity

Before you start running your washer and dryer at the same time, it’s important to understand how much power your appliances use and whether your home’s electrical system is equipped to handle it. Both machines, especially electric dryers, draw a significant amount of electricity. Most newer homes can accommodate this kind of usage, often placing the washer and dryer on separate dedicated circuits (which means they each have their own electrical path and switch in the breaker box). If that’s the case, you’re good to go. Running both at once may spike your electricity usage, but it’s not dangerous.

However, in older homes or in spaces that lack electrical upgrades, it’s possible that both appliances share a single circuit. That’s when things get tricky, as the combined load could exceed what the circuit can handle. The result? You might trip a breaker, lose power to both appliances, or in worst-case scenarios, overheat the wiring which creates a potential fire hazard. To stay safe, consider checking your breaker panel for labels indicating dedicated circuits. Then, looking at the amp rating of your circuits (most laundry appliances require a 15–30 amp circuit). If you’re unsure, call an electrician to determine if both machines are safe to run together.

Avoid Plumbing and Drainage Issues

In most homes, your washer and dryer share plumbing lines, including water supply and drainage. This is done for space and convenience, but it does mean your plumbing has to work a bit harder when both machines are in use. The washing machine pulls in cold and/or hot water through the supply lines, then drains it after each cycle. Your dryer (if it's a ventless or steam dryer) may also use water, either for steam functions or to condense moisture.

Running them at the same time is usually okay if your plumbing is in good condition and up to code. However, if your drainage system is old or clogged, it might struggle to keep up with the rapid drainage of water, especially when running back-to-back cycles. This can lead to slow or gurgling pipes, or even minor flooding if the system gets too overwhelmed.

To avoid plumbing issues, make sure your drain pipe is clear of lint and detergent buildup. Check that your washer’s drain hose is securely connected and that the standpipe (a vertical pipe in the wall—usually PVC—that your machine’s hose drains into) is the correct height (usually 18–30 inches). Lastly, if you have them, make sure any shared utility sinks or drain basins can handle the water volume without backing up.

When to Avoid Running Them Together

While running your washer and dryer at the same time is safe in most modern homes, there are some situations where it’s best to proceed with caution—or avoid it altogether. If you’ve experienced frequent breaker trips, dimming or flickering lights, or warm-to-the-touch electrical outlets while using your appliances, these are signs your system may be overloaded or improperly wired, and that your electrical circuit is struggling toss handle the demand of both machines. This can pose a serious fire hazard or lead to equipment damage. Other major red flags include buzzing sounds from the breaker box, burning smells, or sparks. These signs require immediate attention from a licensed electrician.