Hi
Yes everyone seems to agree...I am am one of those who agrees with everything which is already said. Hoever, one or two caveats...firstly, check that the feed pipes are clear of obstructions by free running them into a bucket. Only the cold one needs to be used for most machines. The thinking is that you then only heat the water you need, and you don't drain the tank...unless you have a heat pump/solar system/low-carbon water heating system which would be an ideal way to use up some hot water!
Anyway, connect the cold (blue) pipe and do up hand tight only, and watch for leaks at the union as you switch it on. When putting the machine back, ensure that neither the cold feed NOR the waste pipe is twisted/kinked/distorted, as this will give you alot of trouble. While you have the machine out, it is worth cleaning out the plastic waste attached to the wall, as soaps tend to clog up this pipe after a while. Suggest caustic soda would do it pretty well.
Keep an eye on it. A mind-focusing thought is a plumber's call-out charge...