A washing machine is an integral part of the interior of a bathroom. When there is not enough space in the bathroom, many take it out to the kitchen. To save space, designers recommend installing a washing machine under the sink. This arrangement allows you to increase the area. It is necessary to compare the dimensions of the washing machines under the sink with the dimensions of the sink. When installing, there are some nuances that need to be studied before starting work.
Who needs this installation method?
A large number of families live in small apartments, where every centimeter of free space is expensive. Young families often start a life together with one-room apartments, in which on a small area you need to place everything you need. For such cases, installing a washing machine under the sink in the bathroom is suitable. If the bathroom does not leave space even under a compact washing machine, then people should not despair. Installing a washing machine under the sink in the kitchen also has positive aspects.
Before deciding to install a frontal type of washing machine, it is necessary to measure the free area.
What are the advantages of self-installation?
Installing a washing machine under the sink has a number of positive aspects:
- There are free square meters that you can use for your own purposes. For small apartments, this arrangement is optimal.
- Often the space under the sink is not used. A person will not feel a lack of space if you put a washing machine. Many women keep household chemicals under the sink. For these purposes, it is better to hang a cabinet on the wall. It saves space and security, especially if the house has children and animals.
- There is an opportunity for creativity. You can make an exclusive design of the room.
- The ability to carry out the installation yourself, while saving money that would be given to the master.
Cons of installing a washing machine under the sink
In addition to the positive aspects of this type of installation, there are negative aspects. The following points can be attributed to them:
- The siphon will have to be selected in a non-standard shape. It is difficult to find on sale, as well as install. If this part breaks, then replacing it will be problematic.
- In this configuration, the water flows in a horizontal direction. The drain may clog at any time.
- Washing machines usually come with sharp corners, so it will be difficult to move the appliance somewhere.
How to choose the right machine?
Installing a washing machine under the sink implies that it is ideal in size. It is believed that you can calculate the sum of the machine with the height of the sink. Fifteen centimeters should be added to the obtained value. The final value should not be more than eighty centimeters. A standard sink is usually eighty centimeters in height.
Is there a line of washing machines for this type of installation?
A wide range of bathroom equipment is on the market. Installing a washing machine under the sink is a common theme in specialized stores. Manufacturers have developed a special type of machines, they are already sold complete with a sink. This option is ideal for people who value their time. No need to look for a separate sink. The only minus of this technique is that the capacity of the desired machine is not more than 3.5 kilograms. If a washing machine for a sink in the bathroom is purchased separately from the sink, it is better to take a compact type.
What to look for when choosing a sink?
Nowadays, it has become fashionable to purchase a lily-shaped sink. It is most often rectangular in shape. This type of sink requires a special drain. The siphon is located away from the machine.
Also popular models in which the drain is located vertically or horizontally. These species require regular maintenance to prevent clogging.
Some prefer semicircular models; others like an oval shell. In the latest collections of famous manufacturers there are sinks that have a countertop on the side. They are convenient in that you can arrange all the necessary accessories on the surface. Owners of such plumbing will not have to hang an additional cabinet for toothbrushes and other bathroom accessories.
General installation rules
Installing a washing machine under the sink in the bathroom requires compliance with the following installation rules:
- The surface of the washing machine must be completely covered by the sink. It is necessary to leave a small ledge. The minimum value is twenty millimeters. The machine must be reliably protected from water.
- Experts advise not to drain directly above the machine. In spin mode, the washing unit can swing the nozzle. Water will begin to fall onto the surface of the appliance, which can cause a major breakdown.
- It is important to set the axis of rotation horizontally. In this case, it will last a long time. To do this, it is necessary to adjust the water level, as well as the legs of the apparatus.
- Before installing plumbing, you need to level the floor in the bathroom.
Why can not I put various objects under the washing machine?
Masters do not recommend to enclose any objects under the washing machine for stability. In the process, the device creates vibrations. They are strong enough, so all items will pop out from under the machine. It is better to install transport fasteners in a quality manner. They are in every machine.
When a person mounts a washing machine under the sink, he needs to connect the device to the sewer. The connection process is carried out using a siphon and a check valve. The valve should be installed in a special outlet, which is designed for drainage. It is important to tighten the hose. For this, it is better to use clamps.
What tools will be required?
To connect the washing machine under the sink in the bathroom (the photo of the results is in our article), you will need the following tools:
- Roulette and square. A special level equipped with a plumb line is also required.
- If there is a compass at home, then it is also useful for work.
- A hammer drill should be found.
What materials will be needed to install the sink?
For the installation of plumbing to be successful, the following materials are required:
- Do not do work without clamps and dowels.
- There is such material as sanitary flax. People call it “tow.”
- An important attribute for installation work is sealant. It’s better to take silicone. It is recommended for home use and rooms with high humidity.
- Special tee. It is needed to supply cold water to the washing machine.
- For the machine to serve for a long time, washing water must be cleaned of impurities. To do this, it is better to use a filter for mechanical cleaning. Various particles that lead to breakdowns will not get into the washing machine.
- It is worth looking for a ball valve.
How to fix the sink to the wall using brackets?
In order to fix even a small washing machine under the sink, it is better to use the classic method of fastening. It consists in the fact that the sink is attached using brackets. They allow you to make the design as durable as possible. Often new brackets come with sinks.
The first step is markup. After this, it is necessary to try on how the sink will “sit down”. Do not forget about the mandatory clearance. If a person bought a sink in the shape of a water lily, then the gap can be from twenty to thirty millimeters.
Some put a special kind of faucets that combine the kitchen with the bathroom. To do this, you need to check whether it is suitable for all devices. The next step is to drill holes for installing bolts. After that, fasteners are placed. An impact drill makes holes for the bolts.
When the bracket is installed, you need to tighten the bolts so that there is a gap of five to seven millimeters. The sink is lowered onto the brackets, inserted into the hole. To fix the bowl directly on the wall, you need to use hooks. It should be remembered that the bolts in this case must be tightened to the stop. In order for the sink to last a long time, it is best to process the ends with silicone.
How to install a siphon?
The siphon is installed until the sink is finally attached to the wall.
This item is usually made of plastic. Brass trap can be installed. It is good in that it will not rot, and also does not suffer from corrosion. The following instructions should be followed:
- Grease all parts with silicone. It is important not to overtighten the thread. It must be remembered that plastic can easily crack and the product will break.
- The drain hose must be connected to the siphon with special fittings, they usually come with the kit.
- To ensure that the mount is reliable, it is fixed with a clamp. In this case, the hose will not break, even if there is a large pressure of water.
- The corrugation must be connected to the sewer pipe. Check all connections for leaks. You can use sealant in order to reliably fix the joints.
- Before work, you need to clean the necessary parts.
How to install a mixer?
The mixer is sold with some models in the kit. There are sinks to which this part needs to be bought on its own. Plumbing experts advise taking a faucet that can be fixed to the wall. He has a special long spout. The faucet is common for the bathroom and for the sink. Before installation, you should carefully study the instructions.
An important point in this work is compliance with tightness. In connection points, it is better to use tow or modern fum tape. If rubber seals are present in the structure, they are best treated with special grease. Do not overtighten the nuts.
How is the final stage of installing the sink?
The installation of the sink in this design has its own nuances. To facilitate the installation task, experts advise you to purchase sinks with countertops. Kits are easy to install and do not require additional costs. Installation is quick, as there is no need to cut a hole for the sink. You can choose any material for the countertop, in the stores there are various options from stone, ceramics. Acrylic and tempered glass kits are in demand.
The preparatory phase of the installation is to take measurements. When installing under the sink of a washing machine, do not forget about the outlet. It is necessary to put the structure in such a way that it is attached to the frame. The equipment needs to be installed close to the walls.
Conclusion
So, we looked at how to install the washing machine. As you can see, the work can be done independently. The main thing is to have the necessary set of tools and instructions.