The proper operation of the washing machine largely depends on how well the installation is done. An incorrectly chosen location or connection in violation of the instructions can lead not only to equipment breakdown, but also to electric shock to household members, which is much more serious. In terms of operation, the most suitable room for a washing machine is the bathroom, although high humidity and the size of the room make adjustments during installation.
Installing a washing machine in the bathroom
Advantages and disadvantages
Before making a decision to install a sink, you should carefully consider this option, weighing all the pros and cons - you may have to abandon it already at the design stage.
First, let's look at the advantages:
- Rational use of space in a cramped bathroom. A washing machine installed under the sink makes it possible to place it in the bathroom, rather than taking the appliance into the room, hallway or kitchen. In this case, you can place shelves or a wall cabinet with a mirror above the mixer - then the space will be used as ergonomically as possible.
- Originality of bathroom design. A properly installed sink will attract attention and surprise guests: a wide range of sanitary ware on the modern market will allow you to choose any suitable shape that will look stylish and harmonious. Such placement will tell about your taste and concern for the environment around you.
- A sink above the washing machine installed in the bathroom has a huge advantage over the same design in the kitchen, since washing takes less time than washing dishes. In addition, the device located in the bathroom looks more appropriate.
Look at examples of decorating a small bathroom in Khrushchev.
This solution also has many disadvantages:
- This design requires a special siphon and drain. When buying in a store, you may find it impossible to buy everything in one place, so experts recommend looking for a fully equipped sink.
- In the event of a breakdown, replacement parts will be difficult to find.
- Inability to get close to the washbasin. If you are used to empty space under the sink, it will be awkward at first. It will be easier for those who have previously installed the bowl on a cabinet with hinged doors or drawers to get used to it.
- The horizontal drain mechanism threatens frequent blockages that will have to be cleared. The fact is that the drain hole is located at the back, and the bowl has a flat and shallow shape - and water always remains on its surface. You will have to remove the remaining moisture yourself using a sponge, otherwise the sink will quickly turn yellow and become stained.
- An electrical appliance installed near water sources is always a risk. The slightest leak if the sink or washing machine is installed incorrectly can result in a short circuit, breakdown of the device, electric shock, or damage to the wiring.
What cars are suitable?
Not all devices are suitable for installing a washing machine under the sink: the most desirable option is to use a device that comes with a bowl. If you select equipment separately, you need to focus on the following parameters:
- The car must have a front hatch (that is, a door that opens from the front). When installing, it is important to consider how convenient it will be to use the bathroom when ventilating the device after each wash.
- The recommended height of the device is 60 cm. When calculating the total height of the structure, you should add the dimensions of the sink and the distance between it and the equipment. The less free space between two products, the more attractive and harmonious the design looks.
- The total depth of the washing machine should not be more than 47 cm. The capacity of such products often does not exceed 3.5 kg, so a compact model may not be suitable for large families: it will have to be washed quite often. It is also worth considering the gap between the wall and the machine for placing utilities. Sometimes, in order for the pipes to fit, a small recess is made in the wall itself.
A good example of decorating a bathroom in house P-44.
It is noteworthy that small-sized washing machines are more expensive than standard-sized products.
The photo shows approximate parameters that you should rely on when choosing a washbasin and washing machine for a compact bathroom.
Step-by-step installation instructions
To correctly install the bowl over the washing machine, it is important to adhere to the following procedure:
- We check the integrity of the kit in accordance with the list in the instructions. We recommend doing this before purchasing. If parts are missing, the product must be replaced.
- We assemble the structure, starting with the installation of the sink. To do this, we connect the tap to the hole under the mixer, and to it - the connection for cold and hot water supply.
- After installing the mixer, we make markings on the wall according to preliminary measurements. We make holes for the dowels with a drill and fix the brackets with self-tapping screws. Apply sealant to the area of the sink that is in contact with the back wall. We connect the mixer to the water pipe.
- We assemble a flat siphon and connect it to the drain, placing seals.
- We fix the pipe, connecting it with one end to the pipe, and the other to the outlet into the sewer. Apply sealant to the threads and all seals.
- We attach the flexible hose to the washing machine in this way, making a loop that will act as a water seal.
- We connect the hose to the sewer next to the connected sink pipe. If desired, the drain hose can be routed into the bathtub.
- We carefully inspect the connection points of all pipes and connections. We check the tightness of the sink by pouring water into it. If the installation was successful, install the washing machine and run a test wash.
Installing a sink will be simplified if you use a rotary tap that will supply water to both the bathtub and the sink. In this case, you will not need to look for a place for additional communications behind the car. It is important that water from the tap does not fall on the electrical appliance when turning.
The assembly of the faucet, washbasin and washing machine is described in great detail by professionals in this video:
Final actions
The washing machine must be checked in all operating modes. This will help eliminate all problems and resolve them at the initial stage, and it will also help to spot the breakdown earlier.
Washing machine: an indispensable device in everyday life
After successful installation, do not forget about the safety rules that must always be followed in order for the machine to serve for a long time.
- Rule 1. Be sure to check the serviceability of the socket and cord. This will help avoid short circuits.
- Rule 2. Do not allow the power cord to bend. The pinned cord may be damaged, resulting in a fire.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the most important thing in installing a washing machine is compliance with all rules and safety measures. Only by strictly following the rules can you achieve a successful result and increase the life of the washing machine.
What does it look like in the interior?
A sink above the washing machine looks great in a modern-style bathroom. If the situation requires conciseness, the equipment can be hidden behind the facades of the cabinet.
And if saving space is not a priority, the washing machine can be installed under a solid overhead bowl with a wide wing that turns into a countertop (as in the third photo). This solution will not cause any difficulties and will definitely look impressive!
The photo shows a sink placed above the washing machine in a small bathroom. Thanks to the thoughtful organization of space and light design, the bathroom looks more spacious.
The design of sinks is diverse: today they produce models of round, oval and rectangular shapes, as well as figured products with asymmetrical, beveled or semicircular corners.
The design should be consistent with the overall style of the interior: for small bathrooms or combined bathrooms, it is preferable to use minimalism, which means that a rectangular sink the width of the machine will look more harmonious than a rounded one.
A washing machine under a wooden countertop looks luxurious and at the same time environmentally friendly. This solution requires more expense and time to connect communications, but the sink, which is located just above the wooden countertop, is more stable and looks very presentable, softening the corners of household appliances.
Some products are made to order: usually these are cast stone sinks that can take any shape. In the last photo, the washbasin above the washing machine smoothly merges into a support, creating a kind of partition. The equipment hides in this niche, becoming less noticeable.
The photo shows a rectangular washbasin above a washing machine in the interior of a combined bathroom. The product is equipped with a removable soap dish.
A sink above the washing machine is a bold and controversial, but at the same time practical and stylish solution. At the first impression, such a design may raise doubts, but a correctly selected set for a small bathroom will delight you with its functionality and aesthetics for a long time.
Should you install a sink above the washing machine in large bathrooms?
It all depends on your wishes. Considering that spacious rooms without unnecessary details in the spirit of minimalism are now popular, such compactness will only be an advantage. In addition, such an arrangement will be a certain highlight of the interior. On the other hand, the configuration may seem awkward and installation difficult. Although, if you are renovating a bathroom, then in an effort to arrange the furniture in some unusual way, you can use this option.
Small sink above the washing machine on the countertop in a narrow bathroom
