The standard solution for placing household appliances is a washing machine in the bathroom with a short connection to cold water supply, sewerage, and a 220 V network. The washing machine usually fits into the combined bathrooms of Khrushchev-era apartment buildings without any problems. For small-sized separate bathrooms, standard installation schemes for these household appliances have been developed. Taking into account the organization of space in small bathrooms and toilets, manufacturers produce vertical and front-facing washing machines.
Accommodation options
We suggest considering various options for placing a washing machine in the bathroom:
Install a shower instead of a bath
Old houses have very modest bathroom dimensions, but this will not be an obstacle to installing a washing machine in a small bathroom.
If you belong to the category of people who do not like to soak in the bath, then this option is ideal for you. Remove the bathtub and install a shower stall instead.
A washing machine fits perfectly in the free space. There may even be room left to install a small cabinet, heated towel rail or shelves.
Install the machine under the countertop
If the sink is installed on the countertop, then it would be rational to install the washing machine under it.
To do this, you should choose the same depth of the tabletop and machine.
Be sure to leave some free space above the machine, as it will vibrate during operation.
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Integrate into sink cabinet
The machine can be built into a closed cabinet under the sink.
The easiest way in this case would be to make a custom cabinet with a door, based on the size of the washing machine.
In classic and country-style bathrooms, this option will be extremely appropriate.
Place the machine under the sink
Installing a washing machine under the sink in the bathroom will take the least amount of space.
To do this, you will need a non-standard sink, the siphon of which will be located at the back.
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It is also worth considering that a shallow and low washing machine is best suited for this.
Hide in a tall cabinet or niche
If you have enough space, you can install the washing machine in the bathroom in a closet or in a niche. You can close them with curtains or doors, and if you wish, you can’t hide them with anything at all.
When using this, you must take into account the dimensions of the cabinet when choosing a machine.
You can also find special cabinets on sale. They provide space for installing washing machines, as well as shelves for storing dirty laundry before washing.
Sink materials
The newest material, which has already gained popularity in the plumbing market, is polymer concrete, from which “water lilies” are made, built above the washing machine. This material can withstand any impact well and is insensitive to household chemicals, which is very important for a bath. A big advantage is the ability to imitate different types of natural stone. Products made from polymer concrete are so similar to stone that not everyone can tell the difference.
If you want to buy something special, then you can buy a sink made from other materials for the bathroom. The most popular will be glass, acrylic, metal and ceramic variations. Since the product is essentially made from artificial stone, its cost is lower than from natural components, which makes it more affordable.
Not only the material can be different, but also the shape. The most popular of which is rectangular, but it can also be oval or square, which primarily depends on the dimensions of the washing machine. The corners of such products can be sharp or rounded. For lovers of unusual shapes, there are also original examples of bizarre configurations.
By color, you can choose a product that will match the color scheme of the room, machine or any other element of the room
It’s very convenient to hide all water and sewer lines behind a false wall and add some useful space in the form of a countertop
Installation details
When placing a washing machine in the bathroom, it is worth considering the following points:
Type of floor covering. Smooth tiles, linoleum or laminate are not the best options for installation, since the vibrating washing machine will move around the room.
Distance to drain. The standard length of the water drain hose is 1.5 m.
Socket location. The standard power cord is also only 1.5 m long. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to use an extension cord, as this may lead to a short circuit.
Free space to open the hatch. For ease of loading and removing laundry, the hatch door should open well. In addition, it is recommended to leave it open after washing for ventilation.
Distance to wall. You cannot place the machine close to the wall. It is worth leaving a distance of about 10 cm behind.
To make it easier to make your choice, we recommend looking at a photo of the washing machine in the bathroom. Consider all the tips when choosing an installation option and the washing machine will be your indispensable assistant for many years.
Features of operation
Manufacturers of household appliances produce two types of washing machines:
- vertical loading - large depth, small width, standard height, requires space from above for work, not suitable as built-in appliances (although there are options), often used in the kitchen;
Vertical type washing machine. - front loading – access to the front panel is required, equipment can be built into two tiers, large width, standard height, shallow depth.
Front loading machine. - Some manufacturers have wall-mounted mini washing machines, suitable for those who live alone.
Wall-mounted washing machine.
Vertical instrument panels do not tolerate moisture well. When installing them near a sink, the service life is automatically reduced, and there is a risk of electronic failure. A built-in washing machine with standard fasteners for decorative doors lasts the longest.
On the other hand, washing machines contain consumables, the quality of tap water in the Russian Federation leaves much to be desired, and voltage drops are observed in the 220 V network. Therefore, the owner of a household appliance will inevitably have to call a technician more than once as the gaskets, hoses and their fastening units wear out.
During repairs, the machine moves out.
The machine will have to be pulled out for partial disassembly. Therefore, during installation it is better to take care of the maintainability of the structure.
Next to the washbasin
Installing appliances next to the sink usually results in debris accumulating between them. Installing it under the countertop, above which the washbasin will be located, will help to avoid such problems and ensure compact placement of equipment. This installation method has the following advantages:
- under the shelf next to the equipment you can place a small cabinet (if the bowl drain allows), a laundry basket;
- Due to the presence of the shelf, water drips will not remain on the side surface of the equipment located close to the washbasin;
- The shelf will protect the upper part of the equipment from damage and dirt; owners can store towels and cosmetics on it.
Near the cabin
Replacing a bathtub with a shower can increase the area of the room. The unit is installed in the space that appears next to the booth.
A vertical loading machine will save the day if there is very little space. With a width of 40 cm, it fits between the wall and the plumbing.
Choosing a place
As a rule, there is a single sewer system between the bathroom and the toilet. Changing the location of the pipeline in an apartment is quite difficult, but possible.
When choosing a place for the sink, you need to take into account its size and the dimensions of the washing machine. You should also evaluate the possibility of moving equipment around the premises in case repair work is necessary. The installation process should also not be complicated by limited space.
You should not place the design of a washing machine with a compact water lily in the kitchen. Washing dishes in a flat sink is inconvenient.
In a closet or other furniture
The integration of equipment allows you to achieve compact equipment for sanitary facilities. For example, it can be closed with a sliding door, creating a non-standard design. The following ideas for combining furniture and appliances will help to carry out a rational arrangement:
- combination with a chest of drawers. The door covering the equipment is matched to the color of the chest of drawers. Both products are located side by side, creating a discreet tandem.
- combination with a hanging cabinet. The equipment will become a continuation of the hanging cabinet. The assembly of the structure is carried out by mounting common side walls made of plasterboard. The top door opens the cabinet, the bottom door gives access to the equipment.
- combination with a chest of drawers, washbasin. A wooden rectangular structure is assembled, which will serve as the base for the washbasin. Inside there is equipment and a pair of hanging drawers. The free space under the drawers will be occupied by a basket with household chemicals and a basket for dirty laundry.
How to install a washing machine
After connecting and checking the sink and mixer, carefully push the washing machine into the resulting niche. Did you manage to hide communications in the wall? Then you can safely place the equipment close to it.
The last step is to strengthen the connections with a clamp. It will prevent unexpected thread breakage during pressure surges, increased flow rates and intensive draining. Before use, check the seal again. Ready!
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