It takes more than just plugging in and loading the laundry to properly set up a washing machine. The location of the water outlet is one important detail that is frequently missed. Achieving this is crucial for both trouble-free functioning and preventing possible water damage.
It’s crucial to consider the location of the water outlet when designing your laundry area. Making the right choices early on can help you save time, money, and effort later on, whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one.
This post will explain the fundamentals of where to put the water outlet for washing machines and will provide helpful hints and advice to make sure everything works properly in your laundry room.
| Location Option | Description |
| Behind the washing machine | The most common and convenient placement. The water outlet is directly behind the machine, keeping hoses out of sight. |
| Under the sink | Common in smaller bathrooms. The water outlet is placed under the sink and shared with the sink drain. |
| In a utility room | Separate water outlet located in a utility or laundry room, often with more space and easier access to plumbing connections. |
| In a kitchen cabinet | For washing machines installed in kitchens, the water outlet may be inside a cabinet, hidden from view but still accessible. |
The placement of the water outlet during washing machine installation is essential for maintaining appropriate drainage and avoiding leaks. To ensure effective water flow and simple connection, the water outlet should ideally be placed close to the machine, at a height of roughly 60 to 90 cm from the floor. In addition to reducing the possibility of water backflow, this configuration makes sure the washing machine runs smoothly and doesn’t put undue strain on the pump. Proper placement can also prevent plumbing problems later on, reducing the need for repairs and saving money.
- Where to place this element?
- Choosing a water outlet
- How to fix a water outlet?
- Video on the topic
- Laying a water outlet for a washing machine in the toilet
- To what depth should water outlets be brought out?!
- Installing a water outlet how to do it correctly and why at the same level as the tile
- Connecting a washing machine. Installing a washing machine.
Where to place this element?
The location of a water outlet is crucial when installing one. The best course of action would be to completely renovate the bathroom and designate a specific area for the fitting. After that, you can set up a new branch in compliance with the current guidelines.
- Sufficient distance to the cut-in. The inlet hose from the washing machine should freely reach the water outlet, without hindering the connection and operation. If possible, the wiring should be redone in order to move the machine as close to the pipeline as possible.
- Optimal height for the water outlet. Here, two nuances are taken into account. Firstly, the height recommended by plumbers is 77 cm from the finished floor. Secondly, the dimensions of the existing washing machine, especially if you plan to install a branch immediately behind its body.
- Free access to the valve. This is a safety requirement – in case of problems with water intake, leakage and accident, the owner must quickly and easily get to the tap and shut off the water supply to the machine. You can use the general water supply shut-off, but it is better to act locally.
- Reliable fastening. To avoid leaks, it is necessary to carefully approach the method of installing the water outlet. Especially if you plan to place it on the wall. In this case, a special type of fitting is selected, and if there are no possibilities, alternative options are sought.
Convenience is the most important factor to consider when selecting a modern insert. The outlet should be easy to install and operate, and it shouldn’t interfere with other things or become inaccessible in an emergency. The aesthetic aspect of the matter will be crucial, so don’t overlook a lovely design that blends in with the bathroom’s decor.
Choosing a water outlet
A wider variety of fittings in every price range and type are available on the market today. It is not advisable to take haphazard action because the washing machine’s installation and operation can be significantly impacted by the specifications of a specific water outlet. Thus, we examine the suggested options first and select from press-water, threaded, crimping, and self-locking sockets.
As the name implies, threaded elements are the most "popular"; a threaded connection is given here. Apart from the screw threading, particular demands are placed on the manufacturing material, which needs to be resilient to variations in temperature. This type benefits from all of the following:
- long service life;
- high tightness;
- impact resistance;
- no need for additional fasteners;
- easy installation and dismantling.
Crimp devices, which are regarded as relatively "young," connect via a collet, which is a unique sleeve that comes with a cartridge that is cylindrical. The intermediate layer ensures total tightness, which in turn ensures durability and dependable fixation on the pipeline. The benefits keep coming on this list:
- low cost;
- easy and quick installation;
- wide range;
- disassemblability of the design with the possibility of partial replacement.
Soldering is used to secure press-type water sockets to the water pipe. The primary benefit is that there aren’t many parts needed for assembly. However, specialized equipment is needed to perform high-quality fixation.
Though it is relatively new, the self-locking water socket differs from other kinds. The key lies in providing it with unique rings, among which is a toothed one. All of the rings "snap" into place as soon as the clutch is engaged by clamping this link with a key. By pressing the "toothed" element once more, the gadget can be taken apart. Its primary benefits are remarkable.
- Repeated use due to disassemblability.
- Strength of connection and high tightness.
- Universal application.
- Ease of installation.
- Resistance to loads and temperature changes.
- Durability.
- Low price.
Crucial! Consider the manufacturer in addition to the product’s type; the firms "Rehau," "Valtrex," and "Viega" have a solid track record.
The materials used in the manufacture of fittings vary as well. They can be fabricated from PVC, polypropylene, cast iron, stainless steel, brass, and bronze. Though each has unique qualities and benefits, it is advised to concentrate on the pipeline system and select a comparable one. The number of connected pipes varies amongst devices as well, but one branch should be sufficient for the washing machine’s current hose.
You can relate the benefits and drawbacks to the current circumstances and opportunities after carefully examining all of the available options. Speaking with a plumbing service representative for advice won’t hurt either. It is worthwhile to think about the planned fastening technique, which will be covered in more detail.
How to fix a water outlet?
You need to choose how the water outlet is going to be mounted to the wall before making the purchase and doing the direct installation. Depending on the material, strength, and thickness of the current wall, there are a few options. Thus, a fresh branch is joined.
- In a pocket. If the partition is made of concrete or brick, then the best solution would be to make a recess in the wall to form a pocket of a suitable size. You will need a hole of 4-5 cm, but it is not necessary to completely recess the fitting. Often it is left protruding and masked with improvised means.
- In a recess with a gasket. For thin walls made of plaster with a thickness of up to 4-6 cm, another option is suitable. Make the largest possible hole and install a sawn half-centimeter lining made of wood in it. The water outlet is attached to a piece of wood, which it is advisable to carefully treat with anti-corrosion impregnation to avoid rapid rotting.
- On the lining. If the walls in the bathroom are plasterboard, then you will need to act completely differently. First, the drywall is placed on a metal or wooden frame, then a 3-4 cm gasket is fixed on top, and then the socket itself.
Plasterboard is used to cover the entire structure, putting the fitting at the same level as it.
Here, it’s critical to evaluate the thickness and strength of the current partitions carefully because shoddy fixing will soon cause leaks and breakdown. Accurate measurement of the socket’s dimensions is also necessary to avoid unsightly voids and subsequent repairs. After that, we start the direct installation.
The optimal placement of the water outlet in your laundry room can have a big impact on how well your washing machine works. By ensuring that the water flows to the machine efficiently, proper placement lowers the possibility of leaks and other problems later on.
The water outlet must be positioned so that it is both conveniently high and far away from your washing machine. This facilitates hose connections and offers flexibility for replacement or maintenance in the future. In addition, placing the outlet close to a drain system helps guard against water damage in the event of an overflow.
You can make your washing machine’s area safer and more functional by carefully considering where the water outlet should be placed. This little thing can make your laundry routine go more smoothly by saving you time, money, and hassle.
