Washing machine under the sink: features of selection and installation

In pursuit of space saving in a cramped bathroom, apartment owners often decide to install a washing machine under the sink. The idea is not bad, Our site of advice is ready to tell you about this option for installing a household assistant in the matter of washing clothes. We will tell you what kind of sink you need, give examples.

Immediately, we note that there are three options to install the washing machine under the sink:

1. Buy a ready-made kit. That is, the sink together with the washing machine that fit together perfectly. This set includes all the necessary components, including a special flat siphon for the sink, which we will talk about later. Such kits, of course, are less common than separate sinks and washing machines, but they are still offered by some of the leading manufacturers. You just need to search;
2. Buy a flat sink and washing machine separately. It is easier, the choice is great, but you need to purchase special models;
3. Place the washing machine not under the sink itself, but under its countertop, that is, on the side. In this case, the sink can be absolutely any, as well as a siphon for it, but the “washing machine” must correspond to the height of the countertop. The portal has already mentioned such an option for placing a washing machine when it proposed ideas for choosing a place for this household appliance..

Now let’s look at the basic requirements for the washing machine and sink, which are installed in the kit:

1. The washing machine must be lower than the standard 85 cm! This is exactly the height for most models. But the sink, which will be installed over such a washing machine, will be inconvenient to use, it will be too high. Only “washing machines” with a height of not more than 70 cm are suitable for this installation option. Many manufacturers produce them. Of course, you cannot install a top-loading washing machine under the sink, only a front-loading one. In addition, the width of the household appliances should be less than the width of the sink. In this case, it will cover the entire washing machine, protect it from water drops. In addition, there should be a place for drainage and communications behind the “washing machine”. Therefore, it cannot stand close to the wall. In general, choose the most compact option available. You will most likely have to sacrifice download volume. Instead of the standard 5 kg of laundry, you will be able to wash three to four kilograms at a time;
2. The sink must be flat. Only models called “water lily” are suitable. Their height usually does not exceed 20 cm, so that the sinks fit perfectly into the space above the washing machine without compromising ease of use. In addition, the water lilies have a drain at the back, under the tap, so that installation can be carried out without unnecessary problems. Such flat sinks can be of different shapes: square, rectangular, round, non-standard. Choose the right size for your washing machine.

Important! There must be a gap of at least three centimeters between the washing machine and the sink! And not only for the siphon, but also to ensure the safety of plumbing and household appliances. The washing machine will vibrate noticeably during the spin cycle, think about what will happen to the sink if it knocks on it regularly. And with the “washing machine” itself. She, too, does not need blows on the lid.

We wrote in detail about the process of installing the washing machine. The technology for installing these household appliances under the sink is not particularly different. We advise only to insulate all wires securely, because the risk of water ingress increases. As for the “water lily” sink, we will repeat that you will need a special flat siphon, which we briefly mentioned in this article. And most likely a horizontal spout.

Pros of installing a washing machine under the sink:

1. Saving space, of course. For this, this option was chosen for placing household appliances;
2. A fairly large selection of models of compact washing machines and sinks “water lilies” allows you to easily buy everything you need. And it’s not so difficult to find a flat siphon.

Cons of placing the washing machine under the sink:

1. Using the sink will not be as convenient as usual. At first, the owners can simply hit their feet on the “washing machine” below. But you get used to everything. In addition, if you had a sink with a cabinet underneath, this option is not new to you;
2. Flat siphons and horizontal sink spouts can cause more frequent blockages, so you will need to clean the system more often;
3. Reducing the size of the washing machine can lead to the fact that you have to use it more often – you won’t load a lot of laundry.

Placing the washing machine under the sink is a fairly common option. And usually no problems arise if you choose a water lily sink, a flat siphon for it and a compact washing machine.