When you buy a new washing machine or when moving in front of you, the problem arises of connecting the unit to a water pipe. For this purpose, a tap, called a tee, is most often used.
Purpose
The idea that the tap-tee for a washing machine is not so important, appears in many people. Such users, most likely, do not know the concept of hydraulic hammer in water pipes, as a result of which both the metal and the metal-plastic pipe can disperse along the seam. And if the water inlet hose is connected directly to the water pipe, there is a big risk that it will break due to such a water hammer that will lead to water flows in the apartment.
The use of a tandem cock will save you from having to remodel repairs in your apartment and the neighbors from the bottom. And it is the tee that is especially convenient, since it allows several household appliances, such as a dishwasher and a washing machine, to be plugged into the water pipe.
Types of cranes
The connection of the washing machine can be used:
- Tees or gates. They are used for tapping into a pipeline.
- Angle cranes. They are chosen if you need to connect the equipment to a separate branch.
Each type of these valves is a valve, ball or pass-through. The difference lies in the way the water is blocked in such taps. In addition, they can differ material from which they are made( usually brass or silumin).
For a short video review of tees / taps, see the following video.
Which is better to install?
To select a suitable tap should be first of all with an eye on your skills and financial capabilities. The choice of the type of crane should be based on the purchase budget, and not on the location of the washing machine.
The most economical and simple is the tap, as its installation does not require special devices. By connecting such a tap to the water supply hose, the washing machine can be connected to a mixer, a washbasin, a water heater( to a pipe that feeds water into the heater tank) or even to a drain tank( both after the hose and up to it).When choosing a gate valve, it is important to pay attention to the direction of its lever so that it does not rest against the wall and it was easy to get to it.
To connect the tee, you need to prepare a gas key and a set of keys. Also for work you will need a FSM-tape, which must be screwed on the thread. Tightening the connection with a gas wrench, you need to check its tightness. Installing a tee on old pipes is not recommended.
See the following video for the connection process.
If you intend to install a corner valve, an additional pipe should be purchased. Also you will need a special tee, which is installed in the pipe sections. In general, the installation of a corner crane is the same as the connection of a tie-cock, that is, you need to use the FSM-tape, wound it on the thread. Then the valve is screwed into the pipe, and the hose from the machine is connected to it. Then the connection is tightened with a gas wrench.
Ways to connect to the water pipe
Metal pipe
The easiest way is to connect the machine to a place where there is already a tee for a faucet, toilet bowl or dishwasher. Disconnecting the hose of the device, in its place, install one more tap-tee. In its exits, insert and connected plumbing, and a tap for the washing machine.
The second way is to use a "vampire" - a special device that is attached to the pipe with clamps. The "vampire" has a branch with a thread similar to a tee. Connection technology in the following video tutorial.
If the pipe was not previously installed tee and you do not have the opportunity to use the "vampire", you need to complete the sidebar. Cut out part of the trunk, you have to make a thread, and then connect the tee.
Metal-plastic pipe
To install a tee on plastic pipes, a special tool is required and the correct selection of the tee with fitting bends that fit into the metal-plastic pipes. Using special scissors, it is necessary to perform a qualitative crimping of the bends. If you do not have such scissors and you did not work with metal-plastic pipes, it is better to invite a specialist for connection.
Feedback on the use of
People who have experience with the use of taps for connecting washing machines to the water supply point out that silumin products are much smaller than those made of brass, and ball valves are more reliable than multi-turn valves. As for the manufacturer, the buyers note the high quality of triple valves of Italian and Croatian production.
Alternatives to
Instead of a tie-cock, you may prefer fitting a tee fitting. After cutting the pipe, this fitting is installed between its pieces, and then a pipe is inserted into its free hole, which goes to the washing machine. This is both a simple and inexpensive way, but it can not be called very reliable. Fittings seal with time wear, which leads to leakage.
Also, the crane-tee can be replaced with a conventional ball valve. Its reliability is as high as that of a specialized crane, while the cost is much lower.
