Installing the sink over the washing machine

The eternal problem of lack of space in a bathroom or a combined bathroom of standard urban apartments makes it necessary to invent various ways of saving space. Reacting to such requests of consumers, plumbing manufacturers do not stand aside and develop a variety of products that will help in solving this problem. One of the interesting and very rational approaches is the installation of a washbasin over a washing machine, which not only saves space but also creates unusual bathroom design.

These shells have an elegant appearance and an original shape, so they perfectly fit into any style of the interior. However, it should be remembered that picking a sink under an already purchased washing machine will become much more difficult, therefore it is recommended to plan a complex purchase. Some manufacturers make kits, which include both elements at once - they are already arranged according to their layout to each other and are perfectly combined.

Sinks designed specifically for installation above a washing machine or any curbstone are often called "water lilies".Most likely, they received their name due to the characteristic shape and non-standard arrangement of the drain system.

The sink in these sinks is not in the center, like most conventional washbasins, but closer to the back side of the bowl.

Appearance of the

"Water Lilies" shell can have various shapes - square, oval, rectangular, with straight and rounded corners. There are also models with a non-standard and completely unusual configuration. Therefore, with the choice of a shell for this criterion, problems should not arise.

Wash-basins of this type, unlike conventional sinks, can have a mounting hole for installing the mixer, not only in the center of the rear "shelf", but in any otherplace, or EVEN not have it at all.

In addition to the variety of shapes, this kind of washbasin is produced in a wide range of tinted designs. They can differ and the basic material of manufacture. In a word, on the totality of these criteria, the "water-lily" can also be selected for every taste and color.

This type of washbasins is made of ceramics, acrylic, glass, metal, and in addition to this, recently there are products on the market based on polymer-based material called polymer concrete or artificial stone. The advantage of the new type of sinks is their high resistance to all types of household chemicals and mechanical influences. Polymerconcrete can imitate natural stone and have any color shade. All these criteria, as well as the variety of forms of products from this composite material, determine the breadth of the range and the great choice possibilities.

Size of the shell-"water lily"

Appearance - appearance, but still in the foreground when choosing a sink for installation above the washing machine should be its linear characteristics.

The dimensions of the sink may vary, and when selecting products for installation above a particular model of the washing machine, remember that the washbasin should slightly exceed the dimensions of the device placed under it. This criterion should be taken into account especially in those cases where the control panel of the washing machine is located not on the front, but on the top panel.

Let's pay attention to the scheme. For narrow washing machines having a depth( M) of 360 ÷ 390 mm, the corresponding size of the shell( L) should be 500 mm, and for large appliances with a chassis depth of 500 ÷ 510 mm, choose a washbasin with dimensions from the outer edge to the wallin 600 mm.

Why is this done? Between the home appliance and the wall there must necessarily be a lumen( H) so that the supply and drain hoses of the machine, siphon drainage system from the sink, flexible connection to the mixer are located there calmly, without clamping or twisting. Drain hoses require connection to a sewer pipe( 50 mm).The pipe, of course, can be hidden in the wall, but the connecting pipe still requires no less distance. In a word, the lumen( H) is necessary in any case, and it is usually assumed to be equal to 70 mm.

The diagram also shows the most typical locations for the drain holes of the sink( key 1) and the mixer settings( key 2).Such an asymmetric arrangement gives a significant gain in ensuring overall compactness.

The height of the washing machine can be any of the available standards, but if the sink installed above it is used by children and people of low growth, then the device itself should be chosen, if possible, low. Therefore, before you purchase the kit, you need to make careful measurements and determine the maximum permissible height.

can use the washbasin. The depth of the bowl is important for the overall safety of operation, which is very important to provide by choosing the right size.

Draining of the shell-"water lilies"

Draining at the shells of this type can have a different configuration of shape, and is arranged in an unusual way, but always located in the area closest to the wall. The hole can be ordinary, round, or original, made in the form of a narrow slit. Can be located in a kind of niche-groove, under the soap box - in this case it is usually located in the lower back area at the junction of the bottom and wall or on one side of the shell.

The narrow drain slot is convenient in that the siphon in such a system is located in the back of the sink, completely outside the body of the washing machine.

However, this system has its own drawback - a narrow drain often clogs and requires frequent cleaning, otherwise an unpleasant smell will emerge from the siphon.

overflow hole Some models of "lily" shells are equipped with a drain-overflow system that prevents even accidental overflow of the bowl with water, pouring out of the edges and getting on the washing machine. The "windows" of draining and overflow are usually arranged in the same way as on standard shells in the lower and lateral areas of the bowl. In addition, the drain system is often equipped with plugs-plugs or even equipped with automation.

Video: a small overview of the "lily" shells

The choice of the washing machine

Some manufacturers produce washing machines specially designed for installation under the sink. Of the known companies, such models are produced by Zanussi, Electrolux, Eurosoba and Candy. Basically, all such models are designed for a small load of laundry - usually up to 3.5 kg.

sink

Many owners of even small bathrooms are not going to sacrifice the performance of washing machines, they get models of standard sizes with a larger load. However, at the same time, the tenants' growth should be taken into account, since the washbasin, with the height of the washing machine at 700 mm, will be raised to a level of about 890-900 mm from the floor, and at a height of 850 mm - even up to 1040-1050 mm.

wall As mentioned above, the depth of the washing machine should correspond to the similar shell parameter taking into account the necessary clearance at the wall - this criterion must be observed not only for comfortable use of the washbasin, but also for electrical safety purposes.

. But still, if it is possible to purchase a set of equipment, it will be most convenient to stop on this option, since neither one has to invent anythingand fit. In the complete set the manufacturer has already taken into account not only all sizes, but also external design of elements - they look in a complex, as a single whole.

is added. In the example shown, one can see from which the total height of the working top surface of the sink-wash will be added. This is the height of the washing machine itself and taking into account its adjustable legs, the height of the brackets, plus the thickness of the leading edge of the shell itself.

But if the flat drain siphon is located under the sink, then its height should be taken into account.

The diagram shows examples of the correct installation of the machine( and ) and performed with the typical errors admitted:

b - Siphon type mismatch of the selected installation scheme - the drain pipe of the shell has a sharp turn under the directangle, where there will inevitably be clogging over time.

in - mismatch of sink and washing machine dimensions, the front panel of which remains completely unprotected from water from above.

Disadvantages of

"water lily" shells Having decided to make a complex installation of a washing machine and a sink in this way, it is necessary to take into account the drawbacks of such a scheme, so that they do not become a surprise during daily operation. Many are ready to put up with any disadvantages of such a complex for the sake of saving space, some simply have no choice but to use such a design. But, it is quite possible that for some, these shortcomings seem unacceptable.

The disadvantages of such an installation include the following nuances:

• From the above design of the sink and the elements attached to it, it can be understood that a flat siphon for draining is required for its operation. If the wash basin, for whatever reason, is not equipped with all the necessary details for the draining system, it will be extremely difficult to find the components separately, and sometimes it is practically impossible. The same thing awaits the owner of such a complex, if for some reason even one of the elements of the system fails.
• Typically, this type of sink is equipped with a hole for draining water from the bowl, which is located in the side of it, and not traditionally - in the center of the bowl. This fact alone can cause certain inconvenience, because often no water leaves the bowl completely, and its removal is necessary to take care of yourself by applying for this sponge or soft cloth. Water retention occurs in a flat siphon, which leads to frequent blockages. The same problem can arise with the already mentioned narrow slit-like drain holes.
• Another problem that will have to face is installing such a kit, which is already connected directly to the washing machine itself. Until a stable habit is developed, you will have to hit the bottom of the device with your feet more than once, coming to the washbasin. The space under the sink is filled, and therefore to stand close to it at first would be uncomfortable. In order for the convenience of the washbasin to form at least a minimal space, it is necessary to choose a narrower washing machine and a wider washbasin that protrudes forward of the washing machine casing. However, it should be remembered at the same time that machines of compact depth are not distinguished by a large load of laundry. We will have to make some compromise, to seek the "golden mean".
• If the shell is selected and set to fail, then there is a problem of protruding corners of the washing machine, which can cause discomfort not only for washing but also when moving around the room bathroom.

Despite these "minuses", the scheme still enjoys growing popularity. In the conditions of close apartments for installation of the washing machine in general there can be no other place, therefore many owners of habitation simply "close eyes" to lacks and inconveniences.

Installation seashell over washing machine

During the shell assembly and the washing machine will not have to invent anything, because it is made, in principle, in the same way as when installing standard models.

entire shell assembly process can be divided into several stages - this marking, installation brackets, assembly products, completing his mixer, installation and connection to the sewage system and water supply.

If to talk about the sequence of installation, then the first installation of the sink and the necessary elements for connecting the washing machine, and only after that the apparatus is installed.

If it is planned to install the washing machine almost directly against the wall, then the water and sewage pipes must be walled in beforehand, leaving only the branch pipes( water outlets) outside the wall, which will be accessible for connection and monitoring.

• The first thing to do - is to make marks on the wall to secure the brackets. Usually they come complete with a sink. If they are purchased separately, then when buying a washbasin, you should immediately ask the seller to pick up brackets for it, since they are of different types and not all fit for a particular kind of shell.
• Brackets are attached to the wall using dowels or anchors. But they are not initially clogged( not tightened) to the end, a small gap of 3 ÷ 5 mm is left between the wall and the bracket, which will help to fine-tune the horizontal installation of the sink.
• After this you can proceed to the assembly of the washbasin. The mixer is fastened to it, to which the flexible pipes of hot and cold water are screwed.

Do not know how to properly install the mixer on the sink?

The scheme for both the washbasin in the bathroom and kitchen sink is approximately the same. The sequence of operations for installation of the mixer for the is described in the special publication of our portal.

• Then the drain-overflow system is connected, if it is provided by the design. After that, the drainage siphon and the drainage pipe coming from it are installed. It is important to pay special attention to the tightness of all the connections of the system, since there should not be a chance of even small leakage. To do this, you should install all the gaskets provided by the design, and some elements may need to be "planted" on the silicone sealant.

• connectors. The next step is to try the sink using brackets and set it strictly according to the level. If the mounting kit includes a supporting hook, then mark the place of its installation. After this, the brackets in the exposed position are rigidly attached to the wall, completely tightening the dowels or anchors. The shell must be temporarily removed to avoid accidental damage.
• Then, in the wall, a hole is drilled into which the hook will be installed, and a plug plug is driven into it.
• After this, the sink is set back. A hook is inserted into the hole and gently rolled up to the stop. Before installing the bowl on the brackets, it is recommended to apply a sealant on the area of ​​contact between the shell and the metal and allow it to dry out. This gasket will protect the shell from damage.

• The last stage is the connection of the drainage system to the sewage pipe, and then the flexible hoses of the mixer feeder are connected to the pipes supplying hot and cold water.
• After the washbasin is connected to all communications, the washing machine is carefully installed under it, adjusting its position with screw feet to ensure full stability and stability during operation.
• The drain pipe from the washing machine is also installed in the prepared pipe for it( it is often located on the siphon part of the sink itself, then the machine is connected to the cold water to the corresponding branch pipe with a tap( water outlet). Then it remains to open the valves on all pipes,the

It should be noted that there is a simplified version of the water supply to the sink installed next to the bathroom.

If you use this option, you can not only do without a second mixer, but also free up space behindwashing machine from additional connections. In this case, the shell "lily" should be installed in such a way that it finds a little on the edge of the bath, somewhat hanging over it, as when turnedIf the mixer is poured into one side or the other, water can get to the panel of the washing machine.

After completing the installation of the sink and the machine, it is necessary to check the locations of all pipe joints and hoses once again before starting their testing, since even a small leak and water ingress to certain parts of the washing machine can lead to dangerous consequences, a risk of short circuits,breakdowns on the body's phases and the likelihood of obtaining electric wrist. It is recommended for the bathroom to use a power network with a ground loop, and connect the machine itself via the protection device - RCD.

So, for a small bathroom installation of a washbasin over a washing machine is often the only option. But at the same time it is extremely important to provide in advance provision of the overall safety of such a complex during operation, the correct mutual arrangement of the sink and the machine, and the tightness of all connections.