You always want to make the bathroom as functional as possible, but at the same time leave a little free space. Sound familiar? That is why planning and repairing it takes almost the most time. You need to choose the plumbing and furniture in such a way as to fit everything you need. Combined multifunctional solutions remain especially valuable. A prime example is the sink above the washing machine.
Solution Benefits
The main and decisive advantage of installing a washbasin directly above the washing machine is space. The smaller the bathroom, the more relevant it is. After all, both objects are quite large, and it is impossible to do without both on the farm.
If everyone has long been accustomed to the equipment built into cabinets and cabinets, then installing a sink over a washing machine is not the most obvious option. Therefore, we have selected several examples and are ready to share the secrets.
The variety of washbasin models is now such that there is an option for any interior. There are also many installation methods, so you can probably choose something for yourself.
Disadvantages and difficulties
Before installing a sink over a washing machine, be sure to familiarize yourself with possible pitfalls. There are only a few of them, but they are important.
The first problem is the most obvious: the wrong location. Calculate all distances up to a millimeter and carefully consider whether it will be convenient for you. So that it turns out that in the end there is literally nowhere to turn around in the bathroom.
A more serious problem is directly related to the combination of a water supply system with an electrical appliance. If you have no experience - entrust the installation to professionals, because we are talking about security. And a short circuit is not the worst possible consequence.
The most difficult thing is to find a siphon. But this is also solvable! Take a closer look at the special sinks that are already sold with it and are designed for just such an installation.
Also, keep in mind that water from the sink will drain worse than with a normal vertical drain. This means that you will have to carefully use and design the system so as to avoid stagnation.
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Choosing a washing machine
Only front-loading machines are suitable for the washbasin. Vertical a priori make joint editing impossible.
There are now special models that are sold ready for simultaneous installation. If you want to buy a regular typewriter or keep your own, carefully calculate all the sizes. Especially the height.
The recommended height is up to 70 cm. In this case, a medium-depth washbasin is just convenient to use. The width of the machine is 40-45 cm. There are enough mini-models in stores with a load of a couple of kilograms. Do not forget that there must be a distance between the sink and the surface of the equipment - at least a few centimeters.
There is one more trick: the accompanying documentation for the washbasins for joint installation indicates with which models of washing machines they can be combined.
Sink selection
When combining a sink with a washing machine, it is important to find a balance between convenience and safety. For example, water lilies that are too flat are as compact as possible, but the water stagnates and splashes in them. And sinks that are too voluminous and deep simply cannot be conveniently placed on a washing machine, the height of which is not adjustable.
Dimensions (edit)
The recommended depth of sinks above the washing machine is from 17 to 20 cm. But calculate the length and width so that the sink protrudes beyond the edges of the equipment by at least 2-3 cm. This margin is needed so that water does not get on the electrical equipment.
Materials (edit)
The classic solution when the material of the sink is combined with the rest of the sanitary ware. However, modern eclectic fashion allows for different variations.
Glass sinks are stylish and unusual, but not the most reliable and convenient. They are easy to break, and when used, streaks from water are constantly left.
Faience is a more budget-friendly alternative to porcelain. This is a simple and practical solution, but over time, small cracks and spots appear on the surface. The top layer of glaze will inevitably wear out.
Porcelain is delicate and durable, but sinks like these are heavy, making them inconvenient to install on a washing machine.
Natural stone is even heavier than porcelain, and often much more expensive. These washbasins are best used as an independent design element.
Artificial stone is a great alternative. For example, cast marble made of polymer concrete with fillers. It is lighter, more practical, easier to process, more unpretentious and cheaper, and outwardly almost does not differ from natural.
Overfill protection
When installing a sink on electrical equipment, it is important to protect the equipment from water. Therefore, install only washbasins with a waste-overflow system on washing machines.
A special side hole drains water if there is too much of it. Most modern models work automatically.
Draining
Washbasins use two types of drains: vertical or horizontal.
Vertical - more efficient, it drains water faster and does not allow it to stagnate. Horizontal - more compact and takes up less space in height. Just it can be taken to the side, and not lowered directly. This is safer, but be prepared to clean the drain regularly.
Please note that the machine vibrates and moves during spinning, so it must not be allowed to come into direct contact with the pipeline. This is a sure way to break through.
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Installing a sink over a washing machine
With joint installation, it would be more accurate to say that this machine is being pushed under the sink, and not the washbasin is placed on it. In any case, first - all construction work. And only then - electrical appliances!
Construction stability
The first and most important limitation is a perfectly flat floor. Otherwise, it is not recommended to install a sink above the washing machine. Align all defects and height differences in advance.
Due to the close proximity to the water supply, it is necessary that the machine does not "fidget" too much. To do this, lay a special rubber mat under it. It will not allow it to shift even at high revs, and at the same time it absorbs well.
If you are using the same mixer for a bathtub and a sink, make sure that the spout moves freely and does not flood the floor of the machine. Otherwise, choose a washbasin with a small countertop or one that is wide enough to protrude over the side of the bathtub.
Sink fixing
Mark the wall before installing new brackets. To do this, attach a bowl and draw everything under it. Otherwise, improperly drilled holes cannot be repaired imperceptibly without redecoration.
At first, do not overtighten or screw in the bolts to the very head. Leave a free edge of about 0.5 cm. The sink with a siphon is attached to the brackets. A metal hook holds the bowl. On the one hand, it is inserted into a special hole, and on the other hand, it is fixed in the wall.
Foam the ledges, abutments and crevices with polyurethane foam. And only after sealing and installing the bowl can you screw in the fixing screws all the way.
Mixer
It is best if the pipes to the mixer were initially removed into the wall or decorative structure. Use special flexible hoses to connect. They differ in size, thickness and configuration.
A tee will help to separate the flow of water between the mixer and the washing machine. Choose it according to the diameter and material of the pipeline.
How to install a washing machine
After connecting and checking the sink with the mixer, carefully slide the washing machine into the niche obtained. Did you manage to hide the communications in the wall? Then you can safely put the equipment close to it.
The last step is to tighten the connections with a clamp.It will prevent unexpected thread stripping due to pressure surges, increased flow rates and heavy draining. Check the tightness again before use. Ready!
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Sink over the washing machine - photo
And to make it easier for you to make your choice and understand what a sink looks like above a washing machine in a real interior - we have selected different photos. Compare the installation methods, evaluate their convenience and feel free to choose the option for your bathroom!
