Sink over the washing machine - make out a small bathroom conveniently





Not every bathroom can easily solve the question: where to put the washing machine? Owners of small bathrooms very often face the problem of a convenient, competent and functional arrangement of household appliances, plumbing and furniture. In this case, a sink above the washing machine will be an excellent solution, allowing you to successfully organize the space of a small room. Especially this option is ideal for small bathtubs, because a simple tricky move will make it possible to rationally use the usable area, optimally combining the layout of the lower and upper tiers.

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Pros and cons of design: washing machine with sink

When deciding to install household appliances so that the washing machine under the sink fits in, you need to know that experts recommend using this option only as a last resort. The so-called lily-shells have some drawbacks and inconveniences during operation.

Cons sink over the washer

Consider the main disadvantages and inconveniences caused by the fact that the sink is located above the washing machine:

1. Installation of the sink requires a special non-standard siphon. To find the necessary equipment, you will have to go around a number of outlets, because the plan does not include devices with a sink. In addition, if there is a problem replacing the siphon due to unusability, the search for the necessary element will have to be repeated.
2. Such draining devices increase the likelihood of blockages and stagnation of water in the bowl. This is due to the fact that the drain takes the used water not down, but towards the wall. Thus, the movement of water occurs horizontally.
3. Discomfort when moving around the room. If the installation of the sink is not carried out correctly, then the edges of the washing machine will protrude, and thereby impede freedom of movement through the bathroom. In addition, during the use of household appliances, such a design also causes discomfort.
4. You can’t approach the sink as closely as possible, although there are designs that allow you to maximize the avoidance of inconvenience when using them.

Advantages of the location of the sink above the washing machine

The main goal of installing a sink over the washing machine is to save space in a small bathroom. Consider the main advantages of this arrangement:

• Save space even in the smallest bathtubs. Usually, the place under the sink is idle, remains empty, and such a design fills this niche as much as possible and functionally.
• The design and shapes of the sinks for installation above the washing machine are diverse, which will make it possible to give the bathroom interior an individual touch.

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What to consider when buying equipment?

Realize your extraordinary plan should be with the purchase of suitable equipment. Start by choosing a mini washing machine.

What household appliances to choose?

Modern manufacturers produce a fairly wide range of models that differ in height and depth. Choose the appropriate model based on the size of the space under the sink:

• the height of the washing machine should not be more than 60 cm;
• depth - from 34 to 43 cm.

Such a machine is designed only for a minimum load of linen (no more than 3 kg), so it is possible for a large family to choose such a model is not cost-effective.

Important! If you do not want to install a miniature device, but prefer standard household appliances, then in this case, choose a narrow model. In this case, the washing machine will fit under the sink entirely.

The height of the entire structure (washing machine + sink) is calculated according to a simple formula: add 15-20 cm to the height of the sink and machine to the distance between them. The resulting value will be the distance from the floor to the upper edge of the washbasin. The most comfortable for a person of average height will be a distance of 80 cm and a little higher for a person of higher growth.

Important! If the obtained height is significantly different from this indicator, then reconsider your choice and think about another model of the washing machine, or change the height of the stand for the sink.

How to choose a sink?

The sink above the washing machine is commonly called the “water lily." It is a flat, often square, bowl with a depth of about 20 cm. Some foreign manufacturers produce models of special sets for small bathrooms, including both a washing machine and a sink suitable for it. This is ideal as all devices fit together well. However, one can find individual production models of both foreign companies and domestic ones.

Water lily shells differ in a number of ways:

• In shape. Plumbing is available in the following forms:
  1. Rectangular
  2. Square.
  3. Custom shape (for example, with an angular arrangement of the crane).
  4. Oval.
• Depth: Depending on the model, the depth is different. Give preference to deeper sinks to avoid splashing water on the washing machine.
• By the presence of holes for the mixer. In some models, there is no hole, which allows you to set the drain closer to the wall, and further save the space of the bathroom.
• By type of discharge. The following options are available: drain back and down. The second option is the most comfortable to use.

Important! All models of modern water lily sinks are issued with decorative caps to avoid overflow.

Helpful hints:

• Before you buy the necessary sink, make sure that you have the correct drainage system. It must be taken outside the boundaries of household appliances, since the location of the drain system above the machine is dangerous and significantly increases the risk of electric shock. All water lily sinks should only have a safe drainage system.
• Drain systems (vertical and horizontal) provide for various flows of water. Of course, if the flow is directed downward, then the water leaves faster, but for narrow washing machines, models are usually produced with a horizontal drain in the back wall. So if you choose a bowl with horizontal drain, then be prepared for frequent cleaning and washing of the device.

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Rules and procedure for installing the washing machine under the sink

Installation of equipment of this type has its own nuances and features. The following requirements must be taken into account so that the sink above the washing machine does not interfere with you and both items work properly:

• If the outlet sewer pipe is located on the wall behind the washing machine, then the width of the sink should not be less than 58 cm. In the absence of a pipe, the minimum width of the bowl should be 50 cm.
• Drain pipes should not be located above the unit body, since vibration may interfere with their connection and, as a result, water will get on the equipment.
• The sink above the washing machine should cover it like an umbrella on all sides so that water does not get on the device.The front of the bowl should protrude above the washing machine by at least 5 centimeters, and preferably even more.
• All joints must be leak tight.
• All wires must be completely insulated from moisture.

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Equipment Installation Procedure

If you decide not to resort to the help of qualified masters, but to make the connection yourself, follow the instructions below.

Step number 1. Wall mount device

If you purchased a bowl made in Russia, then brackets for fixing plumbing fixtures to the wall are always included with it. If there are no such fasteners, then purchase them in a store.

Instruction:

1. Installation of fastenings begin with a marking. Experts recommend that you do not change the sink mounts already installed during the construction of the house, because earlier it was built for centuries and fasteners mounted in old places will be a durable and reliable option.
2. Try the bowl. The gap between the plumbing and the washing machine should not exceed 2-3 cm.
3. When mounting a common faucet with a bath, check the freedom of movement of the tap between the devices.
4. Mark and drill holes for the bolts with which the brackets will be installed.
5. Install the brackets.

Important! Do not tighten the bolts to the end, leave a gap of 5-7 mm.

6. Place the bowl on the brackets.

Important! To check how smoothly the washbasin is installed, pull any cord between the fixtures and align the bowl if necessary.

7. Insert the metal hook (included in the kit) into the special technological hole (on the far wall of the bowl), with which the sink is attached to the wall.
8. Fix the sink to the wall with a hook and secure the hook with a self-tapping screw or dowel.
9. Tighten the bolts that hold the brackets all the way.
10. Clean the back of the sink with silicone sealant.

Step number 2. Siphon installation

Before assembling and installing the siphon, be sure to read the instructions:

1. Assemble the structure in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. The siphon must be installed before the sink is finally fixed to the wall. This must be done as follows:
   • Connect the washing machine drain hose to the siphon nozzle for the washing machine.
   • Connect the mount with a cable tie to prevent breakdowns.
   • Corrugate connect to the sewer pipe.
3. Check the design for leaks. If a leak is detected, tighten all joints and make sure that the gaskets are available and of good quality.

Step number 3. Mixer installation

1. If the design of the sink provides for a mixer, then mount it in accordance with the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer in the hole located on the bowl.
2. Connect equipment with flexible hoses and fittings.
3. After installation, make a test run of the device, and in case of problems, check the connection again.

Important! Use gaskets and fum tape to seal joints.

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Stock footage

Installing a washing machine combined with a sink is an excellent option for owners of small, narrow bathrooms, and a good solution for the competent organization of space in such a room. Such a combination will save space that you can use for other needs. The correct selection of devices, as well as high-quality installation will guarantee uninterrupted and long-term operation of all equipment. Most importantly, you can do all the installation, selection, and interior design work yourself.