Sink above the washing machine: installation features
A fierce battle of a person for every square meter in an apartment sometimes leads to very unusual ideas. The category of creative solutions includes the symbiosis of a sink with a washing machine. It may seem to the layman that this vibrating technique during operation and an element of the sanitary equipment of the bathroom cannot be combined, and the combination has already been tested in practice and more than once. It turned out that this couple perfectly "sang". Of course, with a few corrections: a sink needs a special washing machine, and not everyone will do. However, these are trifles that do not interfere with translating a bold idea into reality. So, we will find out how to properly place the sink above the washing machine, and what should be considered if you plan to do it yourself.
To combine with a washing machine, you need a special washbasin with a flat shape. In everyday life it is called a “lily-sink”. The product is not in short supply, so you can buy it at almost any large plumbing store. The machine also needs a specific one - its height should not exceed 0.7 m, with the generally accepted standard of 0.85 m. For the average person, a washstand is considered convenient, which is located at a distance of 0.8 m from the floor. 0.1 m is the “reserve” to the height of the sink itself and an additional 3 cm (minimum distance between the equipment and the bowl). When installing the washstand, a “visor” is provided, which hangs at least 5 cm above the machine. This “protrusion” protects the unit from water droplets. During installation, the machines must check the quality of the insulation of the wires, since the risk of water entering them remains high. If there is a sewer pipe directly under the sink, its minimum width should be 0.58 m. If there is no pipe, then the criterion for the permissible width is reduced to 0.5 m. The washing pipes must be taken outside the unit body. Do not forget about their inaccessibility in the case when it is necessary to re-fix the joints that have shifted due to the vibration of the machine during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
If you place a sink over the washing machine, the owners will receive several pleasant "bonuses":
Space saving. This is the most important advantage of such a decision. Washing machines, despite the tendency to reduce their size, still take up a lot of space in the bathroom and in rare cases in the kitchens.In cramped rooms and combined bathrooms it is generally difficult for them to allocate a corner. By placing the machine under the sink, you can free up space. Standard shelves, which usually occupy a cabinet with a drain, can be installed in the vacated area (moreover, the storage system is many times larger than the one that originally hid under the sink).
Since the non-standard solution is gaining momentum in popularity, most stores sell special sinks that are designed specifically for symbiosis with a washing machine. The range of models is not poor, so there are plenty to choose from. The list of shortcomings is almost equal to the list of advantages of the interior solution, so it can be safely ranked as “50/50”:
The protruding corners of the machine interfere with free movement near the sink. At first, households can even bruise and “try” their sharpness with little fingers from a habit. Over time, the family will get used to such an addition to the sink.
Frequent blockages. The drain design will be non-standard. In the traditional version, water flows down a vertical drain. Here, it will accumulate in a horizontal pipe, which will contribute to its stagnation.
The “formal” disadvantages include the need to purchase a siphon of a special form, which is not in standard sets. For the sake of this detail, you may have to beat the threshold of more than one plumbing store.
Types and features of the choice of sinks
As mentioned above, only water lily sinks are suitable for combining with a washing machine. This type of washbasin is classified into different types depending on the shape, size and materials of manufacture. There are models with a hole for the mixer and without it. In the latter case, the plumbing fixture can be mounted on the wall, thereby freeing the washbasin to arrange cups with toothbrushes and soap dishes.
Materials
Water lily sinks are made from the same materials as other washbasin models:
Ceramics. For the manufacture of sinks, two types of material are used: porcelain and faience. Compared to metal, they both have a lot of weight. Unlike faience, porcelain is more expensive, has a noble whiteness, is less porous and is rarely covered with small cracks on the upper layer of the glaze with prolonged use.
Glass. A stylish, modern solution that is suitable for bathrooms decorated in the styles of hi-tech, techno, futurism, avant-garde. Glass perfectly combines with chrome surfaces. Unlike ceramics, the material weighs less. Manufacturers offer a variety of color solutions: from plain sinks to original models with the ombre effect and stains. Glass is a durable, durable material. However, it is afraid of detergents with an abrasive effect and requires daily cleaning, as smudges and traces of dried water droplets are visible on the surface. A glass sink will cost many times more than a ceramic washbasin.
Metal. Compared to stone and ceramics, the material is lightweight. It is durable, and with careful use (regular cleaning with compounds without abrasive effect) it will retain its original appearance even after years of use. The material cannot be damaged and cracked when drilling technical holes. The disadvantages of metal sinks include only an increase in the noise of flowing water, which does not occur when a stream collides with ceramic or stone.
A rock. Natural stone is rarely used for making water lilies. Among all types of materials, it has the most impressive weight, which creates difficulties when installing the washbasin (very reliable fastenings are needed). However, the stone is an ecological material, it is not afraid of absolutely nothing and perfectly combines with the popular eco-style.An artificial analogue is cheaper, visually practically no different from the original, but can crack if the wash basin is dropped during installation.
Very rarely in the domestic market there are sinks made of plastic and wood. The first have not yet reached our country and have not taken root in local plumbing stores, but are gaining popularity abroad. Wooden sinks are considered to be exclusive, which does not differ in durability, but, of course, will amaze guests with its racy and originality.
Shape and size
Water lily shells are available in five shapes:
Semicircular and round;
Square;
Rectangular
Corner
Custom shapes.
The latter option can be found in the design collections of expensive plumbing. Such an exclusive is not suitable for budget options. As for the sizes, water lilies are available in many variations, among the variety of which the following models are leaders:
Mini or Compact. Its dimensions are only 50x64 cm. A rectangular washbasin is compactly placed in any corner of the bathroom.
Light Dimensions 60x61cm. The model is notable for the presence of an offset drain and the absence of a hole for the mixer.
Luxe Light. It differs from the “simple” Light version by only 1 cm, the dimensions of the model are 60x62 cm.
Bolero. The dimensions of this angular round model are 60x64 cm.
There are also models with the harmonious names of “Deal”, “Uni”, “Victoria”, “Elegant”. They differ not only in size, but also in shape. Most models are available in only one variation (according to the material of manufacture).
Drain
Water lily sinks can have a horizontal and vertical drainage system. The latter is considered more convenient, since water under pressure quickly goes down, which reduces the risk of blockages. A water lily with a washer can only have horizontal drainage. This feature is caused by increased danger of contact with electric current.Water will leave slowly, periodically stagnate in the sink and wash hands for a long time without closing the tap, unfortunately, it will not work. There are non-standard models (usually angular) in which the drain is placed on the side.
Features of the choice of washing machines
The height of the machine should be 0.7 m. The combination is selected based on the ease of use of the sink. If the machine is higher, then this will not hurt to install the washbasin, but washing a person’s hands and washing with an average growth will not be very comfortable. Deficiency of washing machines with a height of 0.7 m, as well as bowl-water lilies, is not observed. Many well-known companies produce such products, but still have to sacrifice something: it does not have a large capacity. You can load no more than 3.5 kg of laundry into the drum. If a lot of things accumulate, then the washing process will have to be repeated many times, which is not very convenient for large families.
Self-assembly steps
Independent installation of the washbasin and the installation of the washing machine is divided into several stages:
First stage. Taking measurements.
Marking holes for fasteners. Mounting brackets.
Fastening the bowl to the sink.
Mixer installation.
Siphon mounting. Checking the operation of the water supply / discharge system.
Preparation of a place for a washing machine, its installation.
Unit connection.
And now we will consider each of the stages in more detail.
Basic installation rules
Before proceeding with installation, you should carefully read the instructions for installing the sink. Manufacturers usually clearly and easily explain all stages of work so that buyers (especially inexperienced) do not get lost in the abundance of unfamiliar parts. Specifically, for the case of combining a sink and a washing machine during installation, it is recommended to follow simple rules. They will relieve the master of problems after completion of work:
Before you drill or twist something, measure it ten times, and only then proceed to “cutting off”.This golden rule applies to all repairs.
The distance between the basin of the washbasin and the lid of the washing machine should be at least 3 cm.
If one faucet will be used for the sink and bathroom, then you need to check the possibility of free movement of the tap from one plumbing unit to another.
During the installation of the washing machine, it is better to connect the drain pipe to the sewer directly. If this is not possible, then the drain is connected to the pipe on the siphon, which is bought ahead of time.
There are no clear rules for installing the mixer: it can be installed both before mounting the bowl on the wall and after. Here, the master himself chooses how it is more convenient for him, and all disputes automatically become baseless.
And now we will consider the stages of the installation of plumbing and cars in more detail.
Bracket Mounting
Brackets are included in the standard set of additional accessories for the sink. If old fixtures that were previously used for the previous washbasin fit the water lily, then do not rush to dismantle them. Secondary operation will not affect the reliability of the design, if the parts were performed efficiently. The process of installing the sink on the brackets is not much different from the similar procedure for hanging bowls. Installation of new fasteners should begin with marking on the surface of the wall using a level. Then the washbasin is “tried on” in the intended place. Remember the height of the washing machine and the distance between its top cover and the bottom of the sink. If everything matches and the measurements were made correctly, then you can start drilling holes for the bolts. Then begin to fix the brackets on the wall. Bolts do not need to be tightened yet. This will be done after the sink is completely fixed to the wall.
Sink installation
First, the sink is installed on the brackets, holding it with your hand, mark the hole for mounting to the wall.Then drill holes. Insertions are hammered into them and fasteners are screwed. The back of the sink is lubricated with sealant and mounted on the brackets. The composition will prevent moisture from entering between the washbasin and the wall, followed by mold. Complete the installation by fully fixing the bowl to the wall by screwing in a special hook (also attached to the kit) and tightening the bracket bolts all the way.
Instead of sealant, you can fix the bar made of plastic. It also protects the wall from getting wet. Planks are freely sold in plumbing stores.
Mixer installation
The next stage is fully devoted to the installation of the mixer. First, you need to assemble it into a single node. For different models, this process can be performed according to various algorithms; for details, refer to the instructions. During operation, seals, o-ring for spout, tabs are usually used. Then the mixer is fixed on the sink. Connecting hoses are threaded into the hole on the mounting plate, and a sealing ring is placed under the mixer. Fasten the equipment with a clamping nut. Tighten it carefully so as not to overtighten. Otherwise, for example, a ceramic sink may simply crack. After the mixer is installed, it can be connected to the water supply using flexible hoses that are fixed with nuts. During operation, a sealant is necessarily used - a tape Fum. After the siphon is installed, the operation of the mixer must be checked in business. If there are leaks, then the tightness of the joints has been broken and they will have to be re-secured.
Connection and installation of a washing machine
As for the installation and connection of the washing machine, in this particular case, the processes are not much different from similar manipulations with conventional units located not under the sink.The main thing to consider: the equipment should be on a perfectly flat surface. If there is a slight slope, it must be compensated. So that the machine does not show miracles of mobility and playfulness during operation, you can lay a special fixing rubber mat under it. For the rest, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which is mandatory to be attached to the technique.
Interesting ideas in the interior
The sink, combined with a washing machine in one functional element of the interior, is in itself considered an original and non-standard idea. And this option is used not only in bathrooms, but also in kitchens. In the culinary zone, the equipment is additionally masked by the facade of the headset. Due to the growing popularity of the symbiosis of the sink and the washing machine, not so long ago, special models of washing units began to arrive on the market, to which a washstand bowl is already attached. In some variations, they are complemented by a narrow side cabinet for household chemicals. In order for the “kit” to organically fit into the interior of the bathroom, the washing machine is installed in an open “cabinet”, the top of which is crowned with a countertop with a washbasin. The furniture element itself is tiled in tone with ceramic tile, which is decorated with a shower or bath area. Some designers in an effort to emphasize this design feature even create a "path" on the floor of the room. It is made of ceramic tiles of a different color (different from the shade of tiles used in the rest of the floor), which seems to “lead” a person from the entrance to the washing machine and sink.
Sink with countertop
A sink with a countertop is considered a safer option. A large space forms below, which provides a choice for a washing machine. For security reasons, it is installed under the countertop, and the space under the sink, which is located in the neighborhood, is filled with shelves,towel holders (a very original idea) or a closed cabinet. The option has only one significant drawback - high cost.
Installing the sink in the countertop
Another original option is overhead sinks, the bowls of which are literally mounted on the countertop, and not mounted on it. This is a very popular design decision, which has become fashionable in parallel with the popularization of eco-style and original washbasins made of stone and wood. Most effective look models made specifically from these materials. In general, the solution can be called "well forgotten old", as the designers returned to the roots: to the very cups that were used a long time ago, even before the invention of the water supply system. Laid on sinks can be of the most different forms (square, rectangular, semicircular), but round and oval bowls are considered the most demanded. Smooth lines emphasize their originality and soften rigor. The solution is suitable not only for the aforementioned eco-direction, but also for high-tech, Scandinavian style, modern and even classic. A distinctive feature of overhead sinks is the absence of a hole for the mixer. Mounting the bowl does not differ in increased complexity. With washing machines, the model is easily combined. The list of steps for installing equipment will have to be supplemented with another step for the master - fixing the countertop, which will precede the installation of the bowl itself.
Conclusion
A washing machine under the sink is the best option for small apartments. In the interior of the bathroom or kitchen, such a solution looks quite fresh and unusual. If the composition of the bowl and equipment is supplemented with a mirror, a storage system, a pair of towel holders or a narrow wooden shelf, correctly selected by color and texture, then this symbiosis will be filled with harmony and will become the highlight of the room's decoration.
A fierce battle of a person for every square meter in an apartment sometimes leads to very unusual ideas. The category of creative solutions includes the symbiosis of a sink with a washing machine. It may seem to the layman that this vibrating technique during operation and an element of the sanitary equipment of the bathroom cannot be combined, and the combination has already been tested in practice and more than once. It turned out that this couple perfectly "sang". Of course, with a few corrections: a sink needs a special washing machine, and not everyone will do. However, these are trifles that do not interfere with translating a bold idea into reality. So, we will find out how to properly place the sink above the washing machine, and what should be considered if you plan to do it yourself.
Content
Features
To combine with a washing machine, you need a special washbasin with a flat shape. In everyday life it is called a “lily-sink”. The product is not in short supply, so you can buy it at almost any large plumbing store. The machine also needs a specific one - its height should not exceed 0.7 m, with the generally accepted standard of 0.85 m. For the average person, a washstand is considered convenient, which is located at a distance of 0.8 m from the floor. 0.1 m is the “reserve” to the height of the sink itself and an additional 3 cm (minimum distance between the equipment and the bowl). When installing the washstand, a “visor” is provided, which hangs at least 5 cm above the machine. This “protrusion” protects the unit from water droplets. During installation, the machines must check the quality of the insulation of the wires, since the risk of water entering them remains high. If there is a sewer pipe directly under the sink, its minimum width should be 0.58 m. If there is no pipe, then the criterion for the permissible width is reduced to 0.5 m. The washing pipes must be taken outside the unit body. Do not forget about their inaccessibility in the case when it is necessary to re-fix the joints that have shifted due to the vibration of the machine during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
If you place a sink over the washing machine, the owners will receive several pleasant "bonuses":
The list of shortcomings is almost equal to the list of advantages of the interior solution, so it can be safely ranked as “50/50”:
The “formal” disadvantages include the need to purchase a siphon of a special form, which is not in standard sets. For the sake of this detail, you may have to beat the threshold of more than one plumbing store.
Types and features of the choice of sinks
As mentioned above, only water lily sinks are suitable for combining with a washing machine. This type of washbasin is classified into different types depending on the shape, size and materials of manufacture. There are models with a hole for the mixer and without it. In the latter case, the plumbing fixture can be mounted on the wall, thereby freeing the washbasin to arrange cups with toothbrushes and soap dishes.
Materials
Water lily sinks are made from the same materials as other washbasin models:
Very rarely in the domestic market there are sinks made of plastic and wood. The first have not yet reached our country and have not taken root in local plumbing stores, but are gaining popularity abroad. Wooden sinks are considered to be exclusive, which does not differ in durability, but, of course, will amaze guests with its racy and originality.
Shape and size
Water lily shells are available in five shapes:
The latter option can be found in the design collections of expensive plumbing. Such an exclusive is not suitable for budget options. As for the sizes, water lilies are available in many variations, among the variety of which the following models are leaders:
There are also models with the harmonious names of “Deal”, “Uni”, “Victoria”, “Elegant”. They differ not only in size, but also in shape. Most models are available in only one variation (according to the material of manufacture).
Drain
Water lily sinks can have a horizontal and vertical drainage system. The latter is considered more convenient, since water under pressure quickly goes down, which reduces the risk of blockages. A water lily with a washer can only have horizontal drainage. This feature is caused by increased danger of contact with electric current.Water will leave slowly, periodically stagnate in the sink and wash hands for a long time without closing the tap, unfortunately, it will not work. There are non-standard models (usually angular) in which the drain is placed on the side.
Features of the choice of washing machines
The height of the machine should be 0.7 m. The combination is selected based on the ease of use of the sink. If the machine is higher, then this will not hurt to install the washbasin, but washing a person’s hands and washing with an average growth will not be very comfortable. Deficiency of washing machines with a height of 0.7 m, as well as bowl-water lilies, is not observed. Many well-known companies produce such products, but still have to sacrifice something: it does not have a large capacity. You can load no more than 3.5 kg of laundry into the drum. If a lot of things accumulate, then the washing process will have to be repeated many times, which is not very convenient for large families.
Self-assembly steps
Independent installation of the washbasin and the installation of the washing machine is divided into several stages:
And now we will consider each of the stages in more detail.
Basic installation rules
Before proceeding with installation, you should carefully read the instructions for installing the sink. Manufacturers usually clearly and easily explain all stages of work so that buyers (especially inexperienced) do not get lost in the abundance of unfamiliar parts. Specifically, for the case of combining a sink and a washing machine during installation, it is recommended to follow simple rules. They will relieve the master of problems after completion of work:
And now we will consider the stages of the installation of plumbing and cars in more detail.
Bracket Mounting
Brackets are included in the standard set of additional accessories for the sink. If old fixtures that were previously used for the previous washbasin fit the water lily, then do not rush to dismantle them. Secondary operation will not affect the reliability of the design, if the parts were performed efficiently. The process of installing the sink on the brackets is not much different from the similar procedure for hanging bowls. Installation of new fasteners should begin with marking on the surface of the wall using a level. Then the washbasin is “tried on” in the intended place. Remember the height of the washing machine and the distance between its top cover and the bottom of the sink. If everything matches and the measurements were made correctly, then you can start drilling holes for the bolts. Then begin to fix the brackets on the wall. Bolts do not need to be tightened yet. This will be done after the sink is completely fixed to the wall.
Sink installation
First, the sink is installed on the brackets, holding it with your hand, mark the hole for mounting to the wall.Then drill holes. Insertions are hammered into them and fasteners are screwed. The back of the sink is lubricated with sealant and mounted on the brackets. The composition will prevent moisture from entering between the washbasin and the wall, followed by mold. Complete the installation by fully fixing the bowl to the wall by screwing in a special hook (also attached to the kit) and tightening the bracket bolts all the way.
Mixer installation
The next stage is fully devoted to the installation of the mixer. First, you need to assemble it into a single node. For different models, this process can be performed according to various algorithms; for details, refer to the instructions. During operation, seals, o-ring for spout, tabs are usually used. Then the mixer is fixed on the sink. Connecting hoses are threaded into the hole on the mounting plate, and a sealing ring is placed under the mixer. Fasten the equipment with a clamping nut. Tighten it carefully so as not to overtighten. Otherwise, for example, a ceramic sink may simply crack. After the mixer is installed, it can be connected to the water supply using flexible hoses that are fixed with nuts. During operation, a sealant is necessarily used - a tape Fum. After the siphon is installed, the operation of the mixer must be checked in business. If there are leaks, then the tightness of the joints has been broken and they will have to be re-secured.
Connection and installation of a washing machine
As for the installation and connection of the washing machine, in this particular case, the processes are not much different from similar manipulations with conventional units located not under the sink.The main thing to consider: the equipment should be on a perfectly flat surface. If there is a slight slope, it must be compensated. So that the machine does not show miracles of mobility and playfulness during operation, you can lay a special fixing rubber mat under it. For the rest, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which is mandatory to be attached to the technique.
Interesting ideas in the interior
The sink, combined with a washing machine in one functional element of the interior, is in itself considered an original and non-standard idea. And this option is used not only in bathrooms, but also in kitchens. In the culinary zone, the equipment is additionally masked by the facade of the headset. Due to the growing popularity of the symbiosis of the sink and the washing machine, not so long ago, special models of washing units began to arrive on the market, to which a washstand bowl is already attached. In some variations, they are complemented by a narrow side cabinet for household chemicals. In order for the “kit” to organically fit into the interior of the bathroom, the washing machine is installed in an open “cabinet”, the top of which is crowned with a countertop with a washbasin. The furniture element itself is tiled in tone with ceramic tile, which is decorated with a shower or bath area. Some designers in an effort to emphasize this design feature even create a "path" on the floor of the room. It is made of ceramic tiles of a different color (different from the shade of tiles used in the rest of the floor), which seems to “lead” a person from the entrance to the washing machine and sink.
Sink with countertop
A sink with a countertop is considered a safer option. A large space forms below, which provides a choice for a washing machine. For security reasons, it is installed under the countertop, and the space under the sink, which is located in the neighborhood, is filled with shelves,towel holders (a very original idea) or a closed cabinet. The option has only one significant drawback - high cost.
Installing the sink in the countertop
Another original option is overhead sinks, the bowls of which are literally mounted on the countertop, and not mounted on it. This is a very popular design decision, which has become fashionable in parallel with the popularization of eco-style and original washbasins made of stone and wood. Most effective look models made specifically from these materials. In general, the solution can be called "well forgotten old", as the designers returned to the roots: to the very cups that were used a long time ago, even before the invention of the water supply system. Laid on sinks can be of the most different forms (square, rectangular, semicircular), but round and oval bowls are considered the most demanded. Smooth lines emphasize their originality and soften rigor. The solution is suitable not only for the aforementioned eco-direction, but also for high-tech, Scandinavian style, modern and even classic. A distinctive feature of overhead sinks is the absence of a hole for the mixer. Mounting the bowl does not differ in increased complexity. With washing machines, the model is easily combined. The list of steps for installing equipment will have to be supplemented with another step for the master - fixing the countertop, which will precede the installation of the bowl itself.
Conclusion
A washing machine under the sink is the best option for small apartments. In the interior of the bathroom or kitchen, such a solution looks quite fresh and unusual. If the composition of the bowl and equipment is supplemented with a mirror, a storage system, a pair of towel holders or a narrow wooden shelf, correctly selected by color and texture, then this symbiosis will be filled with harmony and will become the highlight of the room's decoration.