How can I place a washing machine in this narrow space?

[Abhi_2691]

I have just moved into a newly built house, and I plan to set up a separate washing machine in our ancillary living area. Now the vanity in the ensuite is placed in the middle; hence, both sides are just 50 cm. I can't find any front/top loader of that width.

I want to make use of this space to have a washing machine setup as close to plumbing too. Shall I create a Timber benchtop and put the washing machine on top of it to match the vanity height?

Another option: I do have a small kitchen setup where I can put the washing machine, but I don't like the idea of someone washing

clothes where they would do light cooking.

. Any ideas?

[EricL]

Hello @Abhi_2691 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your washing machine.

The space in your first picture appears to be the most promising. The sink trap has a washing machine outlet which takes care of one of the issues, the other issue is water supply. Is there a laundry tap somewhere in that location? If the isn't then you'll need to engage the services of a plumber to install a new laundry tap for your washing machine. 

If you've engaged the services of a plumber, I suggest getting a quote for moving the vanity to the left by 150mm in order to create space for a top/front loading washing machine. The same issues will need to be addressed which is the plumbing and waste-water outlet. But once those issues have been addressed installation will not be a problem. 

In regards to the timber benchtop, I don't recommend placing a washing machine on top of a benchtop as it has the potential to fall off and vibration damage can occur on the wall surfaces of the house.  

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Abhi_2691 

I would definitely go with the left hand photo position on the ground. They are extremely heavy to go on any benchtop. You will need a plumber to install the additional taps and prepare the S-trap to accept the waste water drainage from the washer.

And I wouldn't be concerned about mixing washing and cooking in the same space. This is extremely common even today in EU countries where space is tight where washing machines are typically in the kitchen.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @Abhi_2691 

I would also go with the left hand photo. tho I would remove the set of draws and replace them with a narrower version to give you the space for a washing machine. The water supply issue that @EricL and @Nailbag both mention is also the route I would follow.

I would verify teh height of the bench against a largish range of washing machines/dryers (for down the track) to make sure you end up with enough clearance to install a washing machine under the bench.

As @Nailbag mentions, EU countries have washing machines in kitchens, I am unsure what the rules are for Aus and NZ (with waterproofing and drainage of the floor in case of overflow/leaks.)

Dave

[Abhi_2691]

Hi Eric,

There is a laundry tap that has Kinetic 15mm x 20mm Chrome Double Mini Tap for Cold water only. Since I did the benchtop and the cabinets myself, I made sure the tap is available for water for the washing machine (drain and water pipe will run from behind the cabinets, as I left 10cm gap from the wall). 

[Abhi_2691]

Perfect. Thanks for this.

I do have a P-trap with a dishwasher spout, hoping that it can take water from the washing machine easily.

[EricL]

Hi @Abhi_2691 

My best advice is to double check the size of the spout to make sure that the outlet hose of your washing machine fits properly. Please remember you'll need to use a hose clamp to prevent it from leaking and getting pulled out.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric