How to connect washing machine in tight space?

[nono12]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to install a new washing machine, but I’m having trouble connecting the cold water hose.

The cold water outlet is positioned extremely close to a large vertical pipe, and there’s not enough space to fit a standard elbow connector or hose. I’ve already tried using a metal elbow, but it simply won’t fit due to the tight space.

  

It seems the previous tenant may have connected the washing machine to the hot water as we notice the hot water cap was opened.

However, the technician advised us not to do this, as it could damage the machine — he recommended connecting to the cold water outlet only.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue? Is there a product like a mini flexible extension, swivel elbow, or right-angle hose that could work in this tight space? Any suggestions or product recommendations would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[EricL]

Hello @nono12 

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

I suggest turning off the water mains in your house and using a  Craftright 250mm Adjustable Wrench and see if the tap can still be turned clockwise to achieve a 45-degree profile. Once out of alignment with the pipe you should now be able to screw the washing machine hose onto the tap. If on the other hand the tap refuses to move, I suggest removing it from the wall and adding FIX-A-TAP 12mm x 8m Blue PTFE Thread Seal Tape on the threaded outlet.

Your goal is not to screw the tap back on but instead of finishing it pointing at the bottom it should now finish pointing to the right at a 90-degree angle or around that angle that will allow you to screw the washing machine hose on. the additional tape should now make it go tighter faster and allow you to finish at the desired angle.

However, if after many attempts and you still can't get it to finish at the angle you desire, I suggest engaging the services of handy person or a plumber to reconnect your washing machine tap in the correct angle. Please member to test all the fittings to make sure there are no leaks before you close the cabinet shut.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

Hi @nono12,

As @EricL explained try to rotate out so you cam make the connection.

You could also try undoing the vertical pipe connection and pull it left to make some space to connect the hose and after that hopefully you can reconnect the larger one.

Cheers

[nono12]

Thank you for the suggestions. I’ve asked the housing agent to help arrange a plumber, as I tried to adjust it myself but felt it might not be safe to handle on my own.

 

In the meantime, I’m wondering if it’s possible to connect the washing machine to the laundry sink tap with adapter instead. Would the water pressure be strong enough to support the machine during operation?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[nono12]

I wasn’t able to take a photo of the cold tap because the space is quite limited, but I believe the hot and cold taps are the same design.

Just to confirm—did you mean that rotating the red circle part of the cold tap would turn the entire tap? Thank you again for your help!

[EricL]

Hello @nono12 

Yes, that is exactly where you need to position the shifter to turn the laundry tap in the ideal position.

Eric