How to make room for a dryer

[michaeljinq]

Hi Community heros,

I want to fit a dryer into the laundry but struggle with the most economical / practical way to do it. The previous owner must had a vent dryer, hence can be mounted on the wall. But i don't want moisture build up in the room so want opt for a heavier condenser dryer. 

However, the washing machine taps are directly above where the washing machine will be so i can't really simply stack the dryer on top of the washing machine. If i want to modify the laundry, which will be the easiest option:

 - find a plumber to move the washing machine inlet taps horizonatally so they do not block the stacking

 - remodel the basin on the right so washer and dryer can be placed side by side and basin on the top of the dryer

 - or any other option here

Thank you All! 

   

[MitchellMc]

The simplest and most economical option is usually to stack the washer and dryer and just bring them forward slightly so they clear the taps @michaeljinq. Pulling them out around 80–100mm is often enough, and in practice, it’s rarely an issue because the taps generally stay turned on and don’t need regular access. If the small gap behind bothers you visually, a simple filler panel or boxing can be added to tidy it up and make it look more intentional.

Remodelling around the basin is a lot more involved than it first appears. Regardless of the basin style, you still need a trap and pipework directly underneath it, so you can’t realistically place a washer or dryer directly below. You could replace the freestanding tub with a smaller inset sink in the existing benchtop and relocate it, which would free up wall space to put the washer and dryer side by side, but that quickly becomes a more expensive plumbing job.

Moving the washing machine taps sideways is also possible, but once you factor in plumbing costs it often ends up being more effort and expense than it’s worth, especially when the stacked option in front of the taps will work just fine. In your case, stacking the units in front of the existing taps is likely the most practical and cost-effective solution.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[MikeTNZ]

Hi @michaeljinq, Welcome to Bunnings Workshop, it's great to have you here!

Just a question about installing your drier, is the wall that this will be attached to, an external wall or an internal wall?

This is important, as you will need to vent the drier outside with as shorter run of 100mm ducting as is possible and some sort of grille on the outside of the building.

Not doing this from the outset can end in serious damp issues within that room and if the drier is not vented at all, can become a significant fire hazard if the heat of the drier during operation cannot be released to atmosphere (ie: outside).

Just something to be aware of and I hope this project goes well.

Should you require further advice, by all means let us know below, we are more than happy to help out. 

Cheers, Mike T. 

[michaeljinq]

Thanks Mike, the rack on the wall you saw is be left by the previous owner, and I remember there was a dryer there. 

I am also very concious about the damp issues with vent dryer so i will buy a condenser dryer or heat pump dryer so no hot air will be blew out. 

[DIYGnome]

Hello @michaeljinq welcome to the Workshop Community 👋

Your options appear limited indeed for installing a condenser dryer, apart from where the existing laundry cabinet is located, expanding further on the suggestion made by @MitchellMc, 2 "low profile" laundry taps would minimise the distance (from the wall) required when stacking the washing machine & condenser dryer.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/brasshards-mini-washing-machine-tap-20mm-stainless-steel_p0571964