Washing machines under the sink in the bathroom and kitchen - which one to choose, tips

The wall-hung bathroom sink, which gained popularity back in the days of the Soviet Union, is not losing its position. The simple method of fastening, compactness and attractive appearance appealed to many. Therefore, it is not surprising that mounted models are as relevant today as they were many years ago.

The range of such products has expanded significantly - plumbing fixtures differ in the material of manufacture, the shape of the bowl, the method of fastening and other parameters. How to choose the optimal model and install it?

We invite you to understand the variety of proposals and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different options. A balanced approach to the issue of choice is the key to a successful purchase.

In addition, we will help you install the plumbing yourself - the article provides a step-by-step guide for installing a wall-mounted sink with and without installation.

Which washbasin should I choose to install above the washing machine?

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Manufacturing materials

What sinks are made from determines the lifespan of the products. The following material is used:

1. Plumbing faience, including porcelain. Fits organically into the interior, sold at a price lower than other materials, smooth surface, inert to detergents.
2. Artificial stone - can imitate many types of natural stones.
3. Glass is expensive and requires extensive care, since contamination of any origin is visible. Tempered glass can withstand heavy loads and is safe to use.
4. Metal - primarily stainless steel is used. But its use leads to high noise levels unless special measures are taken. The mirror surface deteriorates from abrasive and acid-containing detergents.
5. Marble - rich look, high price, smooth surface.
6. Wood is rarely used and requires regular and careful maintenance. After processing it looks like plastic. Products made from it perform rather a decorative function.

Varieties such as sanitary ware and ceramics have the best performance characteristics.

Sink selection

What size should a bathtub sink be above a washing machine?

First, you need to measure the width and depth of the washing machine above which the sink will be installed.

It will also be necessary to measure the distance for the drain, which should not be above the machine, but on the side.

Ideally, the washbasin should protrude forward by 20 centimeters or more.

The design of sinks installed above washing equipment is the same, they only differ:

• shape (square, rounded, rectangular, etc.);
• drainage site (at the bottom, on the side);
• the presence of a tabletop;
• other nuances (overflow system, holes for the mixer, etc.).

Model Water Lily

An excellent option is the Water Lily sink. They have a special arrangement of pipes and a flat bottom. You will need to install a special siphon and most often it is not included in the washbasin kit.

If you don’t want to rack your brains and choose a machine for the sink or, conversely, a sink for the machine, you can purchase a complete set, which includes a small washing machine and washbasin. All you have to do is install the equipment indoors.

Mounting options

There are several known methods for installing suspended structures. The simplest installation method is to mount it on the wall, without mounting mortgages or additional platforms. Brackets are installed on the wall, and a washbasin is installed on top of them.

The mixer can be installed either on the washbasin, for this purpose it has special holes, or mounted on the wall. In this case, all communication pipes will be open. If this does not interfere with the elegance of the interior, then everything is allowed to be left as is. If these are old communications, then it is better to replace them with newer materials.

The second installation method is a little more complicated and requires special training when renovating a bathroom. To attach such a product, the place under the washbasin can be prepared in advance by installing communication pipes there and marking a niche for it. When installed using this method, the structure will be light and floating, unencumbered by any communications.

Installing a washing machine under the sink

It is important to remember the safety rules when installing!

1. 
   Connecting equipment to the water supply and electrical networks must be carried out in accordance with the instructions.

2. The outlet must be protected from moisture.
3. The sink must be placed in such a way as to prevent water from entering the equipment body.
4. Taking into account the possible vibration of the washing machine during operation, the drain pipes are installed at a distance from the body of the equipment to avoid damage to the pipeline.

Otherwise, water may end up on the equipment, resulting in a short circuit.

The correct position of the machine is considered if the outlets are built into the wall or at least laid around the body.

Pedestal and half-pedestal - what is the difference

The main difference between these plumbing items is the size. Otherwise, their functions and characteristics are identical. The classic stand looks like a C- or U-shaped column and is used in cases where drain pipes are oriented to the floor.

So-called semi-pedestals are installed under sinks, the communications of which go into the wall. Their length is half that of a conventional console, while the siphon and pipes are also closed. There is free space under the sink that can be occupied by a small laundry basket, shelves for cosmetics, towels, cleaning products and other accessories.

In addition, it takes less time to care for the semi-pedestal. Installation of a bowl with a half-console is possible at any height, which is often used when arranging a bathroom for children or people with disabilities.

When choosing a leg for a sink, you should first of all focus on the style of the plumbing itself:

• for a washbasin with smooth oval shapes, it is better to choose a semicircular console with smooth or embossed walls;
• with a cubic bowl, a rectangular pedestal will look more harmonious;
• triangular models are ideal for corner washbasins.

Pedestal AM.PM Spirit

The average height of the leg is 65-75 cm. Before purchasing an accessory, you should measure the distance from the floor to the base of the washbasin so that the purchased product fits exactly, and the total height of the sink on the support is no more than 85-90 cm - otherwise the plumbing fixtures will be inconvenient to use.

Sink with countertop for washing machine

An original option for using meters in the bathroom. There are advantages to this setup:

• 
  the presence of a table top gives the user the opportunity to use the space above the machine. You can put towels or shampoos with cosmetics in the niche between the appliances and the countertop. Or you can use this place to decorate the room with a lamp or flowers;

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• the countertop protects equipment from damage, water and other troubles;
• This placement option allows you to maintain a single design style.

Types of countertops

Bathroom countertops can be:

• suspended and floor-mounted;
• with a built-in sink or countertop.

You can order the creation of a countertop according to the dimensions of the bathroom.

Human imagination is limitless, and here there is a chance to create your own unique bathroom.

Classification

If we consider the design differences:

• sinks can be equipped with separate components - a washbasin and an attached support;
• represent a solid, cast device that cannot be divided.

Also in stores there are models with a half-pedestal (a shortened version of the pedestal). It’s difficult to call such a leg a support, because it does not rest on the floor. But there is an advantage here - the sink can be placed at any height convenient for you.

A pedestal sink can be installed near a wall or in a corner. The latter option uses the bathroom space more efficiently, taking up previously empty space.

The best inexpensive devices

Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501B

A narrow washing machine, the price of which fully corresponds to the quality. It has a stylish external design, the body is equipped with an interface with intelligent control. Compared to other models, the Hotpoint-Ariston drum has a large capacity and is designed for 5 kg of laundry. Three separate compartments are designed for storing rinse aid, washing powder, and liquid detergent. The rinsing system has been improved, thanks to which the smallest particles of detergent are completely removed from clothes. There are 16 programs for different types of washing. The total number of functions includes a quick wash mode, which lasts 30 minutes. The average cost is 16,773 rubles.

Hotpoint-Ariston VMUF 501VAdvantages:

• high-quality and thorough rinsing;
• the presence of an express wash function;
• reduced energy consumption;
• economical water consumption;
• childproof control panel;
• 16 built-in programs;
• reasonable price.

Flaws:

• strong noise and vibration during spinning;
• too loud signal about the end of work;
• the standard wash program at 60 degrees is too long (3 hours 20 minutes).

Candy Aquamatic 135 2D

A small and inexpensive device from an Italian manufacturer with rich functionality. The model was designed specifically for installation in a small bathroom. The depth of the device is 46 cm, so the maximum loading volume should not exceed 4 kg. There are 16 built-in programs for washing linen and clothes made of different types of fabric. Washing powder is completely washed out from the fabric fibers, thanks to the improved rinsing mode. This is especially true for families with small children, as well as for users prone to allergies. Also, Candy Aquamatic offers several spin modes, the maximum of which is 1,100 rpm. The control here is electronic and intelligent; current settings and processes are displayed on a digital display. The average cost is 18,190 rubles.

Candy Aquamatic 135 2DAdvantages:

• improved rinsing system;
• possibility of canceling the spin process;
• There are separate programs for thin and delicate fabrics, as well as woolen products;
• convenient control;
• presence of a display;
• economical consumption of resources;
• foam control;
• delay start function (up to 24 hours);
• attractive price.

Flaws:

• lack of a function to protect the control panel from accidental pressing;
• unfinished leak protection system;
• low strength of a plastic tank compared to a metal one.

Candy Aqua 104D2-07

Another model with an affordable price. The height of Candy Aqua is 70 cm and the depth is 43 cm; with these dimensions, the drum can hold up to 4 kg of laundry, which is suitable for daily tasks. The rotation speed of the drum during spin mode can be adjusted. The drum itself is made of stainless steel, so it is reliable and durable. Candy Aqua offers 17 built-in programs for different types of fabric. These include a quick wash with durations of 14, 30 and 59 minutes, as well as an advanced rinse function. The weight of the loaded laundry is determined using a special sensor, so the load can be easily adjusted. The average cost is 19,020 rubles.

Candy Aqua 104D2-07Advantages:

• A-class washing quality;
• 17 programs;
• the presence of a quick wash mode;
• improved “anti-allergenic” rinse;
• built-in laundry volume sensor;
• delayed start function.

Flaws:

• makes noise when spinning;
• maximum water heating is not higher than 75 degrees.

Candy Aquamatic Tempo AQUA 2D1140-07

One of the best inexpensive models of machines built under the sink, from a Russian manufacturer. The depth of the device is only 43 cm, with a height of 70 cm, which allows you to install the equipment in any, even the smallest bathroom. The drum is made of stainless steel. The laundry is loaded from the front, the maximum load size is 4 kg. There are 16 built-in programs designed for different types of fabric, as well as quick wash programs of 14, 30 and 60 minutes. There is a digital display. Candy AQUA is equipped with a delayed start function, with which you can start the cycle at any convenient time of the day. In addition, the device saves water and electricity. The average cost is 19,690 rubles.

Candy Aquamatic Tempo AQUA 2D1140-07Advantages:

• foam control;
• imbalance control;
• affordable price;
• attractive design;
• low vibration level;
• protection against leaks;
• silent operation;
• convenient control;
• protection from children.

Flaws:

• very long washing programs at temperatures above 50 degrees.

When the bathroom has a large area

Placing a washing machine in a spacious bathroom is not a problem - you don’t have to fight for every centimeter of free space and pay more attention to the design of the room. To prevent household appliances from affecting the interior style, especially if it is classic, retro, Provence and country, it is advisable to hide it in a closet or cabinet, closing it with decorative doors (see photo):

But it is best to allocate a special space for a mini-laundry. Here you can additionally install a drying machine, ironing board and hanger for freshly washed clothes.

Flaws

There are plenty of negative sides to this type of sink, which include:

• For this type of construction it is necessary to purchase special small-sized equipment. It is advisable to take into account that equipment of non-standard sizes is more expensive and its range is quite small. And if you install a regular-sized automatic washing machine, then using the sink will be inconvenient;
• low capacity of equipment. Small washing machines have a small load of laundry, their maximum is usually 3.5 kilograms. Installation of this design is not suitable for large families where large amounts of laundry are constantly required to be washed;
• You will need to purchase a special water lily shell. This can also cause certain problems. For this case, a regular washbasin will not work. You will need a sink with a flat design with a mount and a non-standard siphon for draining water;
• The water lily sink should have a back and side drain. It is worth considering that this type of drain does not provide complete drainage of the liquid. The remaining water must be removed yourself. These drains often become clogged, so they will have to be cleaned periodically;
• problems with installation - the inconvenience of installation is due to the small dimensions of the room, which hinder all movements.

But still, the negative aspects are conditional and insignificant. With a competent approach and great desire, all these disadvantages will seem like a trifle.