There are several ways to connect an automatic washing machine to the water supply. The most popular and reliable option is through a special tee. Let's figure out how to properly organize the water connection point. We'll tell you which faucet is better to buy.
Why install a tee tap?
It is quite possible to install a tee for a washing machine yourself, without inviting a specialist. A shut-off valve designed to connect the SMA to the water supply is considered necessary, as it allows you to instantly stop the water supply to the system in the event of an emergency. For example, when a leak is detected.
It is worth connecting the machine through a tee to reduce damage from possible water hammer. Due to a sharp increase in pressure in the pipe, the inlet hose may break or fly off - this will provoke a large-scale “flood”. Not only your property, but also your neighbors’ property will suffer from such a leak.
Connecting an automatic machine through a special tee tap is the safest option.
It is necessary to place the tee in a visible place - in the event of an emergency leak, seconds count, and you need to gain access to the valve quickly. That’s why it’s so important to place the faucet correctly.
Let's collect the necessary tools
To connect the tee, you will need various tools. It is better to prepare your equipment in advance - this will allow you not to be distracted during work. What kit should you have on hand?
Adjustable wrench - needed to tighten the nuts.
Lanyard – useful for “cutting out” threads.
Calibrator – necessary for “adjusting” the diameter of the tee and pipe.
A pair of screwdrivers – Phillips and minus.
Drill.
Special scissors for cutting polymer pipes.
Grinder - needed when the tap crashes into a metal pipe.
A factory inlet hose is almost always included with the purchased automatic machine. If you don’t have it, purchase the corrugation yourself. It is desirable that the pipe be equipped with the Aquastop system.
It is recommended to install a filter in front of the tee to purify and soften the water.
By installing a filter, you will improve the quality of your tap water. A small “box” will help protect the internal parts of the washing machine from scale and limescale. You can provide two filters, separately for cleaning and softening water.
You should also prepare sealing gaskets, FUM tape, several spare fasteners, and winding. These auxiliary devices will help achieve complete tightness of the connection. Before you begin, you need to decide which method of installing the tee will be optimal in your case. Be sure to consider the configuration of the room and how the plumbing is placed in it.
Part installation options
You can connect the tee in one of three ways. The optimal option will be different in each case. Let's look at the nuances of each scheme.
The first option is to install a flow-through tap. In this case, the algorithm of actions will be as follows:
turn off the water;
drain the remaining liquid from the pipe;
screw the tee onto the existing threaded bushing;
connect the inlet hose to one of the branches.
When choosing this method, the tap is installed on a separate branch of the water supply. In most cases, a threaded bushing is already present at the desired height. This is where you need to screw the tee.
Be sure to check the tightness of the connection.If necessary, use O-rings and FUM tape. The joints should not leak. If you find any moisture seeping through, wrap the areas with special plumbing flax fibers.
The second method is to install an end valve. Such a tee can be installed when a stationary branch of the water pipe is connected to the automatic machine. The mortise clamp is screwed into the riser so that the fitting “looks” outward.
Holes are drilled in the riser, and a section of pipe is connected through them, into which the end valve will “cling.” A thread is made at the free end of the tube using a tool. It must fit completely under the “grooves” of the tee. Afterwards, you need to wrap it with FUM tape and install a faucet on top.
The inlet hose of the automatic machine is connected to the branch of the tee. Be sure to remove the transport valve provided inside the end valve. Next, check if the connection is tight. If the joints are dry, you can safely use the washing machine.
The third option is to install a stopcock with an insert. This method is the most labor-intensive, especially if there are metal pipes in the room. A grinder will be useful to get the job done. If the water pipe is plastic, then the insertion is carried out with special scissors for polymers.
To figure out which piece of pipe to cut, add up the length of the shut-off valve and the filter placed in front of it.
After the measurements, cuts are made on the pipe. Of course, before this, the water supply to the apartment should be shut off. Next, threads are machined at the ends, corresponding to the “grooves” on the tee being installed. Then a filter element is installed, the task of which is to purify and soften tap water.
After installing the filter, a shut-off valve is installed in the pipe. Both joints must have sealing gaskets to ensure a tight connection. If the water pipe is polymer, it is first expanded using a calibrator.
Afterwards, the inlet hose is connected to the tap. All fastening nuts should be tightened with a wrench. The joints are additionally wrapped with a special plumbing thread.
When connecting a tee, it is important to take into account the fixing force. A poorly tightened or, conversely, overtightened bolt can cause a leak. Therefore, you cannot overdo it in this matter either.
Which tee should I buy?
There are various tees on sale for connecting automatic machines. Shut-off valves differ in the material of manufacture, cost, design, and type of mechanism. To avoid disappointment, be sure to study all the characteristics of the device before purchasing.
Tee material. Budget taps are made from an alloy of aluminum and silicon. The main “advantage” of such a valve is its low cost. The main disadvantage is rapid wear. Therefore, it is better to overpay, but buy a brass structure that will last much longer.
Mechanism of operation. There are ball and multi-turn valves. The first ones are much simpler, so they benefit in price, and in terms of durability they are not inferior to multi-turn ones.
Tap thread diameter. Typically, the sizes of tees are standard - 3/4 or 1/2. Of course, if you look, you can find more “exotic” specimens.
Faucet valve shape. This is more of an ergonomic property. Choose a tee that is convenient to use.
Manufacturer.The tap is placed in a water pipe; it must withstand the flow pressure, be of high quality and reliable. The tee determines how safe it will be to use the washing machine. Therefore, it is better not to save money and buy products from well-known, trusted brands.
When thinking about independently connecting the SMA to communications, really evaluate your own strengths. You can install a tee yourself without inviting a professional. The main thing is to follow all safety rules and buy high-quality components.
There are several ways to connect an automatic washing machine to the water supply. The most popular and reliable option is through a special tee. Let's figure out how to properly organize the water connection point. We'll tell you which faucet is better to buy.
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