Location of the water socket for the washing machine

Many people choose water sockets for their washing machine instead of the usual tee taps. They are more modern, look more aesthetically pleasing, do not interfere with moving the machine close to the wall and allow you to connect the inlet hose to the water supply without dangerous bends. But before you evaluate its merits, you should correctly determine the place for its placement, install it securely, and then properly attach it to the washing machine. We will tell you in detail how to do this yourself and without a flood in our article.

Where should I place this element?

One of the key points when installing a water outlet is its location. The ideal solution would be a major renovation of the bathroom with a special space allocated for the fitting. Then you can place a new branch in accordance with the existing rules.

1. Sufficient distance to the insert. The inlet hose from the washing machine should freely reach the water socket, without complicating connection and operation. If possible, the wiring should be redone in order to move the machine as close as possible to the pipeline.
2. The optimal height for the water outlet. Two nuances are taken into account here. Firstly, the height recommended by plumbers is 77 cm from the finished floor. Secondly, the dimensions of the existing washing machine, especially if you plan to install a branch directly behind its body.
3. Free access to the valve. This is a safety requirement - in case of problems with water supply, leakage or accident, the owner must quickly and easily reach the tap and turn off the water supply to the machine. You can use shutoff of the general water supply, but it is better to act locally.
4. Reliable fastening. To avoid leaks, it is necessary to carefully approach the method of installing the water outlet. Especially if you plan to place it on the wall. In this case, a special type of fitting is selected, and if there are no possibilities, alternative options are sought.

The main thing when choosing a modern insert is to think about convenience. The outlet should not be difficult to install and use and should not be obstructive or inaccessible in an emergency. The aesthetic side of the issue will also be an important point, so do not forget about a beautiful design that matches the interior of the bathroom.

Choosing a water socket

The modern market offers an expanded range of fittings at any price and of any type. It is not recommended to act at random, since the parameters of a particular water socket will greatly affect the installation and operation of the washing machine. Therefore, first we study the proposed options and choose from threaded, crimp, self-locking and press water sockets.

Threaded elements are the most popular, and the name speaks for itself - a threaded connection is provided here. In addition to screw threading, special requirements are also placed on the material of manufacture, which must be resistant to temperature changes. All this gives this type the following advantages:

• long service life;
• high tightness;
• impact resistance;
• no need for additional fasteners;
• easy installation and dismantling.

Crimping devices are considered relatively “young” and require connection using a collet - a special sleeve with a provided cylindrical chuck.Due to the intermediate layer, complete tightness is guaranteed, and, consequently, durability and reliable fixation on the pipeline. The list of advantages continues:

• low cost;
• easy and quick installation;
• a wide range of;
• collapsible design with the possibility of partial replacement.

Press water inlets are fixed to the water supply using the soldering method. The main advantage is the absence of many parts that make assembly easier. But to perform high-quality fixation, you will need special equipment.

The self-fixing water socket appeared not so long ago, but stands out from other types. The whole secret is in equipping it with special rings, one of which has teeth. As soon as this link is clamped with the key, the clutch is activated and all the rings “snap into place.” The device can be disassembled by again pressing the “toothed” element. Its main advantages are impressive.

1. Reusable due to disassembly.
2. Connection strength and high tightness.
3. Universal application.
4. Ease of installation.
5. Resistance to loads and temperature changes.
6. Durability.
7. Low price.

Important! In addition to the type of product, we pay attention to the manufacturer - the companies Rehau, Valtrex and Viega have proven themselves well.

Fittings also differ in the material they are made of. They come in brass, bronze, stainless steel, cast iron, polypropylene and PVC. Each has its own characteristics and advantages, but it is recommended to navigate the pipeline system and choose a similar one. Devices also differ in the number of connected pipes, but for the existing hose of a washing machine, one outlet is sufficient.

After studying all the available options, you can compare the advantages and disadvantages with the existing conditions and opportunities. It wouldn't hurt to consult a plumbing service employee. It is also worth considering the method of planned fastening, which will be discussed further.

How to secure a water socket?

Before purchasing and direct installation, you need to decide on the method of attaching the water outlet to the wall. There are several options that depend on the strength, thickness and material of the existing wall. So, a new branch is attached.

1. In the pocket. If the partition is made of concrete or brick, then the optimal solution would be to make a recess in the wall to form a pocket of suitable size. A hole of 4-5 cm will be required, but it is not necessary to completely recess the fitting. Often it is left protruding and masked with improvised means.
2. In a recess with a gasket. For thin gypsum walls with a thickness of up to 4-6 cm, another option is suitable. Make the largest possible hole and install a half-centimeter sawn wood lining into it. The water socket is attached to a piece of wood, which should be carefully treated with anti-corrosion impregnation to avoid rapid rotting.
3. Lined. If the walls in the bathroom are plasterboard, then you will need to act completely differently. First, the drywall is placed on a frame made of metal or wood, then a 3-4 cm spacer is fixed on top, and then the socket itself.

The entire structure is hidden behind another sheet of drywall so that the fitting is flush with it.

Here it is important to soberly assess the strength and thickness of the existing partitions, since unreliable fixation will quickly lead to failure and leaks. It is important to accurately measure the dimensions of the outlet to avoid unsightly voids and subsequent repairs.. Afterwards we proceed to the actual installation.

We install a water socket

Installing a water socket and connecting a washing machine to it is not an easy task, but anyone can do it. If you don’t have confidence in your abilities, then be sure to contact the appropriate service. Otherwise, prepare the tools and follow the following instructions.

1. We turn off the water.
2. We clear the wall and repair it, ensuring a perfectly flat surface.
3. We carry out the markings. Using a pencil and a building level, we draw out the height of the fittings and their relationship. We remember that water sockets are placed only horizontally and parallel.
4. We make a drilling to mark the place for fasteners. There must be at least three self-tapping screws, and it is not recommended to use only the provided pair of “tendrils” for fastening.
5. We hammer the walls if you plan to install sockets in a hidden way. We make a pocket, grooves and inlets for laying pipes.
6. If necessary, adjust the diameter of the hole on the surface by attaching pipes and fittings. Everything is adjusted to the details so that the reflector completely covers the holes.
7. We cut off the rubber gaskets and glue them to the back of the water socket.
8. We install a water socket.

Attention! When installing press water sockets using the soldering method, we monitor the operating time of the soldering iron to prevent overheating.

9. Carefully tighten all fasteners.
10. We evaluate whether the structure is level and, if necessary, tighten the screws on each side.
11. We close the voids around the “tee” using thick polyester putty.

When filling, pay attention to the self-tapping screws: tighten the nuts onto the threads for protection or immediately remove any grease that gets on the threads.

12. When crimping a connection, it is necessary to align and fix the device with one hand, and with the other begin to screw it to the wall, controlling the immobility of the collet.
13. We cover the remaining voids without touching the inside of the pipes and grooves. It is only allowed to fill the holes made with polyurethane foam.

After fixing, the easiest thing to do is connect the washing machine to the water supply. To do this, connect the machine’s inlet hose to the water socket and turn the water supply tap to its previous position. Turn on the fastest mode on the washing machine and open the detergent tray. If water comes out and there are no drops at the joint, everything has been done correctly.

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