Gap between sink and washing machine

Installing a sink above a washing machine significantly saves space in the house, but requires precise calculations. One of the most important is the gap between the sink and the washing machine - how large it should be, how to install the equipment correctly to leave space for communications, and also what the gaps should be between the washing machine and surrounding objects. Let's look at all these important points in detail.

Location of sink and machine

A sink for placement above a “home assistant” usually differs from ordinary sinks of shallower depth. The maximum height of such a sink is 20 centimeters - this is enough to completely cover the washing machine underneath. Additionally, it is worth considering that the edges of the sink must protrude along the perimeter of the top panel of the washing machine by at least 2, and preferably 5 centimeters, which will prevent moisture from getting from the sink into household appliances.

There should also be a gap between the sink and the machine, which, according to installation rules, must be 1 centimeter or more, but most often it is 0.5 centimeters or even less. This distance is necessary to ensure that strong vibration from electrical equipment does not damage the fragile sink. The same applies to the side walls of the device - there should also be a gap of at least 1 centimeter or more between the washing machine and surrounding objects, for example, a shower stall or bathtub.

It is advisable to leave a distance of 2 centimeters or more between the washing machine and other objects, since during the spin cycle the machine can bounce from side to side, which can scratch or break fragile elements in the bathroom.

The gap should also remain behind the SM - depending on the siphon, the distance should be 6 or more centimeters so that the siphon and hoses can be freely placed behind the body. In a situation where, due to the sink or other design features, it is impossible to leave a gap behind the body of the machine, you can groove the wall, creating a small niche in it for all the hoses. Under no circumstances should you then close the niche with the hoses, as there should always be free access to them.

Pros and cons of placing the sink above the machine

A sink above the washing machine is a great way to save space in a small home or studio. Such a smart solution will free up space and use it to place other equipment, or to create a comfortable passage, for example, in a corridor where machines are often placed in small apartments. In addition, a decorative panel usually suits the interior much more than the standard boring design of washing machines.

However, there is also a drawback to combining a sink with a machine - an increased risk of using an electrical appliance. The fact is that experts advise never to place electrical appliances in such a way that they are at risk of contact with water. If pipes burst or the sink is damaged, the washing machine will be flooded with water, which will penetrate into those areas where the device is not protected from moisture.

If such an emergency occurs, not only could the equipment be seriously damaged, but the user may also receive an electric shock. To prevent this from happening, craftsmen try to install only special sinks with a siphon installed closer to the wall, and not to the center of the bowl. In this case, the leakage will not damage the electrical device. This type of shell is also often called “water lily”.

We also note that washing machines with a normal height of 85 centimeters are inconvenient to install under the sink. In this case, you won’t be able to get close to the washbasin, since the panel of the device will get in the way, and the very height of the structure can cause inconvenience for children and short people.

Where will the sink drain be located?

When the gap between the sink and the washing machine is only 1 centimeter or less, it is not clear where the drain should be? The answer to this question is simple - there are washing machines in which the drain is offset - it is located in the corner between the back and side walls, hidden by a removable soap dish. In this case, the bottom of the sink must be flat so that it can be placed on top of the washing machine. The protruding part with a drain hole is located behind the SM, which also increases the safety of the structure. Another feature of such sinks is their different depths - it is smaller in the front, and about 5 centimeters larger in the back.

Much more often you can find standard “water lilies” on sale, in which the drain is moved back in the center. They are also very convenient, because they prevent moisture from entering areas of the washing machine without protection from moisture.There are both domestic examples, for example, "Santek Pilot-50", which costs about 36 US dollars, and sinks from Finland Ido Aniara, the price of which is approximately 230 US dollars. Products from Belarus from the Belux brand also perform well, for example, “Eureka” sinks with a mixer installed in the corner and a removable panel that hides the drainage hole.

Thus, today it is not difficult to find a sink with a convenient drain, organized so that the washing machine is safe.

   

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