How to place a washing machine in a small bathroom

Washing machine under the sink. Pros and cons of this solution

When planning to install a sink above a washing machine, people have one goal - to make the most of the limited space in the room. To understand whether this installation option is suitable for a bathroom, you should consider its pros and cons.

Should I install a sink above the washing machine?

The main advantage of installing a sink above the washing machine is saving space. This is in demand if the bathroom is small, which makes it difficult to install both structures. You can also install a small cabinet above the bowl, which will allow you to use all the free centimeters without sacrificing the ergonomic design of the room.

A sink above the washing machine allows you to intelligently organize the interior in a small room. And thanks to the large assortment of washbasin models and installation methods, you can find the best option for any interior style.

The disadvantages of co-locating a sink with a washing machine include difficulties in choosing a siphon. At the installation stage, it is necessary to eliminate any inaccuracies, otherwise this will lead to big troubles in the form of a short circuit. When looking for sinks, you should give preference to models that come with a siphon included, because... Finding a suitable design on your own is too problematic.

Due to the specific installation of the drainage system, the speed of water passing through the pipes is reduced. Therefore, the slightest speck can lead to stagnation.

If the installation location is chosen incorrectly, it will be difficult to move around in the bathroom. To avoid such inconveniences, you need to carefully consider all the nuances and draw up a placement plan.

Bathroom layout

A standard Khrushchev-era bathroom occupies 3 square meters. m when combined with a toilet and 2 sq. m with separate.

Any renovation begins with removing the partition between the bathroom, thereby increasing the usable area of ​​the room. It is advisable to leave a separate option only if there are small children in the apartment.

The issue of communications is always no less problematic. In standard bathrooms, very often they cannot be moved to another location, and laying additional pipes greatly increases the cost of renovation.

Thus, when planning a design, it is recommended to focus on the established communication terminals without changing their location.

With shower

If in a Khrushchev-era building you remove the wall between the toilet and the bathroom, you get a niche into which the shower fits. This type of bathroom layout is becoming increasingly popular. Here it is advisable to lay the walls and floor with tiles, and use tempered glass as a fence.

There is another option - a corner location of the shower stall.

It is possible to use either a finished structure or a pallet with fencing. But there will be less space inside the room than with the first method, and the toilet with sink will have to be located on the left and right sides.

Bathtub combined with toilet

In order not to waste useful space, it is recommended to combine a bathroom with a toilet in Khrushchev-era buildings. Instead of a shower stall, you can install a full bath. The standard layout provides for its presence in the allotted space of 175/75 cm.

The disadvantage is that there is no space left for a washing machine, which, however, can be easily solved by placing it under the sink. This option is convenient because there is no need to redesign the entire bathroom.

Distinctive features of low cars

If you install the sink at the height of a regular washing machine, short people may even have problems reaching the faucet.

By installing a washing machine under the sink, you can significantly save space.

The main distinguishing feature of washing machines under the sink is their height:

• They are lower than standard models;
• Allows you to place them under the sink;
• Convenience of access is not lost.

The second distinguishing feature is the width of the models; this also relates to the requirement for ease of interaction with the plumbing installed above it. The Bosch company, well-known in the household appliances market, has launched a number of models of similar devices, varying in design and parameters. This allows you to choose a convenient device for absolutely any configuration and size of the bathroom, as well as the plumbing element installed above it.

No. 5. Washing machine on the wall

This option to install a washing machine in a small bathroom is designed for brave people with non-trivial thinking . You will have to climb the wall in the literal sense of the word. Designers often use this trick when there are simply no options left. For such installation, you can only use a compact washing machine. You should not be afraid that the unit will fall or damage the tiles due to constant vibrations - if the installation was carried out in accordance with all the rules provided for in this case, then operation will be absolutely safe. Naturally, you shouldn’t hang the machine on a plasterboard partition, but an ordinary wall can handle such a load. The disadvantage of this solution is that the choice will be limited only to machines with a small tank volume. If you hang the unit at a sufficient height, the space underneath can be used in the usual way.

If the configuration of the bathroom allows, the washing machine can be placed at a height in a niche.

Kitchen placement option

Another common location for installing a washing machine is the kitchen. In this case, in order to save space for other appliances, the question arises of installing the machine and sink under one countertop. This type of installation is called built-in.

This placement of devices looks quite interesting in the interior, since the design of countertops and cabinets can be varied. The advantage of this placement is that it is not necessary to look for a washing machine that is suitable in both size and design. The design of the countertops may contain doors that will close the washing machine when it is not in use, which means it will not be visible at all. And due to the fact that countertops of such designs are made from a wide variety of materials, it can become the highlight of the entire interior, both in the kitchen and in a spacious bathroom.

The most common materials for making countertops are:

• Glass;
• Stone;
• Treated wood.

Having a countertop above the washing machine has significant advantages. You can place jars, hygiene products or other not-so-resistant things on top. During operation, the machine creates vibrations, and the tabletop increases the amount of usable space. This advantage also applies when placing the machine under the countertop in the kitchen. A tabletop is an excellent addition to the interior; it can also help create a more cohesive space by visually connecting interior details into a single whole.

No. 1. Placement under the countertop

This is a classic option that is used in bathrooms of any size. By placing the washing machine under the countertop, we immediately receive many benefits . Firstly, you won’t have to worry about connecting communications. Secondly, everything will look harmonious and complete. Thirdly, the space under the sink or countertop often remains unused, and this way it will be used to great advantage.

If the bathroom area is very small, then it is better to choose a compact washing machine with a depth of about 45 cm . Its capacity is small, you will have to wash it in several passes - not very convenient, but if the apartment is of a modest size, and washing by hand is not part of your plans, then you will have to make compromises. It will be more difficult to position a standard-sized washing machine, but this does not mean that it is impossible to do it in principle - you just have to resort to tricks.

Despite the fact that we all have a good idea of ​​what it means to install a washing machine under a countertop or under a sink, there are several ways to do this. Some of them are quite standard, others belong to the category of design secrets:

• washing machine under the sink. The latter does not rest on your foot and does not have a bedside table, but it is equipped with a drain to the side and not down. The drain elbow should not become an obstacle. A machine that is the same width and depth as the sink will look most attractive. The standard height of machines with horizontal loading of laundry allows you to mount the washbasin at a comfortable height, so this should not be a problem. In this case, it is possible to achieve significant space savings, so this is an option for the smallest bathrooms. If you choose this method of placing the washing machine, then you should think through the connection diagram for water, sewerage and electricity especially carefully. sets of washing machines and suitable water lily sinks are available for sale . It is better to pay attention to them, since it will be difficult to independently select elements with the given parameters;
• washing machine under the countertop . Many people prefer to embed the washbasin or place it on a countertop whose size is larger than the sink itself. The space around the washbasin is used to place hygiene items and decor. As a rule, shelves and bedside tables are hidden under the tabletop. You can sacrifice some of the space for a washing machine. It will turn out beautiful, comfortable and functional. Whether to cover the washing machine with the door or not, decide for yourself. In the first case, we get a more harmonious look. Many people prefer to place the machine under the countertop, but not directly under the sink. The space directly under the washbasin can be left free so as not to hit your knees. However, it is also permissible to organize a small pull-out shelf in this case;
• under a multi-level tabletop . It is not always convenient to make a countertop of the same height as the washing machine. This is especially true for short people. In this case, there is no need to make sacrifices - just make the part of the tabletop above the machine a little higher. The resulting space can be used to place things;
• machine on a drawer . Someone may encounter the exact opposite problem, when the machine does not reach the level of the countertop. One could easily turn a blind eye to this nuance, but if you are the owner of a small bathroom, then you don’t want to just miss the opportunity to organize additional storage space. Designers recommend placing the machine on a small drawer, and you’ll figure out what to store in it without us;
• the washing machine under the countertop is of irregular shape. This is probably one of the most ingenious solutions for a small bathroom. At the same time, this method allows you to show your imagination and take into account the configuration of your bathroom. The essence of the idea is to make the tabletop unequal across the entire width. In the place above the machine it can be wide, and then gradually narrow (clearly visible in the photo). Why is this solution interesting? Because it is possible to fit the washing machine in as harmoniously as possible (it is completely hidden by the countertop) and at the same time, by narrowing the countertop, get more space for free movement, so that no one hits the corners trying to turn around in a modest-sized bathroom.

What kind of sinks are prices, types, sizes

Sinks above the washing machine differ from ordinary ones in the type of drain. There are 2 options:

1. Below the washbasin. The drain is also located and attached at the bottom of the sink, only unlike a conventional siphon, the drain of this option immediately bends and goes to the side.
2. On the side of the sink. Here the drain hole is not located at the bottom, but on the side.

There is an option where the machine is installed not under the sink itself, but under its countertop. This type is suitable for those who do not have a shortage of space.

The size of the sinks above the machine is usually 50*60 or 60*60. These dimensions are due to the fact that the width of a standard washing machine is about 60 centimeters. The only difference is the depth. There are non-standard forms, but this is rather an exception. Products with a table top can be up to 1.5 meters wide. The color and shape of the products may also vary. Prices for products vary depending on the country of production, shape and color.

The most famous Russian manufacturer of such washbasins is Santek. They have products in popular sizes (50*60 and 60*60) with a drain at the bottom. Inexpensive, affordable sinks within 5,000 rubles. You can find it in a regular plumbing store. There are other Russian manufacturers, but they are less known. Products from foreign companies (for example, Poland, Latvia) are much more expensive. Here you will have to shell out 10,000 rubles. And you can only find foreign goods on the Internet.

When incorporating a similar design into the design of a future bathtub, it is worth assessing all the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution.

What washing machines can be installed under the sink?

Even an inexperienced plumber will understand that installing a washbasin above a washing machine means choosing a special sink. It will not be possible to fix a standard structure over an electrical appliance. This is contrary to safety requirements and impairs the practicality of the installation.

Choosing a washing machine under the sink

For installation under a washbasin, only those washing machines that have a front-loading type can be used. Most manufacturers of such equipment produce special models that are adapted for such placement. However, if you know the basic selection rules, you can find a suitable machine among the traditional options.

First of all, you need to decide on the size. The permissible height of the device is 60-70 cm, the depth is no more than 45 cm. At the same time, there should be up to 3 cm of free distance between the washbasin and the electrical appliance. When looking for a suitable machine, you can consider compact devices with a load of up to 3 kg.

The documentation for some sinks for installation above the washing machine indicates the model of machines with which they are compatible.

Which sink is suitable and what to pay attention to

In addition to the appropriate machine model, you will need to choose the right sink. One of the most popular models is the “Water Lily” sink. It is a small structure with a rectangular, semicircular, square or corner shape, which is intended for rooms with limited free space.

This type of plumbing may have an offset drain and a countertop under the sink. The dimensions of the sink are selected taking into account the specifics of the room. If the bathroom is spacious enough, the use of large structures with good depth is allowed.

Depending on the type of water drainage, the following varieties of “Water Lilies” are distinguished:

• with side shower;
• with vertical drain;
• with horizontal drain.

The latest models are in demand when combining a sink with a washing machine, but they have the following disadvantages:

• with horizontal drainage, the likelihood of pipe clogging becomes high;
• the speed of water passage is reduced;
• choosing a siphon can take a lot of time, because... choosing the optimal design can be difficult.

Classic products with a vertical drain type are more convenient, but they are not suitable for installation above a washing machine, because... Leaked liquid may end up on electrical wiring and cause a short circuit.

Water lily sinks rarely come with a faucet hole. You have to arrange it yourself.

Sink selection

The usual types with a concave bottom are not suitable here, because... the structure is very tall, unattractive, and the structure of the drain will not allow the two elements to be crossed correctly. There is a special section of “water lily” shells for this purpose. This sink is almost flat, its depth is less than 20 cm. There are manufacturers who will make everything to order. You can also put a cabinet under the washing machine with a sink; this should also be taken into account before installation.

Bathroom in Khrushchev - how to design a beautiful interior? 80 photo ideas

The main point during installation is the drain; it can be located horizontally or vertically to the wall. The drain should not have contact with the washer, as this will lead to electric shocks. When installing a water lily sink, its drain must be placed in a horizontal position, going towards the wall.

Pros of installation

Those who have already installed and use a washbasin above their washing machine talk about the following advantages:

Space saving. This is the main reason why people decide to install a sink above the machine. When the bathroom is 2.5-3 square meters in size. meters, every centimeter is precious. It is simply physically impossible to place a washing machine differently in such a tiny bathroom.

This solution allows you to leave a wide, comfortable and free approach to the washbasin, which is especially important for overweight people.

Everything is in one place. Some people, saving space, place the machine in the kitchen, leaving the laundry basket and drying facilities in the bathroom

So you have to run back and forth, first put it in the machine, then take it out and hang it up. In the version with a washing machine under the washbasin, everything is at hand: both laundry and washing accessories.

You can hide all the pipes and hoses behind the machine. You can’t hide all the eyeliners in the wall, but you can hide them behind the device. Access to them will be open if necessary (you just need to move the machine). It is easy to change, check, repair and at the same time everything is hidden.

No splashing. It's no secret that when washing your face, splashes from your hands fly in different directions. Owners of a sink above a washing machine say that there is less splashing when using such a sink. This is due to the height at which the sink is installed. The space between the machine and the sink can be used as a shelf for storing anything: towels, combs, hair dryer, brushes. The usually useless space under the sink near the siphon can be rationally used here. If the drain is on the side, then you can install the washbasin close to the washing appliance. This combination looks very beautiful and strict - nothing superfluous.

Installation details

When placing a washing machine in the bathroom, it is worth considering the following points:

Type of floor covering. Smooth tiles, linoleum or laminate are not the best options for installation, since the vibrating washing machine will move around the room.

Distance to drain. The standard length of the water drain hose is 1.5 m.

Socket location. The standard power cord is also only 1.5 m long. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to use an extension cord, as this may lead to a short circuit.

Free space to open the hatch. For ease of loading and removing laundry, the hatch door should open well. In addition, it is recommended to leave it open after washing for ventilation.

Distance to wall. You cannot place the machine close to the wall. It is worth leaving a distance of about 10 cm behind.

To make it easier to make your choice, we recommend looking at a photo of the washing machine in the bathroom. Consider all the tips when choosing an installation option and the washing machine will be your indispensable assistant for many years.

Prerequisites for installation

To select a washing machine for such placement, it is necessary to take into account a number of parameters that are distinctive for models designed for this purpose.

Namely:

• Height;
• Width;
• Depth.

The depth of washing machines can reach almost 85 cm, but when installing a machine of this width, approaching the sink will be very problematic. The most comfortable models for placement are those whose width does not exceed 50 cm. However, if the installed sink is narrower, then it will be necessary to find a household appliance in depth that does not exceed it. Separately, it is worth noting the height of the washing machine; this parameter usually does not exceed 70 cm.

The last parameter, the width of the washing machine, is unimportant. When choosing a device for a sink, the height is determined directly by the amount of free space in the room.

Before buying a washing machine under the sink, you should carefully take measurements.

Another parameter that you will have to consider when purchasing is cost. It is much higher than that of standard-sized devices. This is determined by high demand and the fact that almost all such devices are assembled in the European part. While standard washing machines have already acquired their manufacturers in Asian countries, in particular China.

Recommendations and possible errors

When designing a bathroom that does not have a large area, you should avoid dark colors, sharp contrasts and small purely decorative details. Plus, you need to take care of good lighting in the form of spotlights on the ceiling and above or around the washbasin.

Don't clutter your bathroom space

Bathroom furniture

The mirror should not be too big

The mirror in the bathroom in question should be medium in size and only above the sink. The second one should not be hung opposite or on a different wall altogether. This will create a looking-glass effect with many reflections that will put negative pressure on the human psyche.

Store small accessories and toiletries in a separate drawer

Too colorful tiles in the bathroom look tacky

Cabinets in the bathroom

Installing a sink above the washing machine. Photo report

Before installing this equipment, you need to consider some points described below:

• The bowl of the sink above the washing machine should be 58 cm or more wide. This condition is acceptable if the drain pipe is located on the wall behind the device.
• It is necessary to prevent the installation of drain pipes above the cover of the machine. Vibrations from the washing machine can cause connections to break.
• To protect against water getting on the surface of the machine, it is advisable to install a sink that will protrude forward a few centimeters. Cover the washing machine like an umbrella.

In order to avoid unpleasant incidents, you must follow the instructions for installing a sink above the washing machine, which comes with the sink, and the procedure outlined below.

Instructions for installing a sink over a washing machine. Photo

1. Fastening procedures.

Installing a sink over a washing machine begins with attaching it to the wall. At the first stage, you should mark and try on the cup. It is necessary to take into account the gap between structures. Next comes the stage of marking the fasteners. In the marked areas, holes are made in a convenient way and brackets are mounted, which are included in the kit if a water lily shell was purchased. Then the bolts are screwed in, leaving a free space of 5-7 mm. After attaching the sink bowl to the brackets, it is secured to a special hook, which is then fixed to the wall using self-tapping screws. Then the back of the bowl is coated with sealant.

2. Installation of a siphon.

Installation of the siphon is carried out before the final installation of the washbasin. In this case, you should follow the recommendations specified in the instructions. First, you need to connect the drain hose to the siphon pipe and secure it with clamps. Then there is a connection to the sewer outlet. You should check that all gaskets are present to avoid leaks.

3. Installation of the mixer.

Before installing the mixer, you must read the manufacturer's recommendations. The installation itself is carried out in a hole specially designed for this purpose in the bowl using fittings and flexible hoses. The connections are sealed with gaskets.

General Installation Tips

The decision to install has been made, the machine of the required size has been purchased, what to do next? Install. It would be more correct to call this procedure installing a sink above the washing machine. Since the starting point is the machine. The execution of the first stage depends on its parameters.

To install a washing machine under the sink you will need a standard set of tools

Installation Tips:

1. Something that you cannot do without in any installation is the application of markings for the sink fastenings (most often they come complete with the device; if there were no brackets, then you should contact the same place where you purchased the plumbing element so that a specialist can select the appropriate ones).
2. Attaching the brackets is a standard procedure, but the initial holding dowels or anchors are not tightened or driven in completely. After installing the sink itself, this will help adjust its position in space.
3. Before installing the washbasin on the brackets, it is necessary to assemble all the accompanying parts together. Initially, the mixer is fixed, to which the water supply pipes are immediately attached.
4. Next, the drainage system (drain-overflow) is installed, consisting of a siphon and a drainage pipe. This should be done slowly, without losing sight of all the small sealing gaskets. Some elements may need to be sealed with silicone sealant.
5. Finally, we put the sink in its place. The evenness of the installation is adjustable by level. After this, the brackets are “tightly” fixed to anchors or dowels. The sink is finally fixed to the wall.

Installation of the washing machine is carried out in the same way as if it were placed free from the location of the sink. Depending on preferences, the machine can be connected either directly or left with access to communications.

Placing the machine under the sink is extremely convenient when there is not enough space to save space. But, as with everything, there is a downside to the picture, in this case it is the cost of such equipment. Mini-machines are several times more expensive than standard-sized models, and the capacity of their laundry tank is much smaller. There is only one option for loading laundry, sideways, which not everyone considers convenient. And if the existing sink is completely unsuitable in configuration, then you will have to spend a lot of money on a suitable model. Therefore, when deciding on such an installation, it is worth weighing the pros and cons in each specific case.

Selection of interior items

Most of our compatriots believe that a washing machine must be present in the bathroom. This option for placing the unit is not just a whim, but a tribute to comfort and practicality. But the bathroom space in Khrushchev-era buildings is very scarce, and the houses themselves have never had a convenient room layout. This also applies to the bathtub, where it is simply impossible to place a bowl, toilet, sink, laundry basket, washing machine, or cabinet for storing household chemicals at the same time.

What can you give up in a Khrushchev-era bathroom, and without what will it cease to be comfortable? The toilet will need to be placed in the bathroom in any case. But it’s quite possible to give up the bathroom. Instead, you can choose a compact shower stall with many functions. Today, such equipment for the home is very diverse, so you can choose a model that is relevant in terms of price, size, and external aesthetics.

If shower stalls, in the opinion of the apartment owner, are not able to provide him with the level of comfort that a classic bowl has, then it is better to choose a compact-sized seated model.

Also, if you have a free corner, you should pay attention to acrylic corner bathtubs. They are compact and easy to use, allowing you to use corner space wisely. And if you close such a structure with a sliding screen, then the space under it can be used for storing household chemicals.

An innovative solution is the absolute refusal of both a bathtub and a shower. In return for such equipment, powerful waterproofing is installed, with a drain in the floor. The shower area itself is separated from the rest of the room using a transparent partition.

It is also quite possible to abandon the washbasin and the faucet above it. Taking morning procedures will not be as comfortable as if there is a sink, but with meager square meters such a step is quite justified. If the parameters of the bathroom still allow you to install a washbasin, you can choose a small wall-hung model. This will allow you to rationally use the space underneath. But the product with a leg should be abandoned.

A washing machine for such a small bathroom must be narrow. It is also advisable to choose a model with vertical loading of laundry, since in the case of a front-loading product, opening the door can be inconvenient and extremely difficult.

If you really want to have a cabinet in your bathroom for storing small accessories, it is better to choose hanging models with glass doors. Such products will increase the space of the room due to the mirrored facades and will allow you to store bath accessories rationally.