Bathrooms in some homes are so small that finding space for appliances is difficult. For such cases, mini washing machines under the sink were invented. Installing these compact units allows you to free up usable space without compromising the integrity of the interior.
Let's take a look at the most popular compact models designed for installation under the sink, and narrow models of standard height that will ideally fit under the countertop. We will also look into the features of choosing miniature washing machines.
Which washing machine can be installed under the sink?
Washing machines designed for installation under the sink have their own characteristics. This is a technique with compact dimensions - after all, the user should be comfortable using not only the washing machine, but also the sink located on top.
Types of compact washing machines
The main features of mini washing machines are their minimal dimensions. That is, the machine must be narrow and low so that it is possible to combine two necessary items in one place - a washing machine with a sink.
Two types of machines meet these criteria for installation under the sink: drum and activator.
Miniature washing machines installed under the sink are designed for small bathrooms
Activator ones show good washing quality, but require constant participation of the owner in the process. Before you start washing, you will have to take the machine out from under the sink and put it in a convenient place, load laundry, powder and water into the tank. Then drain the dirty water and add clean water. And after the rinsing is finished, spin it manually.
We discussed in more detail the operating principle of an activator-type washing machine in this material.
Therefore, it will be inconvenient to use such a machine if it is placed under the sink. But as a place of permanent storage - under the washbasin, it will take root perfectly.
On sale you can find activator washing machines, the design of which includes two tanks - one for washing clothes, and the second for spinning
Drum machines are high-tech equipment. They work in automatic mode, just load the laundry into the tank, close the door, add detergent to the cuvette and start the desired program with one press of the appropriate button. Then the machine will do everything itself, the owner will only have to get almost dry laundry and dry it.
It is precisely because of their convenience that automatic cars are in great demand among our compatriots.
Features of choosing a suitable washing machine
In order to place compact appliances under the sink, a number of criteria must be taken into account. Let's talk about them in more detail later.
Criteria #1 - installation and download type
Depending on the type of installation, washbasin washers can be freestanding or built-in. As for the option with built-in equipment, its cost is unreasonably high, and such models are not popular in our market.
But free-standing models are presented in an assortment - a number of manufacturers produce low and narrow equipment for installation in rather cramped conditions.
Another good solution is to buy a narrow machine of standard height for installation under the countertop. And the sink is convenient to use and doesn’t require a lot of space.
There is no need to choose the type of loading - only a model with a hatch located horizontally will be under the sink.
Criterion #2 - dimensions and loading
Also, when choosing a compact washing machine, it is important to pay attention to its size.
So, if you are planning installation under a countertop, then the following dimensions will be optimal:
- height – up to 85 cm;
- depth – up to 45 cm (less possible);
- width – up to 60 cm, provided that there is enough space in your bathroom.
The maximum load of laundry for models with these sizes is within 5-7 kg. Which is more than enough for the average family.
A machine under the sink will significantly save space, but you must take into account that you will have to separately purchase and install a siphon of a non-standard design
When it comes to installation along the sink, in this case the following dimensions will be suitable:
- height – strictly up to 70 cm (otherwise the sink will be too high and it will be inconvenient to use);
- depth – up to 51 cm;
- width – up to 51 cm, so that the sink, like an umbrella, covers the lid of the washing machine on top.
You can load up to 4 kg of laundry into this machine. The loading hatch is always located in a horizontal plane and is located on the front panel.
Criterion #3 - programs and other important parameters
The choice of washing machine is also influenced by functionality, but almost all manufacturers offer a good range of washing programs, including fast, delicate, economical and others, the most popular among customers.
The issue of safety is no less important among users - for example, it is desirable that the machine is protected from leaks, and if there are children in the family, then it has a protective key lock.
Many equipment owners are concerned about the noise level produced by the machine during operation. In this matter, you should not only focus on the indicator indicated by the manufacturer in the product passport, but also read the reviews of real owners of the model you like to make sure that the real noise level corresponds to the declared one.
A useful function of the washing machine is a timer. It allows you to delay the start time for a certain period of time - from an hour to a day. No less interesting is the control option from a smartphone, but it is only available on more sophisticated machines
Also popular options are steaming and drying, but such machines are more expensive and are found only among models for installation under the countertop, and not under the sink.
As for the type of control, the presence of a display, washing class, spin class, energy efficiency and other indicators, here each potential buyer chooses an option based on his own preferences. But for all proposals, one principle applies - the more features and capabilities a model has, the more expensive it will cost. Therefore, it is advisable to decide in advance about your wishes and allocate a budget for the purchase.
The advantages of small washing machines
- These washing machines, despite their mini size, can wash up to 4 kilograms of laundry in one cycle.
- The undeniable advantages include significant savings in electricity, water and washing powder. This is possible thanks to the reduced size of the machine's tank.
- They have the same functionality as equipment with standard dimensions: a large number of programs, washing products from different types of fabric, modern systems for protecting against overflow, increased foaming, etc.
- Compact washing machines, in addition to being narrow in depth, also have a small height (up to 70 cm), which allows them to be installed under the sink. In this case, it will not take up a single centimeter of free space in the bathroom and the height of the sink will remain standard, which will allow you to use a common faucet with the bathroom.
Installation and connection steps
The main tasks when installing a compact machine under a sink are to ensure safety and convenience when using the sink.
Therefore, if you decide to do this work, you should act as carefully as possible and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations given in the instructions. Or order installation and connection services at the store where you purchased the machine and sink.
Also, if you are thinking about installing it yourself, you should find out from the sales consultant at the purchase stage whether such amateur activity will affect the cancellation of the product warranty
The process of installing and connecting the machine is similar to installing a washing machine of standard dimensions. But, since the sink will be located above it, it is necessary to install it immediately. Next, we will briefly consider the main stages.
Stage #1 - choosing and connecting a washbasin
For installation above a mini washing machine, “water lily” sinks with a flat bottom are most suitable. Their bowls are shallow - no more than 200 mm.
When choosing a suitable sink, you should consider the following criteria:
- the sink drain system must have the correct vertical shape;
- The size of the sink should be selected based on the dimensions of the washing machine + communications protruding from the walls (or protruding elements of the machine itself, intended for connection to communications);
- The front and sides of the washing machine should be completely covered by the sink - this way you can prevent splashes and further damage to the equipment.
We talked in more detail about choosing sinks for installation above a washing machine in this material.
The correct choice of model and its installation is extremely important, because not only the ease of use of plumbing fixtures and washing machines, but also safety depend on this in the future.
If you have a washbasin of the required dimensions, then the first step is to install it. First, you need to accurately determine the location, focusing on the location of communications in the bathroom and the height of the washing machine.
Thus, the optimal height of the washbasin, comfortable for use, is 80 cm from the floor. And the height of compact washing machines does not exceed 70 cm. Therefore, it is important to measure the actual height of the purchased machine and the actual height of the sink that you are going to install, and add these data.
To the obtained value you need to add a small gap - there should be a small distance between the machine and the bottom of the washbasin - this will be the optimal height.
Now you can start attaching the washbasin. For this purpose, it is advisable to use the instructions and the set of fasteners included in the kit. The bolts for securing the brackets holding the sink should not be fully tightened - in the future it will be easier to align the plumbing horizontally.
Before fixing the sink, you can assemble and install the faucet, if your model has a hole for it. And also connect it to the water supply system using a flexible connection. When installing the faucet, it is important to assemble it correctly, following the instructions, and carefully seal the connections to avoid leaks.
Next, you need to assemble the siphon and connect the drain to the sewer. When connecting the drain, it is also important to ensure tightness of all connections.
Often, a drain system for washbasins with a connection to a washing machine is used as a drain for such purposes, which greatly simplifies the process
When the sink is installed, it is important to check the quality of the work - to do this, just turn on the water and wait. If water flows into the washbasin bowl and disappears without problems into the drain hole, following into the sewer, and there are no leaks at one connection, then the installation was completed “perfectly” and you can begin installing the washing machine.
Step #2 - Removing Shipping Bolts
Before installing the mini washing machine, you must free it from the transport bolts. Which are needed to avoid damage during its transportation. The resulting holes are closed with plugs included in the kit.
The bolts removed during the preparation of the washing machine for installation must be preserved, otherwise, if a situation arises that it has to be returned, it will not be accepted without fasteners
Stage #3 - connecting to communications
If communications are connected to the connection point of the washing machine, then the connection is made using standard fittings.
To connect to the cold water supply system, there must be a special insert in the pipe to which the washing machine inlet hose is connected
Water must enter the machine through a filter. You need to take care of free access to it because... it will have to be cleaned periodically.
The washing machine drain hose is connected to the sewer pipe or to the sink siphon, provided that you have installed a drain system for washbasins with a connection to the washing machine.
It is important during installation not to make a mistake and to carefully seal all connections, because otherwise water may end up on the floor when it is drained from the machine.
When installing the machine, you must strictly adhere to the instructions, since if you violate them, you may lose the warranty.
Stage #4 - ensuring power supply
It is important not to forget about the correct connection of the washing machine to the power supply. Why is it advisable to select a separate line and install a machine on it.
It is advisable to choose a waterproof socket that matches the color and design so that its use in the bathroom is safe
To connect the machine, you must use a grounded outlet. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the principles of installing an outlet for a washing machine.
Stage #5 - leveling the washer
The machine should be installed on a flat surface, the maximum deviation from the horizontal should not exceed 2 degrees. Otherwise, excessive vibration and incorrect operation of the automation will occur.
To place the unit as level as possible, use a building level, focusing on which the legs are adjusted.
To avoid vibrations for washing machines above which the sink is installed, it is recommended to use an anti-vibration mat
More detailed instructions on installing and connecting a washing machine can be read here.
Stage #6 - furniture installation
If you have a sink with a countertop and there is enough space in the bathroom, then you can additionally install special furniture adapted to install a washing machine - it will create a unified style in the room.
Furniture can be either hanging or floor-standing. In addition to sets, there are individual elements on sale, from which it is easy to form different compositions. In plumbing stores there are both cabinets with a sink for washing units, and these elements separately.
An example of such a composition is the Russian-made Lotos series. It includes a sink with a countertop and a cabinet. Its sizes are different, and the choice depends on the availability of free space.
Bathroom furniture from the Lotos series has a wide range of sizes and is designed for installation in both cramped bathrooms and spacious bathrooms
