Washing machine over the toilet: advantages and installation features

The issue of saving space in small-sized city apartments is quite acute, especially when it comes to typical buildings of the second half of the last century. It is now in new buildings that the priority is a combined bathroom, spacious kitchens, and small-sized housing on the real estate market is represented by studio apartments with the possibility of individual planning of living space. But what if the inheritance went to the "Khrushchev" or "small family"? How to properly organize living space without cluttering up the already modest square meters with overall furniture and other household items?

Owners of small apartments often ask themselves: where to place the queen of household appliances - a washing machine that no housewife can do without? The choice is not great - it is either the kitchen or the bathroom, since the installation of the machine requires a connection to the sewer and close proximity to the water pipes. In this article, we will look at an unusual option for placing the washing machine over the toilet.

The idea of ​​installing a washing machine in the toilet is, rather, a forced measure. It is difficult to call such an installation a design solution or an interior quirk, however, owners of small apartments often resort to this option. In addition to the connection features, it is also important to pay great attention to the aesthetic issue - such a combination of household items should not look ridiculous.

There are not so many advantages of mounting attachments.

• Ergonomic An indisputable point is the significant savings in space.
• Rational change in area. Installation of a niche with the subsequent installation of a washing machine will visually correct the shortcomings of a bathroom with an elongated and narrow shape.
• Additional insulation. By hiding the typewriter in a closet and locking it in the toilet, the noise during its operation will definitely not cause discomfort, especially if the family has small children.
• Unique design solution. The interior of the bathroom, decorated with skilful hands in the style of "techno" or "futurism", will bring zest to a small apartment.
• The ability to hide the washing machine behind a decorative door made of MDF panels is the easiest way not to burden the interior design of a tiny bathroom with such powerful equipment.

Speaking about the disadvantages of installing a washing machine in the toilet, the following points can be highlighted.

• Difficulties in operation. Loading the laundry and filling in the powder causes some difficulties due to the fact that the machine is at eye level and arm's length.
• Installation difficulties. Due to the limited space, it is quite problematic to connect the washing machine to all communications.
• Difficulties caused by the need to repair equipment. Imagine that the washing machine starts to junk - it will need to be removed from the pedestal, and after inspection or repair, it will be put back. Sometimes, alone, you cannot cope with the lifting of such oversized equipment, and two people simply will not turn around in the limited space of the room.
• The need for the construction of an additional structure. The washing machine above the toilet is installed on a sturdy pedestal that can withstand the weight of the equipment and vibration waves during its operation.
• Discomfort when using the toilet for its intended purpose. The simultaneous operation of the washing machine and the toilet causes considerable inconvenience: noise, vibration, active drainage, and so on.

The easiest way is to plan the installation of a washing machine immediately after moving to a new living space, or if you have started a major overhaul of the entire apartment. In this way, you can achieve maximum convenience and comfort when installing this household appliance and subsequent interior decoration.

When deciding to install a washing machine in the toilet, the first step is to carefully study the features of the plumbing structures. The width of the opening of the entire structure should be at least 65 cm, and the height - from 85 cm. The gap is necessary to facilitate the installation of the machine and its removal, if necessary.

When all the measurements have been completed and the machine itself has been purchased, you can proceed to the construction of a structure for installation. This can be a special niche or a sturdy hinged shelf. Installers recommend using large metal corners. Wooden beams in this case will not work: their fastening to the wall will not be reliable enough due to the severity of household appliances and vibration during its operation. After the corners are securely attached to the wall, forming a frame, we will deal with the electrical wiring.

The washing machine must be connected to the most reliable power source. It is strictly forbidden to use an extension cord and cheap sockets! Often, bathrooms are not equipped with additional sockets, so the craftsmen have to pull the copper wire from the switchboard, carefully insulating it. After installing a moisture-resistant outlet, it is imperative to check its functionality. After making sure that the installation of the power supply is reliable and safe, we proceed to connect the water supply.

With the help of a valve installed on the riser, we shut off the cold water supply. Next, we install a tee faucet on the metal-plastic pipe, to which we fasten the inlet hose from the washing machine. Then we connect the structure to the sewer pipe.

After all communications are connected, it is necessary to complete the design of the niche shelf. It is recommended to weld a low nut to the front wall of the metal frame. This is necessary in order to avoid the likelihood of the machine jumping out of the niche during intensive work (spinning the laundry). Now you can start designing the structure. The niche can be sheathed with drywall, on top of which plaster or decorative tiles can be laid. If you want to hide the unit, the niche can be arranged in the form of a cabinet with hinged blind or carved doors, and shelves for storing sanitary accessories can be built on top of the structure.

Upon completion of finishing work, you can install the washing machine in a new place, connect it to the water supply and electricity, and then start a test wash.

How to make a support for the washing machine over the toilet, see below.