Sinks above the washing machine: what are there?
The arrangement of any room requires the correct choice of furniture and all interior elements so that they are in their place and fully fulfill their role. The arrangement of a bathroom is a little more complicated than an ordinary living one, because the dimensions of the room are very small, and it has a lot of functional tasks. In this case, it is extremely important to correctly select all the elements of the room and arrange them in their places. If there is a washing machine in the bathroom, then it is necessary to skillfully fit it into the interior. The most convenient way to do this is under the sink, for which it is important to choose the desired plumbing element.
Types and features
If a washing machine is planned to be installed in the bathroom, then this must be done so that the functionality of the room is not affected. The part of the space that the machine will take must be mastered, otherwise the device simply hides part of the space and, in fact, will interfere. If you install a sink above the machine, you can fully wash your face, brush your teeth and do all the necessary hygiene procedures, without noticing the presence of an additional device under it.
An important feature of the sinks above the washing machine is their shape. For ease of use and minimum space costs, they are made flat and as wide as possible. Due to the low height, their location practically does not change, so it is convenient for any family member to use it, and the large volume allows you to protect the machine from moisture. Due to their appearance, shells of this type are called "water lily" or "shell".
Due to the fact that the sink is long, several people can use it at once if necessary. With such plumbing, it's easy to teach a child to wash their hands or brush their teeth without fear of splashing everything around. The design feature also lies in the fact that the sink is suspended, it is not installed on a pedestal or other device, it is enough to mount small fixtures and install this plumbing element.
The depth of such products is 20 cm, the width usually reaches 60 cm, and the depth is 50 cm. The structure of the drainage system will also be special here. In the sink itself, the hole can be like that of ordinary products, or it can be shifted to one side. The structure of the branch pipe differs from the usual one, it goes down a little from the drain, and then retracts back, where it goes into the siphon.
For sinks of this type, even siphons should be special, they can be included in the kit or additionally purchased. It is best to select an option where the drain of the machine is additionally connected, which will facilitate its connection to the sewer. The mixer is also bought based on the location of household appliances under the sink. If you find all the necessary elements, then the installation of the sink with all the equipment will not be difficult and very convenient to use.
Materials and sizes
The newest material, which has already earned popularity in the plumbing market, is polymer concrete, from which "water lilies" are made, which are built in over the washing machine. This material withstands any impact well and is insensitive to household chemicals, which is very important for a bath.A great advantage is the ability to imitate different types of natural stone. Products made of polymer concrete are so similar to stone that not everyone can find the difference.
If you want to buy something special, then you can buy a sink made of other materials for the bathroom. The most popular will be glass, acrylic, metal and ceramic variations. Since the product is, in fact, made of artificial stone, its cost is lower than from natural components, which makes it more affordable.
Not only the material can be different, but also the shape. The most popular of which is rectangular, but it can be oval and square, which depends on the dimensions of the washing machine in the first place. The corners of such products can be flat or rounded. For lovers of unusual shapes, there are also original samples of bizarre configurations. By color, you can also choose a product for every taste, which will be combined with the color scheme of the room, typewriter or any other element of the room.
It is important to select the dimensions of the sink depending on the size of the machine. It is important that its width is at least 10 cm larger than the device. This allows you to protect household appliances from water and extend their service life. It is important to consider this protection for those machines in which the control panel is located on the top, and not in the front. If the machine is narrow and does not exceed 40 cm in size, then the best option for the sink size will be 60x50, and for wide machines with a width of 50 cm, the optimal sink size will be 60x60. Most often, small machines are bought for bathrooms, which helps to save space, because sinks with dimensions of 60 by 50 cm are in greatest demand.
Form and drain
Since the interior of the bathroom is as important as any other room, the shape of the sink will play an important role in decorating the space. So, in addition to the standard rectangular shape with even corners, there may be varieties with rounded edges. If oval products fit well into the room and fully protect the machine, then it will be correct to use them. This is especially true if there is a small child in the house. Streamlined shapes without sharp corners will make the room safer.
The interior of the sink can also vary, depending on the drain and its location. If it is in the middle, then the appearance does not have any peculiarities, but if the hole is displaced closer to the back wall, then the water will drain sharply back. The appearance of the product depends on the depth of the product. The smallest one will be a sink with a depression of 8 cm, and the largest one - 20 cm.
As for the drain, it is located closer to the back wall, and sometimes right on the wall itself.
In the sink, two variants of the shape of the drain can be distinguished.
- Round. In the sink, the hole for the drainage of water has the shape of a circle, and in this case, a flat siphon is used, placed immediately below the hole. A negative feature of this type is the location of the drain directly above the household appliance, which can be dangerous in the event of a leak. On the positive side, it is possible to single out fast water flow and minimal clogging.
- Slit-like. Assumes the location of the siphon closer to the back wall of the sink. The siphon in this case is outside the washing machine and does not threaten it, even if it starts to leak. Among the shortcomings, one can note the small width of the hole and its frequent clogging, which makes it necessary to clean it from time to time.
Some models have a drain-overflow system that controls the amount of water in the sink and prevents it from overflowing, while filling the machine. Also, plugs or automatic systems can be additionally installed in the drain.
If you want to make something special in the bathroom, then you can resort to another type of sink:
- a built-in sink that fits in a table with a cabinet or in a countertop;
- a countertop washbasin that can also be installed in a chair or countertop.
The choice of option depends on the size of the room and financial capabilities, because built-in and overhead structures will cost an order of magnitude more. Sinks with side drains will be more comfortable than those located in the middle, and the rear position is considered the safest and most correct for the bathroom.
Options: options
In addition to the simple option with installing a sink above the machine, you can put a sink with a cabinet if the dimensions of the room allow. In this case, the sink is located not above the machine itself, but near it, which is safer and easier to install. In this case, you can use deeper options, because there is no binding to household appliances. The convenience of this option is that it is possible to place bedside tables and shelves under the sink, where all the little things needed in everyday life are conveniently placed.
The location of the washing machine under the table top allows you to protect it from any moisture penetration, both from above and from under the sink. The stylistic options for such designs can be very diverse. The main negative point in this case will be the cost of such furniture. Usually it is several times higher than the installation of a conventional sink, and besides, not every bathroom has the space to accommodate such a number of elements.
If you want to make a sink with a countertop, then you can order it from the craftsmen or try your hand at this issue. To make a base for a sink, you need to decide on the material. The most popular are wood and all its variants and stone. It is better to entrust working with a stone to professionals, and you can try to handle a tree yourself. However, drywall is considered the most convenient material for self-made countertops.
To work with this material, you need to take care of the availability of tools and materials:
- profile, preferably aluminum;
- self-tapping screws for metal work;
- a sheet of moisture resistant drywall.
To make a countertop under the sink, you need to correctly determine the height of the future structure and fix the profiles at this level. After that, the creation of the future frame begins, which will later become the table top. Once everything is ready, the frame is sheathed with pieces of drywall, prepared to size, holes are made for washing and draining.
Before installing the sink and pipes, you need to finish the plasterboard structure, for which a mosaic or small tile is best suited. It is convenient to make the remaining space under the sink in the form of a cabinet with shelves or a bedside table. The choice of option depends on the possibilities, both material and personal, whether there is a desire to build something with your own hands.
Pros and cons of the design
When planning the arrangement of a bathroom, it is important to think over every little thing in order to organically fit all the elements into a single small space. If the room has a place for a bathroom, then the presence of a sink is not necessary, but when a booth is installed, the lack of space for comfortable hand washing, washing, brushing teeth and other hygienic procedures becomes very noticeable. That is why, in the conditions of small bathrooms, it becomes common practice to combine a sink with a washing machine.
Saving space in the presence of useful functions is the main advantage of combining a sink with household appliances. In addition, the sink for such cases should be unusual, which often adds some charm to the room, makes it stand out and even decorates it. Placement above the washing machine allows you to combine drains and minimize installation work for both elements.
In this case, there are also a number of serious disadvantages.
- Fitting household appliances to the dimensions of the sink and the dimensions of the room.If you buy a regular machine, it is not always convenient in terms of using the sink and makes it difficult to use. Non-standard cars are more expensive and not easy to find.
- Due to the unconventional dimensions of the machine, the amount of laundry that can be placed in it will be much less than in conventional devices, which will be very inconvenient if the family consists of a large number of people.
- An ordinary product is not suitable for combining a sink and a typewriter, since the drain should be located closer to the back wall, and the depth of the sink is recommended to be the smallest.
- Due to the design features of the "water lily" sink, with side and rear draining, not all liquid will go away, so it will need to be cleaned up on your own. This will increase the time to take care of the product. Among other things, the sink will need to be cleaned regularly, especially if it has a slotted drain.
- Problematic to make a quick installation due to the lack of free space in the bathroom. It will not be easy for even an experienced craftsman to mount everything necessary to install a sink over a machine, let alone a person without proper experience.
Only after weighing all the pros and cons, you can decide which option is convenient for a particular room and owner, which will bring the installation of a sink over household appliances - the joy of the functional use of space or problems with installation and care in caring for it.
Choice: criteria
Depending on the presence or absence of space in the bathroom, you can use either "water lilies" or other types of sinks that have a different appearance. It can be a "bowl" or "plate", a deeper and curved version.
You can install the following products:
- a console sink is a hinged structure, where the "water lily" is best suited;
- built-in - makes it possible to mount it in a tabletop, cabinet or table;
- waybill - as for the built-in version, it is necessary to have some kind of furniture on which the sink will be superimposed.
With the minimum dimensions of the bathroom, the optimal solution would be to locate the sink directly above the machine, which saves space and makes the space functional. If the bathroom is large, then you can purchase any cabinet or build a countertop yourself for any room size, placing shelves or a cabinet under the sink where you can fold everything you need. If there is no storage space and a laundry basket or something else is located under the sink, then the optimal arrangement of all things necessary in everyday life is the countertop area, which is located above the machine. Using the space correctly, installing toothbrush containers, boxes for the necessary little things, you can keep everything in order and the bathroom will look neat and stylish.
Electrical appliance: requirements
In order to rationally place all the devices in the bathroom, you need to choose the right dimensions. Depending on the size of the room and the presence of a bath or shower, you need to clearly select the dimensions of the washing machine. For common household appliances, there are certain sizes that may not always be comfortable to fit in the bathroom.
If you choose a washing machine, then you need to pay attention to certain components.
- The width of the product, which can be varied. A small size of the width of the equipment is recommended - up to 45 cm, because the large dimensions will make the installation of the machine itself and the sink above it a very problematic matter;
- The height of the equipment should be optimal for comfortable use of the sink, while standard machines are too high for this. The selection of the machine should be carried out in such a way as to place the sink at a height of 80 cm for convenient use. The optimal height of equipment for this will be 60-70 cm.
- A suitable type of loading of things for combining the sink with household appliances is frontal, while the top cover will not allow you to use the machine without difficulty.
Buying a clipper before selecting and installing a sink will be a much better decision than the reverse process. Having household appliances available, it will be easier to choose a sink for it and place everything as conveniently as possible so that the use of the sink does not interfere with the work with the machine.
Installing the washbasin
In order to properly install the washbasin over the machine, you need to know a number of important rules that you need to think about first.
- Installing a sink with a small gap from household appliances, so that the pipes do not touch the machine in any way. In addition to the danger of a short circuit when water comes into contact with an electrical appliance, there is a high probability of pipe unwinding from constant vibration of the device.
- When installing the washbasin, you need to make sure that it protrudes above the surface of the machines. This will protect it from splashing and water getting onto the work surface.
- Before installing the sink, it is important to check the technical condition of the washing machine, the strength and integrity of the wires and their insulation in order to protect themselves from unforeseen situations.
When planning to install a sink over a washing machine, you need to take care of the right choice, it should be flat and with a drain shifted to the back wall. If only a sink will be used, then a "water lily" will be the best choice, but when it is possible to put a more bulky structure in the bathroom, then an overhead sink, which is installed in a cabinet or on a countertop, will be the best option.
To install the washbasin, first of all, you need to mark the wall and mark where the brackets for attaching the sink will be located, try to install the product in a preliminary place and evaluate the correctness of the chosen position and ease of use. The next step will be the installation of the brackets, on which the sink will subsequently be placed. Once this stage is done, work begins with the pipes and the siphon is installed first. The corrugated pipe is connected either with the siphon of the machine, or is discharged into the sewer.
As soon as the siphon has been installed, it is checked that it is working and that there are no leaks. Only then can you start installing the mixer. When everything is ready, the sink is screwed tightly with a special hook, and at the junction with the wall, if there is one, it is coated with sealant. The installation of the sink takes place in the absence of a washing machine, and only when the washbasin is in place, its operability has been checked, you can proceed to the installation of the machine itself.
Mounting
When installing the washbasin, and behind it the washing machine, it is important to perform all the actions in the correct sequence. The first is the sink, and then the household appliances. When buying a sink, it is important to check if there are brackets included. If they are not there, you need to purchase these materials right on the spot, which will be suitable for a specific type of sink, because there are many options, and not all are suitable for a particular sink.
The bracket can be fastened with both dowels and anchors. When installing them, it is important not to hammer them all the way in order to be able to adjust the position of the washbasin. When the supports are ready, you can start assembling the sink, to which the mixer and flexible pipes with hot and cold water are attached. If the design of the sink involves a drain-overflow system, then the next step is to install it. The installation of a drain siphon and a drainage pipe will be the final stage.
Each fastener is checked several times for leaks. For critical elements, additional gaskets and clamps can be installed, and some can even be covered with silicone sealant. Once everything is assembled, the sink is installed on the brackets and everything is checked.If all the elements are in place and in working order, then the anchors or dowels are tightened and the sink is installed in its permanent place.
Before the sink is installed on the brackets, it is best to apply sealant to them.to avoid negative effects on the surface of the sink. Once it is dry, you can install. Once everything is in place, you can connect pipes with cold and hot water and sewer. Only after a complete check of all pipes and the stability of the washbasin is a washing machine installed under it. It is necessary to adjust its height correctly so that it does not come into contact with the sink.
The washing machine is connected to cold water and drains in order to work fully. As soon as all the work is completed, it is necessary to start the household appliance and check its operability and interaction with the sink. Thus, installing a sink over a washing machine with your own hands is not something impossible, the main thing is to follow the instructions and do everything right.
Installing a siphon
During the assembly of the siphon, it is important to coat each element that will curl with a sealant, this minimizes the possibility of water leakage. The structure is twisted even before the sink itself is installed, when the fasteners for it are not yet tightened. The details of modern sewerage and water pipes are quite fragile, therefore it is important not to apply excessive force, twisting them, especially for the siphon and similar elements.
The washing machine has its own separate branch pipe into which the drain hose is screwed. It is better to secure it with a screw tightening. The siphon must be connected to the sewer. It is best to bend the corrugation by making a knee and secure it with electrical tape or the like. This will help prevent unpleasant sewer odor from entering the washing machine and into the room.
Installing the mixer is the final step. It is most often installed in the wall and rarely on the sink itself. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions at each stage of the work, because the materials of each brand have their own characteristics, which you need to be familiar with. As soon as the siphon and all other elements are installed, you can turn on the water and try to use the sink.
Mixer installation
Due to the fact that the sink "water lily" has non-standard dimensions, the place for the mixer, which under normal conditions is in the middle on the back wall, in this case is shifted to a corner. Most often, the hole is located on the right side, but other options can be found if they are more convenient for a particular room. The most popular option, however, is washbasins without a tap hole, which are mounted directly into the wall, which gives more space in the bathroom.
If the washbasin has a hole for the mixer, then to install it, you must carefully read the instructions, and then start working. The top of the equipment is placed in the hole, and the bottom is connected using a flexible hose and fitting. It is important to use additional spacers wherever the mixer is twisted to avoid leaks. Fum tape, which seals the joints, also helps.
Once all the elements have been installed, you need to make a test water supply to check the operation of the mixer, which will show if there is a leak in the pipes. If everything is in order, then you can continue to work with household appliances, if not, then you will have to unwind everything again and re-tighten, holding all the elements a little tighter, but without excessive efforts.
If there is no tap hole on the sink, then it can be installed in the walls., placing pipes in it in advance, leaving only the layering on which the water supply system is attached.But you can use a much simpler option, installing the sink so that the bathroom faucet reaches it, making it possible to wash your hands and do whatever is necessary. In this case, it is important to move the sink towards the bathroom in order to make a small overlap, which will prevent moisture from entering the machine when the mixer spout moves to and from the sink.
Usage: tips
For convenient use of the washbasin located above the washing machine, it is important to consider the choice of the household appliance itself. Standard models come with larger dimensions than are needed in a small bathroom, where it is important to use every square meter functionally. In order for the sink to be at the optimum height for a person, you need to buy a mini washing machine, which should be not only small in height, but also narrow.
Modern devices are available in a wide variety of configurations and assemblies, however, non-standard sizes are less popular, therefore they are much more expensive in price. Before equipping the bathroom with additional space for a washbasin, you should think carefully and weigh the pros and cons.
When choosing a washbasin for such purposes, you need to buy models with a minimum depth and a horizontal drain that goes to the wall. In the process of installing the sink over the machine, it is important to install it so that both elements do not touch each other, because the density of the fasteners will be disturbed by vibrations and the flow will begin.
When choosing a sink, it is important to focus on the existing dimensions of the washing machine. The edges of the washbasin should be larger than the machine to protect it from moisture. Despite the various options and shapes of shells, this rule is extremely important to follow. If next to the sink there is a bathroom with a mixer with a long cabin, then it is best to take a sink without a tap hole. When a shower stall is installed in the bathroom, the mixer is located either on the right in the corner of the sink, or is built into the wall.
Models and reviews
Since the market for goods is constantly expanding, it is important to understand what these or those products of different companies, sizes and shapes are.
Some of the most sought-after options have certain characteristics.
- "Messenger Water Lily Quatro" is a sink with dimensions 60x60 cm, made in the shape of a square. The material is faience, the coating is enamel, the drain is located near the back wall, there is a place for a mixer, which is installed in the center of the washbasin.
- "Water lily Yuni-50", "Water lily Yuni-60" - sinks with dimensions 60 by 60 and 60 by 50 cm. The corners in these products have a rounded shape. Material - faience, coating - enamel. The faucet is located in the center of the sink and the drain is next to it. This product has a waste-overflow function.
- Sanrif "Indigo" - sink with dimensions 60x60 cm. Material - high quality lithium marble. Complete with siphon and brackets. The drain is covered with a stylized soap dish. The drain is located at the back of the sink, which led to a depth of 9 cm. In the reviews, the high quality of the product and its accessories can be noted. Most consumers note the excellent external characteristics of the model and the cost corresponding to this option. No significant deficiencies were identified.
- Sunrif "Ultramarine" - the width and length of the product are 60 centimeters. The material is lithium marble of high quality and environmental characteristics. The kit includes brackets and a siphon. The drain is located at the back and is covered by a stylish soap dish. The depth of the sink is 11 cm.
- Santek "Pilot" - dimensions 60 by 50 cm. Equipped with an overflow system. The material is faience. Comes with a siphon. We can note the stylish design of the product, convenient dimensions, allowing you to use the sink even under a standard typewriter.Among the shortcomings, there was a rapid clogging of the horizontal siphon, shortcomings in its design, which do not allow to quickly drain water, which provokes its stagnation and contamination of the product. Most consumers are satisfied and highly rated this washbasin.
- "Messenger Water Lily Compact" - has non-standard dimensions and appearance. Its size is 53 by 56 and the depth is 14 cm. The material is earthenware, the place for the mixer is located on the left side. Drainage at the rear wall on the right. The quality of the product is good and the unusual design attracts attention.
- "Lux-Light" - the sink has dimensions 60 x 62 and a standard depth. There is a tap hole and an overflow system. The drain is located close to the place under the mixer, which makes it possible to quickly install. According to reviews, it is considered the most thoughtful and proven model, easy to use and without significant drawbacks.
- Ikea - shells of this brand are considered to be of high quality, beautiful and relatively inexpensive. The slim shapes and small dimensions allow such a sink to fit into even the smallest bathroom. A variety of options makes it possible to create a unique style in the room or replenish an existing one. Customer reviews speak of the reliability of this product, an interesting appearance and compactness. A number of shortcomings are also noted: problems with the packaging, the inconvenient shape of the product for washing hands, the poor inclination of the sink towards the drain, which makes it difficult to care for it.
There are a lot of sink options that can be installed above the washing machine, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to be aware of.
Successful examples
To create a beautiful and practical bathroom interior, you need to correctly position the furniture and plumbing in it. Free zones can be made functional depending on the availability of household appliances.
If there is a lot of space in the shower, then it is not necessary to install the sink above the washing machine, moreover, it is advisable to place it next to it, which will ensure both comfort of use and greater safety. Above the machine there will be a tabletop on which you can put everything you need, and under the sink, if you wish, you can put a basket for washing or leave the space free.
If the bathroom is combined and has small dimensions, then all the elements will be located next to each other. If you have a bath with a mixer with a long spout, you do not need to mount it at all on the sink, which is located above the machine. This will make it easier to install and will cost a little less to repair.
In a small bathroom, it is important to have a place to store all the necessary things. If there is little space near the washing machine, then it makes sense to move the sink to the side and place a cabinet with shelves under it, where all the little things will be. The advantage of this option is that you can use a standard washing machine, because the sink is almost flush with it.
The faucet can be installed in the middle of the washbasin and the drain close to it. The interesting appearance of the soap dish serves not only to decorate the product, but also disguises the drain hole. The small depth of the sink allows it to be installed almost close to the machine.
The mixer can be located in the corner, right or left. The drain in this case will be in the center of the sink. An additional function can be considered the complete set of the overflow system, which will protect against pouring water out of the sink if it overflows. The considerable depth will allow you to fully use the washbasin without causing any problems and discomfort.
How to install a sink over a washing machine, see the video below.
We had a typewriter in the bathroom, at first it took up a lot of space.Recently, it was placed compactly next to the sink. We had to look for a shorter hose for connecting to the drain. The machine washes as well as before with all reconnections. And it began to collect water faster.
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