Installing a washing machine in the kitchen - we do it all ourselves

Washing machine in the kitchen with different layouts

Sometimes the appliances are too noisy, in which case you need tight kitchen doors made of durable material that can be closed, and the problem will go away on its own. If there is an arch instead of doors in the kitchen or the machine is installed in a studio apartment, when purchasing equipment, pay attention to its technical characteristics. Keeping the kitchen unit door closed will also help reduce noise levels. You can place the machine on a porcelain stoneware or ceramic tile floor. The equipment becomes more stable and vibrations are reduced.

Washing machine under the countertop in the kitchen
Household appliances under the countertop save room space and do not interfere with the interior at all Source remontbp.com

How to install SMA in the kitchen?

The washing machine is usually installed near the sink. This is easier - the source and drain of water are closer. You can, of course, put it in any closet or niche, but then you will have to lay additional pipes to the location of the device. Let's look at the entire installation process step by step.

Unboxing

The new equipment has been delivered and must be properly unpacked before being connected. To prevent the tank from dangling during transportation, it is secured with special transport bolts. It is prohibited to turn on the device without removing the transport fasteners. Unpack carefully - open the box, take out the machine, remove the plastic from it, remove the foam, put it all back in the box. Then unscrew the transport fasteners - now the device can be connected to communications.

Transport bolts SMA

How to diagnose SMA?

Washing devices should only be placed on stable and hard surfaces. Adjustable legs are set to the building level. The machine should not swing - all 4 points of contact of the legs with the floor should be in the same plane.

If you do not install the equipment correctly, it will vibrate during operation, and its parts will wear out excessively. If the SMA is placed in a closet, then the base of the set is removed so that all the furniture does not vibrate. Advantages of installing the washing machine on the floor:

  • High-quality balancing - ensures correct operation of the imbalance control system.
  • Vibrations are transmitted to the floor - the furniture does not shake.

If it is not possible to place the machine on the floor, strengthen the base of the furniture - it should be stable and motionless. Adjust the legs especially carefully using a level.

SMA connection diagram

How to connect SMA?

  1. Prepare to connect. Make sure the hoses can be routed to the water source and drain. If not, drill holes of the required diameter in the adjacent cabinets.
  2. Install the siphon. You need to buy a siphon with a pipe. If the length of the hoses is not enough, you can lengthen them - for example, build them up.
  3. Connect the inlet hose to the water supply. Turn off the water, cut a pipe, and install a tee valve in it. Connect the emergency valve and inlet hose to the tee. A valve is required so that in an emergency you can quickly turn off the water. You will turn off the water supply to the tank, but you will be able to use the water.
  4. Connect the drain hose to the sewer by extending it to the siphon.
  5. If there is no outlet nearby, one should be installed. Remember: the device requires a separate outlet. It is advisable to install a residual current device. The machine must be grounded - this will provide protection against electric shock.

Drain device from SMA

How to integrate a washing machine into a kitchen unit

Built-in appliances completely solve the issue of room design. This placement does not violate the integrity of the space and fits into any interior. The body of the structure is completely adjacent to the walls and ceiling of the kitchen cabinet. It is possible to additionally equip the doors so that the front part of the machine is also hidden. In this case, special hinges are attached to the doors and to the body of the machine.

Built-in washing machine in the kitchen
A miniature washing machine is ideal for a small direct kitchen Source fastpost.org

A built-in washing machine in a small kitchen is an ideal solution for making the most of space. You can place the equipment at any level, and there will be no gaps or cracks. The high installation protects the spine of the apartment owner. This position allows you to conveniently load things into the drum without bending over.

Washing machine built into the kitchen unit
Symmetrical cabinets with built-in appliances make the kitchen modern and original, without violating the integrity of the space Source rerooms.ru

If the kitchen has a built-in small refrigerator, you can place the machine under it. The main thing is that the size of the niche matches the size of the equipment. The only drawback is that to implement such a design you will have to use more costs from the budget.

The option of placing a washing machine in a cabinet shaped like a symmetrical refrigerator looks good. The niches are filled one by one with the necessary household appliances: dishwasher, dryer and washing machine.

Built-in appliances can be placed anywhere in the kitchen space. It is more practical to place it next to the sink, in the so-called “wet zone”.

Washing machine under the countertop

Even the smallest kitchen has space for a countertop. You need to use the space underneath it rationally. To do this, you need to replace the usual kitchen cabinet for storing things with household appliances. Pots and plates fit well on hanging shelves. A washing machine in the kitchen under the countertop is the fastest and easiest way to install. This solution saves space and does not require large expenses. In a small apartment, the countertop is often combined with a window sill.

Washing machine under the countertop
The location of the washing machine under the countertop saves space and looks harmonious against the background of white tiles in the work area Source archidea.com.ua

The machine always remains in sight; the absence of a door provides free access when loading things before washing and constant monitoring of the process. If the design of the equipment does not fit well into the overall scheme of the room, it is advisable to decorate the front part with decorative stickers or artistic painting.

Washing machine in a small kitchen
A white washing machine and a white stove look great in an interior with a wood-effect kitchen unit Source archidea.com.ua

When choosing a model, special attention should be paid to colors. It is ideal if the shade is similar to the color scheme of the kitchen set or countertop. If the store only offers traditional white cars, don’t be upset. This color is universal and will fit into almost any style and design.

Kitchen design with washing machine
Placing the washing machine and dryer next to the sink will ensure easy and simple installation of equipment Source remontbp.com

Is it worth it?

Advantages and disadvantages

In this case, the question arises whether it is possible to install a washing machine in the kitchen or in the hallway. Some people initially plan it in the kitchen, considering this a practical solution.

Before you begin installation, pay attention to a number of factors: the pros and cons of this solution, how to design the device in the kitchen interior, installation features, and how the connection process occurs.

Installing a washing machine in the kitchen has its advantages:

  • Saving space in the bathroom.
  • The washing machine is always in sight. An emergency breakdown will be noticed faster.
  • Washed clothes do not stay in the drum for long. If you often forget to hang up your laundry, then more household members in the kitchen will remember about it.
  • You can install a full-size machine.

In each individual case, these advantages will seem controversial, so you should make a decision based on your specific situation. In addition, the machine in the kitchen also has significant disadvantages:

  • It is problematic to install a machine with a vertical loading type.
  • Questionable aesthetic appearance.
  • The machine gets dirty while cooking.
  • It is inconvenient to store powder and dirty laundry.
  • Excessive noise in the kitchen.

Washing machine behind the door set

Often household appliances are hidden behind kitchen cabinet doors. This accommodation option is one of the most popular. There is no need to fit the washing machine into the interior of the room. Closed doors save kitchens in retro style: English, antique, Provence, country, Empire, vintage. In such a situation, a modern, innovative washing machine is simply not appropriate.

Country style kitchen with washing machine
The cabinet can successfully accommodate a dryer and washing machine if there is enough space in the kitchen Source remontbp.com

A lot of free space is needed around a hidden machine. For the equipment to function properly, the doors on the headset must open and close well. There should be space left in the cabinet to accommodate the hoses. A washing machine for a small kitchen will have to be of reduced depth, with a small drum.

Washing machine in a loft style kitchen
A washing machine covered with wooden doors fits perfectly into a loft-style kitchen Source remontbp.com

Leave a small gap on the left side when placing equipment behind the door. This will help avoid any hassles when pulling out the powder drawer. If possible, the optimal door opening angle is 90 degrees. Thus, nothing will interfere with full use of the drum. The cabinet for the machine can be located anywhere in the kitchen, even under the sink.

Washing machine behind the kitchen doors
A washing machine can be easily hidden in a kitchen cabinet; the main thing is to choose the right size of the equipment or make a custom-made set Source krovati-i-divany.ru

Connection process

Once the issue of location and design has been resolved, you can proceed directly to the connection. To avoid troubles after installing a washing machine, it is best to use the services of a specialist. But it is possible to install a washing machine correctly in the kitchen yourself if you strictly follow the instructions. It is usually included with a set of documents for the device.

  1. Check the electrical system in the kitchen. The washing machine consumes quite a lot of electricity. Make sure that your electrical system is capable of operating such a device. In addition to the machine, you will often need to simultaneously use a refrigerator, electric kettle, microwave or other household appliances. It is better to route the wiring separately. The socket must be installed with grounding.
  2. Level the floor under the washing machine. It should stand on a flat surface. If there are minor irregularities, you can adjust the legs. In case of more noticeable unevenness, efforts will need to be made to level it. To make sure the device is level, try rocking it. The machine will wobble if the floor is uneven.
  3. Install a triple pipe with a tap on the cold water pipe. It is advisable to have a tap to turn off the water during an emergency.
  4. We connect the hose from the washing machine to the tap.
  5. Next, we connect the machine to the sewer. First, the drain hose is inserted into the pipe. We place one end into the sewer drain, and the other to the washing machine. We send the third one to the sink.
  6. The last stage is installing the countertop.

The washing machine can be installed in the kitchen, it does not spoil the interior. It is important to choose a model with the required dimensions, fit it correctly into the kitchen set and connect it correctly.

It is quite possible to install the washing machine yourself. This does not require special experience, but consistency and thoroughness are required.

Positioning the Top Loading Machine

Front-loading models are not always the right size for your kitchen. The small width of the vertical washing machine (40-45 cm) is the main reason for purchasing this equipment.

There are fewer options for placing a vertical model than a regular one:

  • separate from the kitchen unit, against the wall;
  • under the folding tabletop, in a free corner;
  • built into the space under the bar counter with a folding top.

There is less noise in the kitchen with a vertical washing machine. The design drum is more fixed and therefore produces less vibration. The vertical model is simple and laconic in design. If there are children in the house, the high position of the buttons will ensure safety while in the kitchen. The vertical machine allows you to add items already during the washing process. You can easily pause the drum and load what you forgot in the first place.

Which machine to choose for the kitchen
Vertical washing machines are considered more reliable than front-facing models Source design-homes.ru

Pros and cons of a washing machine in the kitchen

When choosing a location for a washing machine, you need to weigh the pros and cons.

Kitchen interior with built-in washing machine
A modern interior can easily hide a washing machine in a cabinet under a small bar counter Source mykitchendesign.ru

The main advantages of the location in the kitchen:

  • all necessary communications are already “at hand” - sewerage, pipes;
  • optimal air circulation in the kitchen reduces humidity in the room - this is a significant plus for electrical wiring and the metal body of equipment (corrosive processes are excluded);
  • frees up space in the bathroom;
  • You can start washing at any time, and it is not at all a hindrance if someone takes water procedures.


Washing machine in the kitchenThe proximity of the washing machine and the sink in the kitchen will ensure easy connection of equipment; the necessary communications are nearby: sewer drain and pipes Source dizainkyhni.com
A few disadvantages:

  • After washing, the drum of the washing machine must be ventilated; an open door in the front model will interfere with passage through the kitchen;
  • dirty laundry, which is stored inside the front washing machine, spoils the appearance of the entire space, while spreading an unpleasant odor;
  • Noise during laundry can disrupt conversation at the dinner table.

Installing a washing machine in the kitchen
The blue color of the washing machine fits perfectly into the marine style of the kitchen Source roomester.ru

It is better to store powder, rinse aid, bleach and other supplies in the bathroom. The proximity of food chemicals to food products in the kitchen is completely illogical.

Plan for placing a washing machine in the kitchen
Roman curtains, pastel colors of the kitchen unit and white household appliances fill the kitchen space with freshness Source roomester.ru

How to place a washing machine in the kitchen
A washing machine built into a kitchen unit makes a modern interior more functional Source roomester.ru

Washing machine in the kitchen in retro style
A washing machine hidden behind a curtain looks very nice; this solution will suit kitchens with an antique touch. Source roomester.ru

Methods for installing the washing machine

There are several options for installing a washing machine:

  1. Full installation in the headset.
  2. Partial installation in a set (for example, under a tabletop and door).
  3. Separate from the kitchen unit.

Full installation

By purchasing a built-in washing machine and installing it in a kitchen unit, you can completely camouflage the washing machine behind the facade, creating complete unity of surfaces. Using this method, the kitchen interior will be more attractive, while the room will visually increase. If the room is small, then it is advisable to use this particular option for placing the washing machine.

Disadvantage of built-in models: small range, more expensive cost, you need to unscrew the door and take the machine out of the box if the device needs to be repaired.

The only difference between built-in models and regular ones is that the former do not have a side or top protective wall. There are hinges at the front where the facade is attached.

You can also build a washing machine into the end of the kitchen unit. In this case, you need to choose a washing machine width of about 62-65 cm.

As for devices with top-folding linen, they can also be installed in a set, but this is done in a slightly non-standard way - under an opening tabletop, for example, under a bar counter.

Recommendations:

  1. Ideally, the washing machine should be installed near the sink and dishwasher (regardless of whether it is a built-in model or not). This facilitates connection to communication systems and also simplifies ease of use. This way you can organize a kind of “wet” zone in which detergents are stored and there is constant access to water. In general, the unit can be built into any zone, the only exception being the cooking stove.
  2. It is advisable to entrust installation to a kitchen set to a specialist.
  3. It is necessary to make the box so that the drain filter is always in the access area, and not completely covered by the facade.

How to hide a washing machine in the kitchen

Partial installation

You can also install a regular washing machine with front-facing laundry in the kitchen set. The most important thing is to choose the right model that fits in size. This is very easy to do, since all sizes are standard and most often easily fit under the countertop.

Most often, the height of the countertop is in the range of 85-89 cm, and the height of the washing machine is usually 86 cm. If the device is slightly larger than required, it’s okay, the manufacturer probably provides the possibility of installing a washing machine and there is a removable panel on the equipment.

To remove it, you only need to unscrew a few bolts from the back. This reduces the height of the equipment by several centimeters. And to protect the washing machine from possible leaks and dirt, the top is covered with a decorative plastic sheet or covered with polyethylene.

There are several ways to disguise a washing machine under a countertop - without a door or with one.

Installation without a door is characterized by ease of installation. All you need is to choose a washing machine that fits in size and install it under the countertop. If the equipment requires repair or needs to be transported, you can easily remove the equipment from the niche.

But due to the fact that the front part of the washing device is visible, and there are small gaps near the body, the interior will not be as attractive as a complete installation. At the same time, the open part of the front panel and the gaps between the body require constant maintenance of the washing area clean and tidy.

Recommendations:

  1. To make the washing machine located under the countertop look presentable, it is best to choose it to match the color of the kitchen unit (the range of this equipment is small, but you can still choose) and as close in size as possible to the niche you have made.
  2. Do not forget that if the washing machine is installed near a wall, then the countertop must be secured to it, and not just placed on the lid of the washing machine.
  3. An ordinary washing machine can be decorated with vinyl stickers.
  4. In rustic-style rooms, baroque equipment can be disguised behind a beautiful curtain chosen to match the color of the interior.
  5. The most successful color of equipment is white or gray (stainless steel).

Also, the washing machine can be completely hidden behind the cabinet door if you choose equipment with a depth of 46-52 cm. In this size, the equipment can be placed in a niche and the necessary distance for the drain hose can be arranged. But when choosing a model, it is recommended to measure the depth not by taking into account the size of the case, but by the door of the washing machine with the most convex areas.

Adviсe:

  1. To organize access to the filter, you need to make sure that the kitchen base can be easily removed and installed back.
  2. It is best that the door can open more than 100 degrees. This makes it easier to put laundry in the drum of the washing machine and remove it from there.
  3. To ensure that the container for filling the washing powder does not rest against the door hinges when opening, you need to provide a small gap from the corresponding part of the washing machine.

Stationary installation

If the kitchen space is already equipped, then the washing machine can simply be placed in the nearest free area near the sink. If the room is small, it is best to purchase shallow equipment (46-52 cm) or a completely small-sized model with vertical stacking of linen.

If necessary, the washing machine can be installed away from the working part of the kitchen area and even separated by a curtain.

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