Sinks over the washing machine: what are they?
Arrangement of any room requires the correct choice of furniture and all elements of the interior, so that they are in place and fully fulfill their role. Bathroom furnishing is a bit more complicated than an ordinary living room, because the dimensions of the room are very small, and it has quite a lot of functional tasks. In this case, it is extremely important to correctly select all the elements of the room and place them in their places. If the bathroom has a washing machine, then you need 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 necessary element of plumbing.
Types and features
If it is planned to install a washing machine in the bathroom, then this should be done so that the functionality of the room does not suffer.The part of the space that the machine will take must be mastered, otherwise the device simply hides part of the place and, in fact, will interfere. If you install a sink over the machine, you can fully wash, brush your teeth and do all the necessary hygienic 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 minimal space costs, they are made flat and as wide as possible. Due to the small height, their location practically does not change, therefore any member of the family is comfortable to use it, and a large volume helps protect the machine from moisture. Due to its appearance, this type of shell is called the “water lily” or “shell”.
Due to the fact that the sink is long, if necessary, several people can use it. With such plumbing equipment just to teach a child to wash hands or brush teeth, without fear that he will splash everything around. The design feature also consists in the fact that the sink is suspended, it is not installed on the cabinet or other device, it is enough to build in small fasteners and install this element of sanitary ware.
The depth of such products is 20 cm, width usually reaches 60 cm, and depth - 50 cm. Particular here will be the structure of the drain system. In the sink itself, the hole can be like that of ordinary products, or it can shift to one side. The structure of the pipe is different from the usual, it is slightly lowered down from the drain, and then retracted back where it goes into the siphon.
For sinks of this type, even siphons should be special, they can be bundled or purchased additionally. It is best to choose the option where the drain of the machine is additionally connected, which will facilitate its connection to the sewage system. The mixer is also purchased at the rate of being under the sink household appliances. If you find all the necessary elements, 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 it is made "water lilies", built-in above the washing machine. This material is well resistant to any shocks and is insensitive to household chemicals, which is very important for the bath.A great advantage is the ability to imitate natural stone of different types. Products made of polymer concrete are so similar to stone that not everyone can find differences.
If you want to buy something special, then for the bathroom you can buy a sink from other materials. The most popular are glass, acrylic, metal and ceramic variations. Since the product is, in fact, made of artificial stone, its cost is lower than that of 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 maybe oval and square, which depends on the dimensions of the washing machine in the first place. The corners of such products can be smooth or rounded. For lovers of unusual shapes, there are original samples of fancy 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.
The dimensions of the sink is important to choose depending on the size of the machine. It is important that the width of the device is not less than 10 cm.This allows you to save appliances from water and extend its service life. It is important to consider such protection for those machines in which the control panel is located on the upper part, and not in front. If the machine is narrow and does not exceed 40 cm in size, then the best option for the size of the sink will be 60x50, and for wide machines with a width of 50 cm the optimal size of the sink will be 60x60. Most of the time, small cars are bought for bathrooms, which helps to save space, because sinks with dimensions of 60 x 50 cm are most in demand.
Shape and drain
Since the interior of the bathroom is no less important than any other room, the shape of the sink will play a significant role in decorating the space. So, besides the standard rectangular shape with smooth 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 shape without sharp corners will make the room safer.
The inner part of the sink may also differ, depending on the drain and its location.If it is in the middle, then the appearance does not have any special features, but if the hole is shifted closer to the back wall, then the water will drain back sharply. From the depth of the product depends on its appearance. The smallest will be a sink with a recess of 8 cm, and the largest - 20 cm.
As for the drain, it is located closer to the back wall, and sometimes right on the wall itself.
In the sink, there are two options for the shape of the drain.
- Round. In the sink, the hole for the flow of water has the shape of a circle, and the siphon in this case is used flat, placed just 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. From the positive sides, we can distinguish fast water flow and minimal clogging.
- Slit It assumes the location of the siphon closer to the back wall of the sink. In this case, the siphon is outside the washing machine and does not threaten it, even if it begins to leak. Among the shortcomings it is possible to note the small width of the hole and its frequent clogging, which makes it clean from time to time.
Some models have a drain-overflow system, which controls the amount of water in the sink and does not allow it to overflow, while filling the machine. Also in the sink can additionally be installed plugs or automatic systems.
If there is a desire to do something special in the bathroom, you can resort to another type of sink:
- built-in sink, which is placed on the table with a pedestal or in the countertop;
- patch shell, which can also be installed in a chair or countertop.
The choice of option depends on the dimensions of the room and financial possibilities, because the built-in and overhead structures will cost an order of magnitude more expensive. Sinks with side drains will be more convenient than those located in the middle, and the back position is considered the safest and the best for the bathroom.
Complete set: options
In addition to the simple option of installing the 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 not located 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 reference to household appliances.The convenience of this option is that it is possible to place bedside tables and shelves under the sink, where it is convenient to place all the little things needed in everyday life.
The location of the washing machine under the table top allows you to protect it from any penetration of moisture, both from above and from under the sink. 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 regular sink, moreover, not every bathroom has space to accommodate such a number of elements.
If you want to make a sink with a tabletop, you can order it from the masters or try your hand at this. For the manufacture of the base under the sink, you must decide on the material. The tree and all its variants and stone are considered the most popular. It is better to entrust work with a stone to professionals, and with a tree you can try to manage it yourself. However, the most convenient material for self-manufacturing countertops is considered to be drywall.
To work with this material you need to take care of the availability of tools and materials:
- profile, preferably aluminum;
- screws for metal work;
- sheet of moisture resistant drywall.
To make the countertop under the sink, you need to correctly determine the height of the future structure and fix the profiles at this level. After this, the creation of a future frame begins, which will later become a tabletop. As soon as everything is ready, the frame is sheathed with drywall pieces prepared in size, holes are made for washing and draining.
Before installing the sink and pipes, you need to finish the plasterboard construction, for which a mosaic or small tile is best suited. The remaining space under the sink is convenient to do in the form of a cabinet with shelves or a bedside table. The choice of option depends on the possibilities of both material and personal, whether there is a desire to construct something with your own hands.
Pros and cons of design
When planning the arrangement of the bathroom, it is important to think through every little thing in order to organically fit all the elements into a single small space. If the room has space for a bathroom, the presence of a sink is optional,but when a booth is installed, the absence of space for comfortable hand washing, washing, brushing teeth and other hygiene procedures becomes very noticeable. That is why in the conditions of small bathrooms it is common practice to combine the sink with a washing machine.
Saving space in the presence of useful functions and is the main advantage of combining the sink with appliances. In addition, the sink for such cases should be unusual, which often adds a certain charm to the room, makes it stand out and even decorates it. Placement above the washing machine allows you to combine drains and minimize the work on the installation of both elements.
There are in this case a number of serious flaws.
- Fit household appliances to the size of the sink and the dimensions of the room. If you buy a regular machine, it is not always convenient in relation to the use of washing and makes it difficult to use. Non-standard cars are more expensive and not easy to find them.
- Due to the unconventional dimensions of the machine, the amount of laundry that fits in it will be much smaller than in conventional devices, which would be very inconvenient if the family consists of a large number of people.
- To combine the sink and the machine does not fit the usual product, since the drain should be located closer to the back wall, and the depth of the sink is recommended the smallest.
- Due to the peculiarities of the construction of the “water lily” sink with side and rear drainage, not all the liquid will leave, therefore it will need to be cleaned independently. This will increase the time to care for the product. In addition, the sink will need to be cleaned regularly, especially if it has a sink in the form of a slit.
- It is problematic to make a quick installation due to insufficient space in the bathroom. Even an experienced master will not be easy to mount everything needed to install the car wash above the machine, not to mention a person without proper experience.
Only by weighing all the pros and cons can you decide which option is convenient for a particular room and owner, which will bring the installation of the sink over appliances - the joy of functional use of space or the problems of installation and care in her care.
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.This may be a “bowl” or “plate”, a variant that is deeper and more curved.
You can install these products:
- the sink-console is a hinged structure where the “water lily” is best suited;
- built-in - allows you to mount it on the tabletop, cabinet or table;
- invoice - as for the embedded version, you must have some kind of furniture, which will be applied to the sink.
With minimal bathroom dimensions, the optimal solution would be to arrange the sink directly above the machine, which saves space and makes the space functional. If the bathroom is large, you can purchase any cabinet or build a tabletop yourself for any room dimensions, placing a shelf or cabinet under the sink where you can fold everything you need. If there is no space for storage and there is a laundry basket under the sink or something else, then the optimal location of all the things needed in everyday life is the area of the tabletop, which is located above the machine. Using the space correctly, installing toothbrush containers, boxes for the necessary details, you can keep everything in order and the bathroom will look neat and stylish.
Electrical appliance: requirements
In order to rationally place in the bathroom all the fixtures, 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 choose the dimensions of the washing machine. For conventional household appliances there are certain sizes that may not always be convenient for placement in the bathroom.
If you pick up a washing machine, then you need to pay attention to certain components.
- The width of the product, which can be varied. The small size of the width of the equipment is recommended - up to 45 cm, because large dimensions will make the installation of the machine itself and the sink over it a very problematic matter;
- The height of the equipment should be optimal for convenient 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 optimum height of the technique for this will be 60-70 cm.
- A suitable type of loading things for combining the sink with appliances - frontal, while the top cover will not allow you to easily use the machine.
Buying a machine before selecting and installing a sink will be a much better solution than the reverse process. Having household appliances available, it will be easier for her to choose a sink and place everything as convenient as possible so that the use of the sink does not interfere with the work with the machine.
Washbasin installation
In order to properly install the sink over the machine, you need to know a number of important rules that you need to think about first.
- Installing the sink with a small gap from household appliances, so that the pipes do not touch the machine. In addition to the danger of a short circuit when water comes into contact with the appliance, there is a high probability that the pipes will spin up due to the constant vibration of the device.
- Installing a sink, you need to ensure that it protrudes above the surface of the machine. This will save it from splashing and water on 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 avoid unforeseen situations.
When planning the installation of the sink above the washing machine, you need to take care of the right choice, it should be flat and with the sink moved to the back wall.If only the sink will be used, then the “water lily” would be the best choice, but when there is an opportunity to put a more bulky structure in the bathroom, then the surface-mounted sink, which is installed in the cabinet or on the countertop, would be the best option.
To install the washbasin, first of all you need to mark the wall and mark where the brackets for fixing the sink will be, try to install the product in a preliminary place and evaluate the correctness of the selected position and usability. The next step is to install the brackets, which will later be placed sink. As soon as this stage is done, work begins on the pipes and the siphon is installed first. The corrugated pipe is joined either to the siphon of the typewriter or to the sewage system.
Once the siphon has been installed, its operation and the absence of leaks are checked. Only then can you take up the installation of 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 a sealant. The installation of the sink takes place in the absence of a washing machine, and only when the washstand is in place, its performance has been checked, can the installation of the machine itself begin.
Installation
When installing the washbasin, and after it the washing machine, it is important to perform all the actions in the correct sequence. The first is a sink, and then household appliances. When buying a sink, it is important to believe if there are brackets in the kit. If they are not there, you need to purchase these materials on the spot, which will be suitable for a specific type of sink, because there are quite a few options, and not all are suitable for a particular wash basin.
Mount the bracket can be both dowels and anchors. When installing them, it is important not to drive them all the way in order to be able to adjust the position of the washbasin. When the supports are ready, you can begin assembling the sink, to which the mixer and flexible pipes with hot and cold water are attached. If the shell design involves a drain-overflow system, the next step is to install it. The installation of a drain siphon and drain pipe will be the final stage.
Each mount is checked several times for leaks. For particularly important elements, you can install additional gaskets and clamps, and some even cover 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 condition, the anchor or dowel is tightened and the sink is installed in its permanent place.
Before the sink is installed on the brackets, it is better to apply a sealant on themto avoid negative effects on the surface of the sink. Once it dries, you can make the installation. Once everything is in place, you can connect pipes with hot and cold water and sewage. Only after a complete check of all the pipes and the stability of the sink, a washing machine is installed under it. It is necessary to properly adjust its height so that it does not come into contact with the sink.
The washing machine is connected to cold water and drains in order to fully work. As soon as all the work is completed, it is necessary to start the household appliance and check its working capacity 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 correctly.
Siphon installation
During siphon assembly, it is important that each element be twisted, smeared with sealant, this minimizes the possibility of water leakage. The design is twisted before the installation of the shell itself, when the fasteners for it are not yet tightened. Details of modern sewage and water pipes are rather fragile, therefore it is important not to apply excessive force, twisting them, especially it concerns siphon and similar elements.
For the washing machine there is a separate pipe in which the drain hose is screwed. It is better to fasten a screw tightening. Siphon must be connected to the sewer drain. It is best to bend the corrugation, making the knee and fasten with electrical tape or similar means. This will help prevent unpleasant sewage from entering the washing machine and the room.
The installation of the mixer is the final stage. It is most often installed in the wall and rarely on the sink itself. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer at each stage of the work, because the materials of each brand have their own characteristics, which you need to be familiar with.Once 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 located in the middle on the back wall, in this case is shifted to the corner. Most often, the hole is placed on the right side, but other options can be found if they are more convenient for a particular room. However, the most popular option are sinks without a hole under the faucet, which is mounted directly into the wall, which gives more space in the bathroom.
If the sink has a hole for the mixer, then for its installation it is necessary to carefully read the instructions, and then proceed to work. The upper part of the equipment is placed in the hole, and from the bottom it is connected with a flexible hose and fitting. It is important to use additional gaskets in all twisting points of the mixer to avoid leakage. Well helps and fum-tape, which seals the connection.
Once all the elements have been installed, you need to make a test supply of water to check the operation of the mixer, which will show whether 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 have to unwind everything again and re-tighten, holding all the elements a little tighter, but without excessive effort.
If the sink does not have a hole for the mixer, then it can be mounted in the wallsby placing the pipes in it in advance, leaving only the layers to which the water supply system is mounted. But you can use a much simpler option by setting the sink so that the bathroom faucet reaches it, giving you the opportunity to wash your hands and do everything you need. In this case, it is important to move the sink to the side of the bathroom in order to make a small overlap, which will prevent moisture from getting on the machine at the moment when the mixer spout moves to and from the sink.
Use: 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 functionally use every square meter. To sink was 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 variety of configurations and assembliesHowever, non-standard sizes are less popular, because they are much more expensive in price. Before setting up an extra place for a washbasin in a bathroom, you should think carefully and weigh the pros and cons.
Choosing a sink 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 the two elements do not touch each other, because the density of fastenings will be disturbed by vibrations and flow will begin.
Choosing a sink, it is important to focus on the existing dimensions of the washing machine. The edges of the sink should be more cars to protect its moisture. Despite the various options and forms of shells, this rule is extremely important to follow. If there is a bathroom with a mixer with a long cabin next to the sink, then it is best to take a sink without a hole for the mixer. When a shower is installed in the bathroom, the faucet is located either on the right in the corner of the sink or mounted in 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.
- "The Quatro Water Lily" is a sink with dimensions of 60 by 60 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 the mixer, which is installed in the center of the washbasin.
- "Waterlily Yuni-50", "Waterlily Yuni-60" - shells with dimensions of 60 by 60 and 60 by 50 cm. The corners in these products have a rounded shape. Material - faience, coating - enamel. The mixer is located in the center of the sink, and the drain is next to it. This product has a drain-overflow function.
- Sanrif "Indigo" - a sink with dimensions of 60 by 60 cm. The material is high quality lithium marble. Complete with siphon and brackets. Drain closed stylized soap box. The drain is located behind the sink, which determined the depth of 9 cm. In reviews, you can note the high quality of the product and its components. Most consumers note the magnificent external characteristics of the model and the cost corresponding to such an option. Significant deficiencies were not identified.
- Sunrif Ultramarine - The width and length of the product is 60 centimeters. The material is lithium marble having high quality and environmental characteristics. Included are brackets and siphon. Drain is located behind and closes the stylish soap dish. The depth of the sink is 11 cm.
- Santek Pilot - dimensions 60 to 50 cm. It is equipped with an overflow system. Material - faience. Comes with a siphon. You can note the stylish design of the product, convenient size, allowing the use of the sink, even under a standard machine. Among the shortcomings, the rapid clogging of the horizontal siphon is noted, shortcomings in its design, which do not allow water to be quickly diverted, which provokes its stagnation and contamination of the product. Most consumers are satisfied and appreciated this washbasin.
- "The Water Lily Compact" - has non-standard dimensions and appearance. Its size is 53 by 56 and its depth is 14 cm. Material is faience, the space for the mixer is located on the left side. Drain from the back wall to the right. The quality of the product is good, and the unusual design attracts attention.
- "Lux-Light" - The shell has a size of 60 to 62 and standard depth.There is a hole for the mixer and overflow system. The drain is located near the place under the mixer, which allows for quick installation. Feedback is considered the most thoughtful and proven model, convenient to use and without significant drawbacks.
- Ikea - shells of this brand are considered high-quality, beautiful and relatively inexpensive. Elegant shapes and small sizes allow you to enter such a sink even in the smallest bathroom. A variety of options makes it possible to create a peculiar style in the room or to replenish an existing one. Customer reviews say about the reliability of this product, interesting appearance and compactness. A number of drawbacks are also noted: problems with the bundling, inconvenient shape of the product for washing hands, poor inclination of the sink towards the sink, which makes it difficult to care for it.
There are a lot of options for sinks that can be installed above the washing machine, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to know about.
Successful examples
To create a beautiful and practical bathroom interior you need to properly arrange the furniture and plumbing in it.Depending on the availability of household appliances, free zones can be made functional.
If there is a lot of space in the shower, then it is not necessary to install a sink over the washing machine, moreover, it is advisable to put it next to it, which will ensure both comfort of use and greater safety. Above the machine will be located a tabletop, on which you can put everything you need, and under the sink, if you want, you can put a laundry basket or leave space free.
If the bathroom is combined and has small dimensions, then all elements will be located next to each other. In the presence of a bath with a mixer with a long spout, you can never mount it at the sink, which is located above the machine. It will simplify its installation and repair will cost a bit cheaper.
In a small bathroom, it is important to have a place to store all the necessary things. If there is a 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 at the same level with it.
The mixer can be installed in the middle of the sink, and the drain is not far from it.The interesting appearance of the soap dish not only decorates the product, but also masks the drain hole. The small depth of the sink allows you to install it almost close to the typewriter.
The mixer can be located in the corner, on the right, and on the left. Drain in this case will be in the center of the sink. An additional function can be considered as a complete set of overflow system, which will protect against the pouring of water from the sink, if it overflows. Considerable depth will allow to fully use the sink without causing any problems and discomfort.
How to install the sink above the washing machine, see the video below.