Washer And Dryer In A Column: Installation Features, The Choice Of Shelf And Rack. Column Dimensions. Mounting Methods And Connection Tips

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

Today, very often people buy not only washing machines, but also tumble dryers. The difference between a drying machine and a washing machine with a drying function is that the “dryer” can process the entire volume of the washed laundry, while a washing machine is far from always. However, the additional device requires space for its installation, and it is not available in every apartment, especially a small one. What are the ways to resolve the issue of such an installation? There are several of them, but the most economical in terms of space is the installation of both machines in a column, that is, on top of each other.

Installation features

Dryers can also be different: with a hood, condensing or equipped with a heat pump. Different manufacturers produce different types of dryers . For example, the Beko models are some of the most affordable, and Bosch are traditional, classic dryers with a condensation system. Siemens cars are equipped with heat pumps, like Miele, but if the former are expensive, then the latter are more or less budgetary. Although Miele also has premium products.

The Swedish company Asko produces units in a very stylish design, but they also have a considerable price. However, the products of "Swedes" are famous for their quality, therefore, by purchasing a drying machine from this company, you are guaranteed to receive a reliable and beautiful product.

Each of these types is connected in its own way, since the principle of operation is different for everyone.

Extractor hoods dry laundry due to the fact that air and moisture are conducted into the ventilation system. Condensing models work like this: the air heats up, enters the container where the laundry is located, draws out moisture and moves through the heat exchanger. Then the moisture is condensed into a special tray, from which it must be drained after each drying cycle. Machines with a heat pump work on the same principle, only the air does not settle, but evaporates.

The most common dryers are with an exhaust principle of operation . They need not only to be placed next to the ventilation system, but also to be connected to the mains. If there is no possibility of removing the air duct, then it is better to purchase a condensation model with drainage either in a separate container or directly into the sewage system.

There are several ways to install clothes drying machines:

• on the washing machine;
• installation of units near each other, adjusting in height;
• in a specially designed niche or drying cabinet;
• under the common worktop.

The first option is most common, it is called "in a column". Its popularity is due to the economy of space, which is a very topical issue for most apartments.

To properly position the tumble dryer in a column on top of the washer, you will need to use the special fasteners that are sold with the dryer.

Location of equipment

Placing the “washing machine” and drying on top of each other is convenient not only in terms of saving space, but also in terms of saving time - linen can be transferred from one machine to another and not be carried anywhere else. However, if you have a top-loading washing machine, the "column" will definitely not work.

The washing machine must be set according to the level. The surface she stands on should be as flat as possible, ideally a concrete floor . Carpet or linoleum will generate very strong vibration. The wooden floor can be reinforced with special slats. On top of the washing machine, you need to install a tray on which the dryer will be installed. Next, you need to lay a layer of rubber seal between the surface of the washing machine and the pallet, this will help reduce the vibration of the upper device during the operation of the lower one. The stand must be bolted securely. The dryer is installed on a stand so that its feet fall directly into the recesses . The outer grooves are sealed with plugs.

The complexity of this operation should not be underestimated, as this installation method is considered the most difficult. It is important not only to correctly mount the structure, but also to do it in compliance with the rules and regulations of safety otherwise, the structure may collapse during operation.

It is strictly forbidden to put cars on top of each other without using mounts.

Installation methods

There are two ways to fix the structure:

• using the fasteners that come with the dryer;
• using additional slats that are mounted on the wall above the washing machine.

The second option is used very rarely, since it is more convenient to use fasteners for drying.

In addition to the fasteners, each dryer comes with an instruction manual, thanks to which you can install and securely fix it in the column above the “washer”.

Special mounts

These mounts are sold with the tumble dryer. They are best suited for mounting the dryer on the surface of a washing machine.

Reiki

The slats are attached to the wall directly above the surface of the washing machine. In fact, a kind of shelf is formed from them, on which the drying is installed.

It is imperative to calculate the load not only at rest, but also during the operation of the unit, so that the machine does not slip to the floor or collapse with the shelf from vibration.

Niche

The niche is made of drywall. In addition to him, you need metal corners, putty, fasteners, finishing materials, and, most likely, a person who will make a niche out of all this, suitable in height, width and depth for installing a dryer.

This option is acceptable only for those premises where there is sufficient space for the installation of household appliances.

A type of niche can be a rack , where a washing machine will be installed on the lower "shelf", and a drying machine on the upper one.

Connection rules

When the column is already formed, you need to connect it. The connection is made either to the ventilation system or to the sewage system - it depends on what type of drying belongs to.

If the connection is made to a ventilation system, it is easier. There is a special hole on the casing of the dryer; you need to bring and fix an air duct to it. It is flexible (in the form of a corrugation) and is fastened with a clamp, which is included in the kit. The second end of the corrugation is brought directly into the central ventilation, and if it is not there, then directly into the window. Of course, the window must be open while the dryer is running .… The corrugation can be bent, but you should not be zealous with this, since the larger the angle of its fold, the worse the exhaust system will work.

If you installed the column in a room where the air temperature is high enough, then the corrugation does not need to be put on top, this will contribute to the formation and collection of condensate. It is better if the corrugation goes at the same level as the drying.

The connection to the sewage system takes place through the use of a special drain hole in the dryer, to which a regular hose is connected. The very procedure for connecting to the sewer absolutely identical to the procedure for connecting a washing machine … The hose is led either directly into the drain, or during operation of the device is placed in the sink or toilet.

After the connection to the ventilation or sewage system has taken place, you need to connect the column to the home electrical network. To do this, you can organize a device with a separate line from the junction box, or you can connect using an outlet. An outlet is much simpler and more logical than drawing a separate line. The outlet must be chosen one that has a grounding … Also, the power grid must be equipped with protection in the form of an RCD and a circuit breaker so that it does not experience overloads and current leakage.

Do not arrange a double outlet and turn on the washer and dryer. This is fraught with overloading the outlet and melting it, which, in turn, can result in a short circuit.

Professional advice

Having chosen a vertical way of placing machines, you should pay attention to a number of points

• There is no need to use fasteners whose quality is in doubt.
• Before starting the installation work, it is necessary to calculate the load that the wall will have to withstand.
• It is not necessary to wash and dry clothes at the same time (that is, turn on both machines at once). This can create unnecessarily strong vibration, loosening of the mountings.
• As a rule, both units vibrate during operation. Therefore, they should not be mounted against a wall.
• It is better to purchase both types of household appliances from the same manufacturer. This will help to create a harmonious "column", in addition, there will be no problems in the selection of fasteners.
• If this is not possible, you should opt for devices that have the same size. A washing machine can in no way be narrower than a drying machine.
• The column is built only by placing the dryer on the "washing machine" and in no case vice versa, since the washing machine weighs much more, and during operation it vibrates more strongly.
• If you do not have the necessary experience, it is better to entrust the installation of the column to specialists who will do it quickly and competently.