Tips For Having Home Laundry Hookups Installed

If you're tired of dragging your clothes to the laundromat every week, you probably dream of having a washer and dryer in your home. Having a washer in your house is almost a necessity, especially if you have a big family. Here are some things to consider before you have laundry hookups installed.

Choose The Right Location

If your home was built without any consideration for laundry room space, then you may need to get creative so the washer and dryer will fit somewhere. Some people place them in the kitchen so all the appliances are together, and a water leak wouldn't be as destructive as a leak that happens upstairs. However, you may need to pull out some kitchen cabinets to make room for the washer and dryer, losing storage space as a result. One advantage of placing the appliances in the kitchen is that there is easy access to electricity and plumbing. The downside is the appliances may detract from the appearance of your kitchen and seem out of place. Other options include converting a closet or putting the appliances in a large bathroom.

Choose Your Appliances First

Select the washer and dryer you want first so you can find out how much space and clearance they need. This helps you find the best place in your house for them. If you can't find a place large enough, you may need to downsize to smaller appliances. Remember the appliances need more room than what's required for them to fit. Don't judge the space based on the dimensions of the appliances. Instead, read the installation instructions that state how much clearance room is needed for each. Also, consider how easy it will be to load and unload the machines if they are stuffed in a small closet.

Bring In A Plumber For Advice

Before choosing the spot for your laundry room, bring in a plumber to get an estimate on the cost and advice about your chosen location. A closet against an interior wall might work great for you, but it may not have easy access to plumbing lines and electricity. The plumber has to connect the washer to a water supply line, drain, and vent. The dryer has to vent to the outside of your home, and if you choose a gas dryer, the plumber has to connect it to a gas line. For those reasons, it's usually less expensive to have laundry hookups installed on an exterior wall of your home. Installation involves cutting into existing pipes if the washer is placed near them. Otherwise, new piping has to be run through the walls and that could involve a lot more work and money.

Once you choose the right location based on your convenience and cost of installation, you can have the hookups installed and your new washer and dryer delivered. Once you enjoy the convenience of a home laundry, you'll see the trouble and expense of having it installed was well worth it. Companies like Clearwater Plumbing can help.

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