Sink over washing machine +75 photos, types and shapes

A fierce human battle for every square meter in an apartment sometimes leads to very unusual ideas. The symbiosis of a sink with a washing machine can also be attributed to the category of creative solutions. It may seem to the man in the street that this vibrating technician and bathroom fittings while working cannot be combined, and the combination has already been tested in practice more than once. It turned out that this couple sang very well. Of course, with minor amendments: a special sink is needed and a washing machine will suit not everyone. However, these are small things that do not interfere with the realization of a bold idea. So, we learn how to properly place the sink over the washing machine, and that should be considered if you plan to do it yourself.

Features

To combine with a washing machine you need a special flat-shaped washbasin. In everyday life it is called "sink-lily". This product is not in short supply, so you can buy it in almost any large plumbing shop. The machine also needs a specific one - its height should not exceed 0.7 m, with the generally accepted standard being 0.85 m. For an ordinary person, a washstand is considered convenient, which is located at a distance of 0.8 m from the floor. 0.1 m is the “margin” to the height of the shell itself and an additional 3 cm (the minimum distance between the appliance and the bowl). When installing the washstand, a “visor” is provided, which hangs at least 5 cm above the machine. This “ledge” will protect the unit from the ingress of water droplets. During installation, the machine must check the quality of the insulation of the wires, since the risk of water getting on them remains high. If there is a sewer pipe directly under the sink, its minimum width should be 0.58 m. If there is no pipe, then the criterion of permissible width is reduced to 0.5 m. The washing nozzles must be taken outside the unit housing. Do not forget about their inaccessibility in the case when it is necessary to re-fasten the connections that are displaced due to the vibration of the machine during operation.

Advantages and disadvantages

If you place the sink over the washing machine, the owners will get some nice "bonuses":

Space saving. This is the most important advantage of such a decision. Washing machines, despite the tendency to reduce their size, still take up a lot of space in the bathroom and in rare cases in the kitchens. In small rooms and combined bathrooms it is generally difficult for them to make a corner. By placing the machine under the sink, you can free up space. Standard shelves, which usually occupy a cabinet with a sink, can be installed in the vacated zone (and the storage system can be placed several times larger than the one that originally housed under the sink).
Since a non-standard solution is gaining momentum in popularity, most shops sell special sinks that are designed specifically for symbiosis with a washing machine. The range of models is not poor, so there is plenty to choose from.
The list of shortcomings is almost equal to the list of advantages of the interior solution, so it can be safely ranked as “50/50”:
The protruding corners of the machine interfere with free movement near the sink. At first, households can even bruise and "try" their sharpness with their little fingers unaccustomed. Over time, the family will get used to this addition to the sink.
Frequent blockages. The design of the drain will be non-standard. In the traditional version, water flows down a vertical drain. Here it will accumulate in a horizontal pipe, which will contribute to its stagnation.

The "formal" disadvantages include the need to purchase a special-shaped siphon, which is not in standard kits. For the sake of this detail, you may have to beat down the threshold of not one plumbing store.

Types and features of the choice of sinks

As mentioned above, for a combination with a washing machine suitable only sinks, water lilies. This type of sinks is classified into different types depending on the shape, size and materials of manufacture. There are models with a hole under the mixer and without it. In the latter case, the plumbing fixture can be mounted on the wall, thereby freeing the wash basin to position the toothbrush cups and the soap dish.

Materials

Water lily sinks are made from the same materials as other models of washbasins:

Ceramics. For the manufacture of sinks use two types of material: porcelain and earthenware. When compared to metal, they both have a lot of weight. Unlike faience, porcelain is more expensive, has a noble whiteness, less porous and rarely covered with small cracks on the upper layer of glaze with long use.
Glass. Stylish, modern solution that is suitable for bathrooms designed in high-tech styles, techno, futurism, avant-garde. Glass is perfectly combined with chrome surfaces. Unlike ceramics, the material weighs less. Manufacturers offer a variety of color solutions: from single-color shells to original models with ombre and divorces. Glass is a durable, durable material. However, it is afraid of detergents with an abrasive effect and requires daily cleaning, as there are visible stains and traces of dried water droplets on the surface. A glass sink will cost much more than a ceramic washbasin.
Metal. In comparison with stone and ceramics material is light. It is durable, and with careful use (regular cleaning with compositions without abrasive effect) will retain its original appearance even after years of operation. It is impossible to damage and crack the material during the drilling of technical holes. The disadvantages of metal sinks include only increased noise of flowing water, which does not occur when a stream collides with ceramics or stone.
A rock. Natural stone for the manufacture of water lilies is rarely used. Among all types of materials, it has the most impressive weight, which creates difficulties when installing the washbasin (we need very reliable fastenings). However, the stone is an ecological material, it is not afraid of absolutely nothing and ideally combines with the popular eco-style. An artificial analogue is cheaper, visually practically does not differ from the original, but can break if the sink is dropped during installation.

Very rarely in the domestic market there are sinks made of plastic and wood. The first have not yet reached our country and have not taken root in local plumbing stores, but are gaining popularity abroad. Wood sinks are considered exclusive, which is not very durable, but will certainly amaze guests with its colorful and unusual.

Shape and size

Water lily shells are available in five variations of forms:

Semicircular and round;
Square;
Rectangular;
Corner;
Non-standard forms.

The last option can be found in the designer collections of expensive plumbing. Such an exclusive is not suitable for budget options. As for the size, the water lilies are available in many variations, among the diversity of which the following models lead:

Mini or Compact. Its dimensions are only 50x64 cm. The rectangular washbasin is compactly placed in any corner of the bathroom.
Light. Dimensions 60x61cm. The model is notable for the presence of an offset drain and the absence of a hole for the mixer.
Luxe Light. It differs from the “simple” Light version only by 1 cm, the dimensions of the model are 60x62 cm.
Bolero. The dimensions of this angular model of a round shape are 60x64 cm.

Also there are models with euphonic names "Deal", "Uni", "Victoria", "Elegant". They differ not only in size, but also in shape. Most models are available only in one variation (according to the material of manufacture).

Drain

Water lily shells can have a horizontal and vertical drain system. The latter is considered to be more convenient, since water under pressure moves down faster, which reduces the risk of blockages. A “water lily” with a washer can only have a horizontal drain. This feature is caused by increased danger of contact with an electric current. The water will go slowly, periodically stagnate in the sink and wash hands for a long time without closing the tap, unfortunately, it will not work. There are non-standard models (usually angular), in which the drain is located on the side.

Features of the choice of washing machines

The height of the machine should be 0.7 m. The combination is chosen based on the ease of use of the sink. If the machine is higher, it will not hurt to install a wash basin, but it will not be very comfortable to wash your hands and wash your face with an average growth. There is no shortage of washing machines with a height of 0.7 m, as well as a lily bowl. Many well-known companies produce such products, but they still have to sacrifice something: it does not have a large capacity. No more than 3.5 kg of laundry can be loaded into the drum. If things accumulate a lot, then the washing process will have to be repeated many times, which is not very convenient for large families.

Stages of self-assembly

Independent installation of a washbasin and installation of a washing machine is divided into several stages:

First stage. Conduct measurements.
Marking holes for fasteners. Mounting brackets.
Fixing the bowl of the sink.
Installation of the mixer.
Installation of the siphon. Check the operation of the water supply / drain system.
Preparation of the place for the washing machine, its installation.
Connecting the unit.

And now we will consider each of the stages in more detail.

Basic installation rules

Before proceeding with the installation, you should carefully read the installation instructions for the sink. Manufacturers usually clearly and easily explain all stages of work so that buyers (especially inexperienced) are not lost in the abundance of unfamiliar details. Specifically for the case of combining the sink and washing machine during installation is recommended to follow simple rules. They will save the master from the problems after the completion of the work:

Before something to drill or twist, measure out ten times, and only then proceed to the "cutting". This golden rule applies to any repairs.
The distance between the sink basin and the lid of the washing machine should be at least 3 cm.
If one faucet is used for the sink and bathroom, then you need to check the possibility of free movement of the faucet from one sanitary unit to another.
During the installation of the washing machine drain pipe is better to connect with the sewer directly. If this is not possible, then the drain is connected to the pipe on the siphon, which is purchased ahead of time.
There are no clear rules for the installation of the mixer: it can be put either before the bowl is mounted to the wall, or after. Here the master chooses himself exactly how it is more convenient for him, and all disputes automatically become baseless.

And now we will consider the stages of plumbing and typewriter installation in more detail.

Mounting brackets

Brackets are included in the standard set of additional accessories to the sink. If old fixtures that were previously used for a previous washbasin are suitable for the water lily, do not rush to dismantle them. Secondary operation will not affect the reliability of the design, if the parts were made with high quality. The process of installing the sink on the brackets is not much different from a similar procedure for hanging bowls. Installation of new fixtures should begin with a markup on the wall surface using a level. Then the bowl sink "try on" the intended location. Remember the height of the washing machine and the distance between its top lid and the bottom of the sink. If everything is the same and the measurements have been made correctly, then you can start drilling holes for the bolts. Next, begin to fix the brackets on the wall. Bolts to tighten until it stops until it is necessary. This will be done after the shell has been completely fixed to the wall.

Sink installation

First, the sink is installed on the brackets, holding it with your hand, marking the holes for fastening to the wall. Then drill holes. They clogged the liners and screw fasteners. The back side of the sink is smeared with sealant and mounted on brackets. The composition will prevent the ingress of moisture between the sink and the wall, followed by the appearance of mold. The installation is completed by full fixation of the bowl to the wall by screwing in a special hook (also attached to the kit) and tightening the bracket bolts to the stop.

Instead of a sealant, you can fasten a plastic strip. It will also effectively protect the wall from getting wet. The slats are freely sold at plumbing stores.

Mixer installation

The next stage is entirely devoted to the installation of the mixer. First you need to assemble it into a single node. For different models, this process can be performed using different algorithms; for details, refer to the instructions. During operation, commonly used seals, sealing ring for spout, tabs. Then the mixer is fixed on the sink. Connecting hoses are threaded into the hole on the mounting plate, and a sealing ring is placed under the mixer. Fix the equipment with a clamping nut. Tighten it to be careful not to overtighten. Otherwise, for example, the ceramic sink can simply crack. After the mixer is installed, it can be connected to the water supply using flexible connections, which are fixed with nuts. During operation, a Fum tape must be used. After the siphon is installed, the operation of the mixer should be checked in. If there are leaks, it means the tightness of the connections has been broken and they will have to be fixed anew.

Connecting and installing a washing machine

With regard to the installation and connection of the washing machine, in this particular case, the processes are not much different from similar manipulations with conventional units that are not located under the sink. The main thing to consider is that the equipment should stand on a perfectly flat surface. If there is an easy bias, it needs to be compensated. So that the machine does not show the wonders of mobility and agility while working, you can lay a special fixing rubberized mat under it. Otherwise, you must follow the instructions of the manufacturer, which is necessarily attached to the technique.

Interesting ideas in the interior

A sink, combined with a washing machine into one functional element of the interior, is in itself considered an original and non-standard idea. And this option is used not only in bathrooms, but also in kitchens. In the culinary zone, the technique is additionally masked by the facade of the headset. Due to the increasing popularity of the symbiosis of a sink and a washing machine, not so long ago, special models of washing machines began to arrive on the market, to which a washstand bowl was already attached. In some variations, they are complemented by a narrow side cabinet to accommodate household chemicals. To the "kit" organically joined the interior of the bathroom, the washing machine is installed in an open "cabinet", the top of which is crowned by a tabletop with a counter-shaped sink. The very element of furnishing is covered with a tile in the tone of ceramic tile, which is decorated with a shower or bathtub area. Some designers, in an effort to emphasize this design feature, even create a “walkway” on the floor of the room. It is made of ceramic tiles of a different color (different from the hue of the tile used in the rest of the floor), which, like, “leads” a person from the entrance to the washing machine and sink.

Countertop Sink

A sink with a worktop is considered a safer option. From the bottom, a large space is formed, which provides a choice for placing the washing machine. For security purposes, it is installed under the table top, and the place under the sink, which is located next door, is filled with shelves, towel holders (a very original idea) or a closed-type cabinet. The option has only one major drawback - the high cost.

Installation of sink in the countertop

Another original option - overhead sinks, the bowls of which are literally installed on the countertop, and not mounted into it. This is a very popular design solution, which has become fashionable in parallel with the popularization of eco-style and original washstands made of stone and wood. The most spectacular look models made of these materials. In general, the decision can be called "well forgotten old", as the designers returned to basics: to the very bowls that were used a long time ago, even before the invention of plumbing. Overhead shells can be of various shapes (square, rectangular, semicircular), but round and oval bowls are considered to be the most popular. Smooth lines underline their originality and soften severity. The solution is suitable not only for the aforementioned eco-direction, but also for high-current, Scandinavian style, modernity and even classics. Отличительной чертой накладных раковин считается отсутствие отверстия под смеситель. Монтаж чаши не отличается повышенной сложностью. Со стиральными машинками модель легко комбинируется.The list of stages for the installation of the equipment will have to be supplemented with one more step for the master - securing the worktop, which will precede the installation of the bowl itself.

Conclusion

A washing machine under the sink is the best option for small apartments. In the interior of a bathroom or kitchen, a similar solution looks pretty fresh and unusual. If the composition of the bowl and technology to add a mirror, storage system, a pair of towel holders or a narrow shelf made of wood, correctly selected in color and texture, then this symbiosis will be filled with harmony and will become the highlight of the room design.