Which faucet should I choose for my washing machine?

Using an automatic washing machine should not only be done correctly but also with safety precautions. Washing machines have direct contact with water supplied through the inlet hose. To prevent flooding in the apartment caused by unexpected breakdowns or other accidents, a valve is installed between the machine and the pipe. It is recommended to turn it off between washes. For these precautions to be effective, the valve connecting the washing machine must be high-quality and reliable.

Is it possible to do without a tap?

Shut-off valves are designed to shut off the water supply to a household appliance. If the hose is connected directly to the washing machine, in an emergency you'll have to shut off the main water supply, which isn't always possible or convenient. A crane allows you to do this quickly and easily; even a child can handle it, and this will prevent serious damage from flooding. After all, often, not only the owners of the equipment, but also the residents of the floors below suffer from suddenly burst pipes or broken equipment.

Another advantage of shutting off the faucet is the ability to block the water supply during renovations or when replacing appliances. Experts recommend not neglecting the installation of a faucet: the device is inexpensive, installation is straightforward, and it can save you from some serious problems.

What type of faucet should I pay attention to?

To choose the right faucet, you need to understand the different types and differences between them. The main difference in fittings is the type of mechanism that prevents water from flowing when the handle is turned. This can be:

• ball - there is a metal ball inside, the movement of which prevents the movement of water;
• valve - the liquid is shut off by means of a metal strip inside the device.

The second type of valve is recommended for owners of large-diameter pipes and is also needed in rooms with hot steam (showers, bathrooms, saunas). If the washing machine is installed in the kitchen, utility room, balcony, or other similar areas, a ball valve is preferable.

Important! The ball valve must not be left in a half-open or half-closed position.

This is because, when the water flow is low, dirt particles in the water settle around the ball in the intermediate position. Under the influence of salts and metals, also present in the liquid, these particles harden and "sour," leading to difficulty operating the faucet and its eventual failure. Therefore, it must be turned fully to the "Open/Closed" position.

By following this basic requirement, a ball valve will last for many years. Experts believe it's the most reliable shutoff mechanism, offering numerous advantages.

• It is easy to use and install.
• It has increased tightness.
• Durable due to simple design;
• It is light in weight and compact.

Also, taps for washing machines are divided depending on the installation location:

• pass-through – installed after connecting the washing machine to the water supply;
• corner – necessary in places where pipes bend;
• Three-way (tees) – convenient when there is a need to connect two or more household appliances to one water pipe.

It is recommended to entrust the selection of such a crane to a specialist who will subsequently be responsible for installing the equipment.

The tap must not only be high-quality and reliable, but also fully correspond to the size and type of both the pipe supplying water to the machine and the type of hose of the household appliance being installed.

Selecting a faucet

Choosing a good faucet is critically important, as the safety of the premises depends on it. When choosing a shut-off device, it's important to consider the following faucet parameters:

• material of manufacture (brass, silumin, powder alloys);
• type of construction (ball mechanisms are more reliable);
• diameter of the water standpipe (must match the diameter of the outlet of the tap itself);
• thread type (external or internal) - the choice depends on what is already present on the pipe;
• connection type (selected individually and depends on its location).

As for the material used, brass faucets are considered the most durable, but their price is significantly higher than cheaper and more fragile analogues made of powder alloys or silumin. However, they are not susceptible to cracks and breakages caused by impacts and rough mechanical action, and such an investment will be more profitable and reliable..

Pay attention to the appearance of the shut-off device as well: it's important that the faucet handle isn't obstructed by walls, pipes, nearby appliances, or furniture. The handle should also be non-slip, comfortable to use, and easy to turn.

   

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