Water lily sink over a washing machine

When creating a design for your bathroom, you have a lot to consider. Bathrooms in Russian apartments are typically small, so the placement of interior elements requires significant calculations, but that's not what we wanted to discuss today. Right now, we're more interested in the possibility of installing a washing machine under a water lily sink. How is this done, and what are the pitfalls? Let's take a look.

Is such an installation possible?

By roughly estimating the height of the washing machine and adding 20 cm to it, we get the height for the future sink. In principle, this is fine for an adult; they won't have to jump up and down to wash their face. But this isn't enough to decide whether to place the washing machine under the sink. What should you keep in mind when implementing such a project?

1. The sink should be deep enough to allow for comfortable washing without splashing water all over the bathroom. However, it shouldn't be too deep, otherwise it will have to be hung too high from the floor.
2. A washing machine installed under a sink should not extend beyond the edges of the sink. Otherwise, water will splash onto the machine body, which could short-circuit the control panel electronics.
3. A small gap is required between the sink and the lid so that the vibrating body of the washing machine does not damage the plumbing and fastenings during operation.
4. The washing machine will take up all the space under the sink, so you'll need to install a special trap. You'll need to leave some space for it.
5. The faucet connection will also require some space, which needs to be calculated in advance.

Usually, everything comes down to the size of a small bathroom. It's tempting to choose the largest water lily sink and place a standard washing machine underneath. But, as a rule, there's too little space between the wall and the shower stall for this. You have to compromise not only on the sink size but also on the size of the washing machine.

Placing a sink over a washing machine is entirely possible, but installation, while seemingly simple, almost always comes with its own set of challenges, many of which, unfortunately, will have to be addressed along the way.

Will any sink do?

To implement the intended option of installing a washing machine under the sink, you will have to carefully select the sink. A standard water lily has a depth of 20-25 cm. A washing machine can be 45 cm deep, while a narrow one can be around 35 cm. This means the machine body will protrude at least 10 cm forward. This is absolutely unacceptable. Choose a deep "water lily" with an offset drain. Sinks with a centered drain are not suitable.

The sink's depth must be matched to the depth of the washing machine, but don't forget to leave room for the drain pipe, trap, and faucet connection. Let's look at which modern lily-shaped sinks are suitable for installation over a washing machine.

1. The Santek Pilot 60 is a square porcelain sink with an offset drain and overflow hole. It offers comfortable washing thanks to its optimal height of 17.7 cm. The sink's depth is 58.9 cm, allowing for placement of a washing machine underneath. The porcelain sink is 60.3 cm wide.
   
2. Bolero. A convenient sink, designed specifically for installation over a washing machine. Made of earthenware, it has a rounded shape. The drain hole is offset to accommodate a special siphon, and there's an overflow hole. The sink is 15 cm high, providing ample space for washing. Its depth is 60 cm and its width is 64 cm, making it a tight fit in a small bathroom.
3. Dial. Fans of square and flat shapes might appreciate this sink. It's not very tall—14 cm—but it's perfectly suited for installation over a washing machine. This sink accommodates not only narrow but also standard washing machines, as it's 57 cm deep and 63 cm wide.
   

Installation instructions

First, you need to take all the necessary measurements and ensure the sink fits comfortably, both in width and height. Create a sketch showing all the dimensions. Mark the holes directly on the wall. These holes will be used for the brackets that will hold the sink.

The wall is tiled, so the holes need to be made with a regular drill with a special bit and the hammer drill mode turned off. After drilling the holes, we install the brackets and hang the sink. We take measurements again to ensure the washing machine fits smoothly underneath and there are no obstructions, including the drain pipe.

We are installing washing machine siphon, and then the faucet. We organize the faucet's supply lines. Try to arrange the hoses compactly so that they do not come into contact with the body of the washing machine. Next, we install the washing machine. We make sure that neither the siphon, nor the hoses, nor the sewer pipe interfere with the placement of the unit. First, we connect the washing machine to the sewer line, and then to the water supply. We connect the washing machine and test its operation.

Suitable washing machine models

As you can see from our description, there are different types of water lily sinks. Some of these porcelain models can accommodate any washing machine, but unfortunately, they can't always be installed in a small bathroom. If you're forced to choose a small sink, you'll have to look for a more compact washing machine with a shallower depth. Here are some examples.

1. The Eurosoba 1100 Sprint Plus is a washing machine with dimensions of just 46 x 46 x 68 cm (W x D x H). It fits even under a small sink, but it only has a 3 kg load capacity and is quite expensive. Its average price is $950.
2. The LG F-10B8SD washing machine is taller than the Eurosoba, but it's shallower—only 36 cm. Its maximum load capacity is 4 kg, which is quite small, especially for a family of 3-4. It costs $306.
   
3. Bosch WLG 2416 S. This automatic washing machine is quite tall, but only 40 cm deep. It has a 5 kg load capacity and a spin speed of up to 1200 rpm. The average price is $340.

Let's summarize. To install a washing machine under a water lily sink, the two items must match each other, and together they must perfectly match the size and interior of your bathroom. A sink and washing machine set can make the decision easier, but these items are rarely sold together. Be careful, strictly follow the installation instructions, and very soon you'll have a neatly hanging sink in your bathroom, with a washing machine spinning laundry underneath. Good luck!

   

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