Home appliances, especially those used for cleaning, are impressive additions that make work easier.
However, there are times when space can be the greatest challenge for you to have both a dishwasher and a washing machine
. Or maybe, you have disposed of a dishwasher and now want to install an all-purpose washing machine, but the only space available is that which had a dishwasher.
So, Can You Replace A Dishwasher With A Washing Machine?
You can replace a dishwasher with a washing machine, but you will have to do some adjustments on your plumbing system. Typically, a washing machine is connected to both the cold and hot water supply. However, the dishwasher is usually connected to the cold water supply, since it has a heater.
All you need to remember is the few changes you must make on the drain and the plumbing system. Otherwise, the installation process is simple and can be done by an expert or a savvy DIYer.
Is It Possible To Swap A Dishwasher With A Washing Machine?
It is possible and easy to swap a dishwasher with a washing machine.
You only need to consider the simple installation process of a washing machine, but keep a little more concerned about the drain and water supply pipes.
Here are a few more things you add to the standard washing machine installation process if you place it where the dishwasher was.
1. Need To Install A Washing Machine Receptacle
This receptacle should be 15amps and 240V.
Usually, this is the right receptacle for a washing machine. You should always ensure you use it and not any other receptacle if you want your machine to work efficiently.
2. There’s Only Cold Water Available
There will only be cold water available to the washing machine (in the kitchen).
This means you have to prepare to use more detergent and also spend a lot of time cleaning a small load of garments.
3. Unusual Looking Kitchen
Apparently, adding a washing machine to the place where a dishwasher was, means you will have a washing machine inside the kitchen. (Of course, dishwashers are always placed inside the kitchen).
4. Noisy Washing Machine
A washing machine produces a lot of noise which might be unpleasant in the kitchen.
However, you will have to adapt to this noise until you find a better space to install it.
Is The Plumbing Of A Dishwasher The Same As A Washing Machine?
Modern washing machines and dishwashers have a drain pipe, an electric cord, and a water supply hose.
Your work is to simply connect the appliance to the respective source since the other primary connections are made in the factory with the electric equipment.
You will follow the manufacturer’s manual and simply connect every outlet and inlet at its respective joining point.
To determine if the plumbing is the same, you are only supposed to check on the hose size and voltage of the power outlet.
A washing machine needs to be connected to a power source with a 15 amps, 240V receptor.
Apparently, a dishwasher works well on the 120V receptor.
A qualified plumber can reduce the hose sizes. Apart from these two differences, the other plumbing aspects of a dishwasher are similar to those of a washing machine.
Four Washing Machine Installation Considerations
1. Water Supply
A washing machine works best when connected to both the cold and hot water supply. However, there are some that will work on a cold water supply alone.
The pressure of the water is also a concern. If it is cold water, then it will be coming at the mains pressure.
In some cases, if the water is heated by a combi boiler, it will flow at a mains pressure.
The good thing is that all washing machines have a restrictor valve that controls the pressure in the cold water inlets.
2. Connecting Pipes
If your machine has short hoses that do not react to the water supply, you will need to make some adjustments.
Turn off the water supply mains tap and drain the system before adjusting the pipes.
You can use T-fittings and run some branch pipes to the washing machine. These pipes should end in a mini-stop valve where hoses will be connected.
You can also use self-cutting valves, which can be installed without draining the pipes.
If you use the first procedure, make sure to check for leakages before you start using the machine.
3. Power Supply
A washing machine should be plugged into a standard socket.
If the sockets in your kitchen are placed above the working space, you can improvise another one just for your washing machine.
You can do this by running a spur from the socket to a fused switch connection unit above the working surface.
Afterward, run a cable from this switch connection to an unswitched socket positioned below the working surface so you can use it for your washing machine.
4. Waste Drains
A flexible waste hose will discharge into a waste pipe or waste trap that I’d above the top drum.
You can simply hook the hose pipe of the drum in an open pipe with a P trap situated at its base. From here, the waste pipe should run directly to a gully or a large soil stack.
A gap at the top of the machine’s standpipe is meant to stop dirty water from siphoning back into the machine. This helps keep the machine in its best condition.
Conclusion
A washing machine can be used to fill the space where you had initially installed a dishwasher.
A few adjustments will ensure that the washing machine is functional and performs at its optimum level.
However, this is a short-term remedy for having a washing machine while you seek an appropriate space to keep the valuable washing machine and make laundry easier.