Washing clothing and dishes is a never-ending chore. Only home caretakers understand the true difficulty of switching from a washer to a sink.
So, what about the laundry sink in conjunction with the washing machine? Everyone would undoubtedly appreciate it.
If you also want the washer and sink on the same drain, you’re not alone. Having the laundry beside the washing machine is a blessing when you need to rinse clothes from the washer sink.
Then what’s the issue?
It might be the limited space. The laundry sink and machine use separate drains. These are set in the plumbing system, which are delicately arranged in the plumbing system. That is why some people advocate the same drain while others recommend a different one.
The good news is that a washer and sink can share a drain. The plumber normally does not recommend this configuration owing to the likelihood of debris accumulating in the pipe. The washer pushes water down the drain, whereas the sink removes it, which might cause clogs.
However, with the right installation techniques and knowledge, you can easily connect the washer and sink to the same drain.
So, let’s discover everything about this process in detail in this article.
Washer And Sink On The Same Drain
Plumbing setup plays an important role in determining the drainage system. The washer and sink on the same drain aren’t a task if the plumbing is done right. However, the tub drain is a factor to consider here. If your tub drains diameter measures 3 inches or above, it can accommodate a sink easily.
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Apart from this, there are various other factors that can potentially impact the plumbing system. These include:
- Both the sink and washer use different drains. Therefore, firstly, it is essential that you determine the type of drain, as it may hinder the process to make the washer and sink on the same drain.
- Homeowners using a normal sink will have difficulty connecting a washer and dryer to the same drain because their drains are too dissimilar. U-shaped pipes are used in a sink whereas the washer and dryers use L-shaped pipes. This difference in shape can pose issues when installing two separate devices in the same drain.
- Furthermore, some washers may necessitate a pipe larger than the standard 1-2 inch size. Larger pipes are required for washers to enhance water flow.
To calculate the water flow in a drain, simply multiply 2 by the cubic feet of the washing machine. The drain load can also be calculated using this formula. With this information, you’ll be able to determine if there’s enough space in the drain for both appliances or not.
Issues with Combining Washer And Sink Drains
- People with a laundry room are recommended not to combine the sink with washers. The washing machine usually clogs the sink drain. Even the sink drain may interfere with the washing system. This will lead to continuous repair and maintenance issues, resulting in increased plumbing expenses.
- The water supply needs for washers and sinks differ. A washing machine uses more water than a kitchen faucet. As a result, you may need to install an additional connection from your house’s wall or floor to the drain. This entails the addition of another vent pipe between the setup.
- If the kitchen and washing machine drains are connected to the same vent, food waste and sludge may accumulate in the drain pipe, affecting water flow through it. Water may back up in the kitchen sink when you’re doing clothes, or your bathtub may overflow with water. In both cases, your central drain system may be obstructed.
Connecting The Laundry Sink And Washing Machine To The Same Drain
There are many methods used to connect a utility sink and a laundry machine to a single drain. All the methods differ based on sink position and various other factors but use the same equipment. The various tools used include:
- Safety gloves
- Solvent glue
- Hosepipe
- Permanent marker pen
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Hacksaw
- Wrench
- Primer
- 90-degree elbow
- ½ inch screws
- Waste Y-fitting
- 2-inch standpipe with a trap
- Sandpaper
Method 1: People Who Have A Pre-Installed Laundry Sink
- Here, the sink and washer are already in the same location. All you have to do is connect the drains of the two fixtures to a single drain pipe.
- To begin, shut down the water supply valves and turn off the laundry machine supply. As a result, the water supply to the sink and washer will be cut off. You can find the valves behind the laundry washer. Remember to unplug and disconnect the washing machine from the power source.
- Measure the drain pipe length and waste Y-fitting from the bottom. The laundry pipe should be measured carefully. Later, measure the Y-fitting length on the spot.
- Using a reciprocating saw, cut the drain pipe to the desired length. Later, use sandpaper, a utility knife, and other tools to remove jagged ends and burrs. All corners should be smooth and even.
- Install the Y-fitting with the correct size adjusted. You must observe the fitting until it meets the exact fitting requirements. Before you start, make sure to dry-fit it with the opening facing forward. It should then be aligned with the drain line to achieve accurate measurements.
- After the glue on the Y-fitting connection has dried, install the standpipe. Align and dry-fit it along the 90-degree elbow. Vertically attach the standpipe and measure the distance from the bottom to the top. To eliminate water backup, standpipes should be 34 inches tall. You can reconnect the same with primer and solvent glue.
- To secure the standpipe, use a strap and screws. It is best not to leave too much space between the standpipe and the wall.
- Using the primer and solvent adhesive, attach the sink and laundry machine to the Y-fitting inlets. Connect the washing machine to the drainage hose after attaching the sink’s tailpiece.
- Turn off the valves and test the arrangement. Allow regular water flow to the sink and washer, open the laundry sink tap, and check for any plumbing leaks.
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Method 2: People Who Have No Pre-Installed Laundry Sink
- Turn off the water supply to the washer and the laundry sink valves.
- From top to bottom, measure the length of the sink’s drain and the length of the machine’s drain. Make a note of the same.
- Using the reciprocating saw, cut the drain pipe to the required length. The T-fitting pipe should also be adjusted and trimmed to fit the drain.
- Smooth off the rough edges with a utility knife or other tools. Also, make sure that all of the cuts are even and smooth.
- Next, use the Y-fitting to connect the sink to the machine, but its installation should be proper. You can attach the PVC Y- y-fitting to the machine’s drain and align the upper arm with the venting pipe. Secure the area with primer and solvent glue. The connection should be adhered to firmly to avoid any water leakages.
- Connect the sink to the machine using the Y-fitting, but make sure it’s properly installed. Attach the PVC wye-fitting to the drain of the machine and align the top arm with the venting pipe. Secure the area with primer and solvent glue. To avoid water leaks, make sure the connections are securely fastened.
- Locate the water supply after you’ve secured the drain pipes. You must determine which has a cold water pipeline and which has a hot water pipeline. Remove the fitting and make the necessary adjustments to the water pipe.
- Install a pipe splitter to divide the water in the sink faucet and washer. It should be firmly tightened. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts.
- After completing all connections and tightening all pipes, the final stage is testing. Open the shut-off valves. Run the water to see if there are any leaks. Also, check the laundry machines for leaks.
Wrapping Up
I hope you have understood how to connect a washer and sink to the same drain. So, all you have to do now is plan out your laundry room arrangement and get started to work.
If you don’t have much space for plumbing, connecting the washer and sink drain is a smart idea. And, as long as everything is correctly fitted, this could be a good answer to your space crunch problem. However, time and labor are the two most important aspects of completing this project successfully. If done correctly, this can save a lot of space and reduce water spillage. This may also help to keep the dirt out of your laundry area.
So, before you begin, make sure you complete the preceding instructions carefully or see an expert if you are unsure in any way.
Follow all plumbing codes and perform the procedure safely!
