Connecting the dryer to communications
Installing a dryer in a column also implies further connection to communications. The type of connection will depend on the type of dryer. Below we will consider all the options for connecting it.
Connection to ventilation
Everything is quite simple here. On one side of the case, you will find an air vent to which you need to connect an air duct. Fastening can be done using a special clamp. Usually this item is included in the package. You need to know not to bend the corrugation 90 degrees. Try to run the duct with minimal kinks.
If the connection of the dryer is to be carried out in a room with an elevated temperature, then the flexible duct must not be led out through the top. In this case, you need to come up with a different output option.
Sewer connection
If you have purchased a condensation type dryer, then after each drying you need to remove the water tray. To facilitate the work, you can connect it to the sewer. The connection in this case is no different from the connection of the washing machine. You just need to bring the hose to the sewer.
Electrical connection
The last communication is the electrical network. To connect the dryer to the network with your own hands, you can remove a separate line from the junction box. If necessary, if the dryer has a low power, it can be connected to an outlet. To protect your equipment from overvoltage, you can connect an RCD.
As you can see, installing the tumble dryer is a fairly straightforward process. Thanks to this instruction, you can save your money on calling the master.
Installation methods
There are three common methods for installing dryers.
Mounting bracket
To place the dryer on top of the washing machine, you can use the special mounting brackets, which are often supplied with the device. If they were not included in the kit, you will have to purchase such parts separately.
Fasteners are installed on top of the washer body so that the dryer can be attached to them. It is not worth installing the device on top of the washing machine without mounting fasteners, since without reliable fixation the product may tip over due to operating vibration. Also, such fasteners are installed to further protect the surface of the dryer from scratches and other damage.
Reiki
Some people do not want to use mounting brackets and therefore try to secure products in other ways. Often, strong wooden slats are used for this, which are attached to the surface of the wall. Then a drying apparatus is attached to the installed rails, installed on top of the machine for washing clothes.
It is necessary to attach the slats to the wall very carefully and securely so that the structure does not detach and fall.
Niche
There are times when it is not possible to put the dryer on top of the washing machine and you have to look for other fastening methods. The most common is the use of a special niche, which is installed on the floor surface. You can purchase it or make it yourself. For the manufacture of a quality niche, you can use high-strength drywall. When installing the device in a niche, one must remember that vibration appears during its operation. Therefore, the distance between the wall and the structure should be 3-4 centimeters.
Features of the placement of cars from different companies
There is no big difference in the installation of machines of different brands.Installation reliability requirements are the same in all cases. For twin installations, it is recommended to use models of the same brand. This choice has several advantages:
manufacturers offer sets of two units with fasteners, which greatly facilitates installation, ensures the safety and reliability of the structure;
some brands, for example, Bosch, Siemens, Asko and Goreniye, produce machines designed to be placed in a column, where the body of the washing machine is specially reinforced for the weight of the dryer;
connecting strips of such structures are specially designed to dampen vibrations and maintain stability;
for models from Bosch and Siemens, a pull-out shelf can be provided, for Asko such a shelf is equipped with a special laundry basket;
drying units from Asko are supplied with additional mounts for the legs, the Slovak Burning has suction cup legs;
the undoubted advantage of choosing models of the same brand is the style uniformity and the same dimensions, the latter condition is especially important for maintaining stability;
when choosing narrow options for a small area, it should be borne in mind that devices from Asko have a minimum depth, taking into account the required free space at the back, it is 65.6 cm.
In cases where placement in a column is not allowed, the instructions indicate the minimum distance from above, which is necessary for the devices to operate.
Column washer and dryer: Bosch and other brands
How to install two work surfaces - a washing machine and a dryer so that they do not take up much space, but take up space to a minimum? For this, quite recently, they began to use the method of organizing useful devices in a column.
You can always install a tumble dryer on top of the washing machine in any free room. This arrangement of machines can be used both in the kitchen and in the bathroom, and in a separate laundry room, and even in the corridor. But it should be understood that it is necessary to fix the devices so that the other does not suffer or fall from the vibration emanating from one machine. In addition, vibration should not affect the performance of both machines.
There are several mounting options:
- Installation of the dryer on top of the washing machine using a special mounting bracket that comes with the dryer;
- Fastening the dryer to the slats that are attached to the wall above the washing machine. For this case, the most important thing is to take into account the load to which the wall and shelf will be subjected, and the safety precautions when fastening;
- Installation of machines in niches that can be made of dense plasterboard, plywood, or other suitable material.
Each homeowner, taking into account the characteristics of the premises, can develop his own version of the installation of machines.
Dryer placement
There are several ways to install your tumble dryer. First of all, you need to proceed from the characteristics of a particular model, the amount of electrical equipment and the layout of the house. Most often, the dryer is installed in one of the following ways:
- on or above the washing machine;
- next to the washing machine;
- in a separate place (niche, wardrobe, corner, etc.);
- under the countertop.
In most cases the dryer is located on the washing machine. Naturally, this option is relevant only for horizontal loading washers. If things are loaded into the washing machine vertically, it is not recommended to install a drying unit over it, since this option will be inconvenient to use.
The key advantage of positioning on the washing machine is that it saves space. Most of the units are equipped with special fasteners for mounting above the washer.
You need to use suitable fasteners, you can't just put the machine on top.Simply putting the tumble dryer on top of the washer can damage both units because they are not designed to withstand external vibration. Moreover, due to vibration during the washing process, the dryer can simply fall and break.
There are 2 options for attaching the dryer:
- Fasteners supplied.
- On a specially mounted shelf. For the installation of the latter, you can use materials at hand.
Naturally, the easiest way is to install the equipment nearby. However, in most modern apartments this is not possible due to the limited space. This option is only suitable for the most spacious bathrooms.
Installation above a washing machine
In the process of installing the dryer over the washer, the following points must be taken into account:
First of all, it is important to correctly position the washing machine, above which the drying unit will be installed.
A special stand is installed on the washer for the location of the drying.
It is advisable to lay a rubber lining between the units. This will minimize vibration and, accordingly, reduce the degree of negative impact of one device on another.
After installing the pad, mount the rack for the dryer.
Place the dryer on a securely fixed stand.
All grooves, fasteners, etc.
you need to glue, paint over, cover up or perform other actions, based on the parts used for installation.
Only after high-quality, reliable and correct installation can you start operating the equipment. Until devices are secured, they cannot be turned on.
It is much easier to install the dryer near the washer, in a niche or corner. In this case, there is usually no need to use additional fasteners. However, each case has its own installation features. In particular, you need to take into account the features of the layout and decoration of the premises.
How to connect
There are certain features of connecting the dryer, which must be dealt with in advance.
Ventilation
Some people think that connecting the dryer to the ventilation is difficult, but this is not the case. On one side of the dryer there is a special hole through which it is connected to the ventilation system. For fastening the connecting corrugation, special clamps are used, which are supplied with the device.
The second side of the corrugation can be brought out through the window in the window or into the opening of the central ventilation system
It is necessary to connect such a tube very carefully so that it does not bend 80-90 degrees, as this will make it work worse.
Sewerage
Condensing models of dryers must be connected to the sewer system, into which excess liquid will drain. Most of these devices have holes through which they are connected to the drain. To connect the dryer and the sewer system, a regular hose is used, which can be taken out into the toilet, sink or separate drain.
Electricity
The last communication to which the dryer must be connected is the electrical network. To connect it to a power source, a separate line must be allocated on the junction box. You can also use a free socket. However, to connect such powerful equipment, you need to use sockets that are equipped with a separate ground. At the same time, experts do not advise simultaneously connecting a washer and a dryer to the same double outlet.
Installation methods
There are two ways to fix the structure:
- using the fasteners that come with the dryer;
- using additional slats that are mounted on the wall above the washing machine.
The second option is used very rarely, since it is more convenient to use fasteners for drying.
Special mounts
These mounts are sold with the tumble dryer.They are best suited for mounting the dryer on the surface of a washing machine.
Reiki
The slats are attached to the wall directly above the surface of the washing machine. In fact, a kind of shelf is formed from them, on which the drying is installed.
Niche
The niche is made of drywall. In addition to it, you need metal corners, putty, fasteners, finishing materials, and, most likely, a person who will make a niche out of all this, suitable in height, width and depth for installing a dryer.
A kind of niche can be a rack, where a washing machine will be installed on the lower "shelf", and a drying machine on the upper one.
Dryer types
There are three types of tumble dryers that people use the most.
Condensing
From the name of the technique, it becomes clear that when drying damp laundry, the process of liquid condensation is used. The drying process begins with warming up the air to high temperatures, due to which the fabric gets rid of moisture. Then the laundry is cooled and moved to the lower part of the structure, where the heating element is located. The procedure is repeated several times. During this time, the liquid formed as a result of condensation moves into a special tank.
Among the advantages of condensation devices, it is distinguished that there is no need to carry out additional work on the installation of a system for air extraction. Therefore, such models can be installed in any premises.
Fume hoods
Fume dryers are used less frequently as they are considered obsolete. The main advantage of these models is the simplicity of their design and reliability. The principle of operation of exhaust products is that excess moisture is drawn into a special ventilation hole. Therefore, before installing the dryer, it is necessary to equip a high-quality air duct. However, some people install appliances without it, which leads to an increase in humidity in the room and the appearance of mold with mildew on the surface of the walls.
People who live in a country house or in a private house should install the structure on the street.
With heat pump
Many manufacturers are trying to improve dryers so that they dry things better. Therefore, some models are equipped with a special heat pump, thanks to which the drying becomes better.
Heat pumps are installed inside the dryers to blow dry air so that it better flows into the chamber of the device. Then the air enters the evaporator, where it is cooled using a special refrigeration element. As a result, moisture collects on the surface of the fabric, making the clothes dry.
Installing the dryer in a column with a washing
You can connect the dryer over the washing machine only with the help of a special mount. Many manufacturers of tumble dryers include mounting brackets for their models. But sometimes, you have to purchase it yourself.
These connecting parts are also needed in order to prevent the machine from tipping down during operation, and in addition, they protect the washing machine from damage due to vibration. However, you should take into account that mistakes or illiteracy during installation will certainly create complications during operation. In view of this, if you are not confident in your own abilities, it is best to entrust the installation of devices to professionals.
Tips for installing and using the machines:
- Do not stack machines directly on top of each other without perfect fit. It is forbidden.
- In no case should two machines be turned on at the same time, even if you are sure that the wiring will withstand the load;
- It must be remembered that for vibrating machines it is necessary to leave a free space of 2-3 cm from the wall.
- Try to keep both cars from the same manufacturer;
- If you can't find cars of the same brand, buy the same size.
When planning the installation of machines one on top of the other, be sure to check and clarify the availability of communications that will provide the supply of electricity, water and its drain for both machines.
Advantages of Using a Drying Machine
Before using the machine to dry the washed items, you need to familiarize yourself with the advantages of these devices. The advantages of dryers include the following:
- The process of drying clothes is carried out very quickly and efficiently. After that, you don't even have to hang things up for additional drying.
- The functional features of the devices allow you to dry clothes to the required moisture level. This allows you to dry things made from capricious fabrics with high quality.
- The evaporation of moisture inside the dryers helps to smooth the fabric. Therefore, there is no need to re-iron them with an iron.
- Possibility of refreshing linen. This allows you to get rid of unpleasant odors that eat into the fabric.
> However, such devices also have some disadvantages that you need to familiarize yourself with before purchasing and using them:
- high cost of modern models;
- bulkiness, due to which a lot of space is required to install the dryer.
We install two devices in a column correctly
You can install devices in a column in three ways, each of them differs in the nuances of fastening:
- The first option involves the use of an anti-tipping kit, which is superimposed on the surface of the downstream apparatus; the stability of the structure can only be ensured by the standard fasteners recommended by the manufacturer.
- The second one rests on the rack fasteners for the dryer, it is fixed on the wall above the level of the washing machine, in this case, the strength of the supporting wall will need to be taken into account.
- The third allows you to build both devices into a niche, which is assembled from load-resistant drywall or other materials of high strength.
The choice of the preferred method of mounting the washing machine and dryer on top of each other or in a column depends on the layout, design, design features of the units, and other factors. In any case, it is necessary to install machines in compliance with certain rules:
- The recommendation to choose models from the same manufacturer that are close in overall dimensions remains unchanged.
- If it is not possible to choose such an option, it is necessary to focus on the dimensions, which must match.
- Drying is always placed above the washing unit, it is lighter in weight, its vibration is not so intense, which provides the necessary level of safety.
- The platform for placing the equipment must be level, the lower unit should be level so that the column is strictly horizontal.
- It is undesirable to place the units on wooden or other soft floors, they increase vibration, the floors must be hard, not to allow slipping during operation.
- The recommended distance between the devices and adjacent walls should be strictly observed, especially when choosing installation in a niche and on the back, where a minimum of 2 to 3 cm of free space should be left.
It is important to remember that fixing devices without a reliable fastening strip and compliance with other rules is fraught with loss of stability and the fall of the column. The breakdown of expensive equipment is not the only consequence of such negligence, it can pose a threat to the health of family members and especially children.
Myth 9. Drying spoils delicate fabrics
In the new Candy models, drying is realized thanks to a heat pump, that is, a lower temperature is used than in condensing machines. This, in turn, does not wear things out, as has already been said. Also, let's not forget about the special drying modes, for example, the mode for wool - they are designed specifically for delicate fabrics.
In addition, modern washer-dryers are equipped with a steam mode, which not only saves electricity, but also helps to gently wash delicate fabrics: steam treatment resembles boiling in its effect, but the colored fibers retain their color. By the way, steam disinfects clothes quite well, which is very important for children's clothes or things for allergy sufferers.
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More details:
- You should not install devices one on top of another just like that. This is a gross violation of the norms and rules of operation, therefore it is strictly prohibited.
- When the tumble dryer is running, the washing machine must be turned off and vice versa.
- Do not forget that vibrating devices should not stand close to the wall. There must be at least 3 cm between them.
- Two devices of the same brand are more convenient to use, it is this option that should be preferred.
- If it is not possible to purchase devices from the same company, they must still fit in size.
Installing washing machines and dryers in a column is a rational and simple way. It's easy to do it yourself. Before starting work, you need to study all the nuances. You should take care of the availability of communications, prepare the mount if necessary, and carefully read the instructions for using the device.
Installation depends on the type of dryer
How the installation of a new dryer will take place depends on the room and the type of dryer
First of all, it is important to determine the type of drying, which are exhaust, condensation and heat pump. The principle of operation of the machines is different, which is reflected in the nuances of their connection
- Exhaust hoods work by removing air with moisture into the ventilation system, therefore, it is required to connect the machine to home ventilation.
- Condensing machines direct heated air into a drum with damp laundry, where it "collects" liquid from the fabric. Then the flow goes to the provided heat exchanger for "dumping" the vapors, and the "dumped" moisture settles in the provided container. It needs to be emptied, therefore, for convenience, a connection to the sewer is necessary.
- Units with thermal drying are similar to condensing models with the difference that moist air does not pass through a heat exchanger, but an evaporator.
The most difficult thing to work with is exhaust models, since a connection to the duct is required. Not all city apartments and private houses make it possible to seamlessly connect to centralized ventilation. But such machines are produced less and less - manufacturers are actively replacing them with condensation and "heat pump" ones. We will tell you about their installation in the article.
Where to put the dryer?
The connection issue is directly related to the placement of the machine in the room. The nuances of installation depend on where it is and how it stands. Therefore, first we choose one of four options:
- on top of the washer;
- next to the washer;
- in a special niche or cabinet;
- under the sink or countertop.
Most often, the owners of dryers give preference to the so-called "column", when the dryer is installed directly on the washer. Square meters are greatly saved, which is what residents of small apartments and houses are striving for. But you can't just put one unit on top of another - you must follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
- Check that the washing depth is greater than or equal to the drying depth. If there are mismatches, the "lower tier" will not be able to withstand the load.
- Install special anti-tipping locks and caps on the body of the washing machine. They come in combination with a dryer, if the possibility of installation in a column is provided.
- Unscrew the legs from the dryer and fix it in the caps.
- Adjust the position of the machine according to the building level.
There is another option - to use wall structures in the form of special slats.These clamps are more reliable, but they are rare, since anti-tipping mounts are many times more aesthetically pleasing.
The provided locks cannot be neglected. They not only protect the washing machine from outgoing vibration, but also increase the stability of the "upper tier", preventing the equipment from tipping down.
If you don't want to mess with the clamps, you should put the dryer next to the washer. This method is safer and easier, but requires free space in the room. Suitable when there is a large area or the ability to place the machine in a separate room, closet, dressing room or spacious corridor. Installation in this case is limited to movement, removal of transport bolts and alignment to the building level. It is better to immediately buy household appliances in pairs, so that a single style reigns in the bathroom or in the kitchen and the dimensions match the cavity.
The option of installing drying in a drywall niche requires a special corner or cabinet. It is better to think about this in advance, even during the renovation of the premises. If possible, you can build a two-story structure with your own hands - to accommodate both the dryer and the washer.
It is even easier to identify the machine under the sink or countertop of the kitchen unit. It is only necessary to choose the model correctly so that it has a removable cover for embedding and the dimensions corresponding to the cabinets. A condensation drying machine will "fit" especially well in the kitchen, since due to the free access to the sewage system, it will not be difficult to connect the dryer to the drain.
There is no reason to be afraid of installing a tumble dryer - in many ways, the procedure for connecting to communications is identical to washing machines. The main thing is to think about safety and not neglect the rules specified by the manufacturer.